I know that feeling 
Our own little dog left us after 14.5 years in January and the house feels more colder since she left, the car feels more empty when driving and the walks less interesting…
@Canadagoose So sorry for your loss, it’s hard. I totally get what you say, I felt exactly the same way and still feel it five years later, my little girl was the same age. Thought I could replace her but couldn’t, hence I sit. I hope your pain eases, it does get better in time but we never forget them or all those simple but special moments 
x
@Canadagoose, big hug. We lost our beloved dog a few years ago. He was a big part of our lives. Strange as it sounds, one part of our motivation for housesitting is catharsis. We found that being with pets - especially dogs, woof - helped us to grieve. And then to enjoy diversity of pets, breeds, situations. It’s not a substitute, at all, but it helped us to find peace and joy.
This cushion is such a green flag to me. Yes I will endeavour to do a super clean before handing back but this owner is a reassuring realist!
The Chocolate Labs are at home here and clearly dearly loved. Fur enough!
No room for OCD here! The last message on my note from the owner was “ Enjoy your stay.”
I so appreciate someone who is on my wavelength.
I hope their vacuum cleaner is in good order 
There’s a Henry that I know how to work and a Dyson big ball that looks pretty powerful! I have to have everything ship shape for Sunday morning. Hoping there’s no last minute power cut! The dogs aren’t allowed on the furniture and are restricted to kitchen and breakfast room which helps cut down on the housework.
Why does the video of Freddie Mercury singing I want to break free spring to mind 
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Where are you off to next @Highfive?
I’ve come to appreciate vacuums with electrical plugs since I started sitting. The ones with portable batteries never last long enough and you’re stuck waiting on a recharge. So you have to start vacuuming well enough ahead to allow that before you hand off or leave.
I’m being dropped off by my generous Home owner here to my next sit which starts the same day but in the evening at Stow on the Wold. (The lady needed help last year and I covered 51 days while she went to the States and had a knee operation then needed recovery time). She is going to her grandson’s university graduation so I’m helping out again. I’m really lucky this all fits together so well. The American lady dropped me off at my Mill house sit previously!
These people are simply the best! It’s a pleasure to return. I don’t have a car in UK but usually manage on the buses. Then I fly back to Madrid for some sits at the seaside later on in the year.
So happy for you and good to read about appreciation from both hosts and sitters. Enjoy!
Funny how the little things on a sit can shift the whole vibe. I always find that slowing down to match a pet’s rhythm helps me chill out too. If I ever feel a bit out of place in a new home, I start with a simple routine like a morning wander or a quiet cuddle session. It sort of anchors the day and makes everything feel more natural.