I came from Montreal to Duck Lake, Saskatchewan through TrustedHousesitters because I wanted to spend time with animals and experience a different part of Canada. I was excited about the house sit and the opportunity to care for pets while discovering a new place.
Unfortunately, about ten days before the end of the sit, the homeowners returned earlier than expected. Th e situation became uncomfortable, and I decided it was better for me to leave the house earlier than planned.
After leaving, I faced many unexpected challenges. I lost the groceries I had bought for the week, and I had to get rid of some of my belongings to make my luggage lighter, including my boots and some personal items. I also had to send my computer and some other things back home by mail because my plans had completely changed.
I ended up going to Prince Albert, the closest city, even though I had never planned to visit there. I stayed in a hotel while trying to figure out my next steps. Later, because hotels were becoming too expensive, I decided to spend some time camping.
Then something happened that changed everything.
While walking in Prince Albert, I saw a kitten being thrown out of a car. I couldn’t just walk away. I picked her up, and from that moment, she became part of my life.
I named her Albert, after the place where our paths crossed. Even though she is a girl, I kept the name because I never want to forget where our story began.
I never planned to adopt a cat in Saskatchewan. I never planned to even be in Prince Albert. But after everything that happened, somehow we found each other.
For about ten days, we travelled together through Saskatchewan. We stayed in hotels, sat the airport, and camped together. During those difficult days, she became my little companion, and we created a bond that I will never forget.
Today, Albert lives with me in Montreal. She has a safe home, a new life, and someone who loves her.
Looking back, I think about how one unexpected event led to another. If the house sit had gone exactly as planned, I would have never gone to Prince Albert, and I would have never met Albert.
I lost some things during this journey, but I gained something much more valuable. Sometimes life changes your plans because it has something else waiting for you.
I truly believe that meeting Albert was not just a coincidence.
