We absolutely love house sitting; it’s a huge budget-saver and allows us to cherish priceless moments with pets. Being on the road since 2017 means having our own pets isn’t an option, so these cuddly interludes are true treasures.
And you may be surprised at how many bring me to tears.
Read on to discover the heartfelt joys, the unexpected sorrows, and the unforgettable times that shape our experiences—and why we’ll continue, nonetheless.
A Journey Through Our Most Memorable House Sits
Since we sold all our belongings to travel, over the years, we’ve had the privilege of caring for various pets, each bringing their unique charm and challenges. These experiences have been a mix of joy, sorrow, and plenty of laughter.
Join me as I recount some of our most unforgettable house-sitting adventures, starting with Teddy, a little dog who deeply touched our hearts in Western Australia.
Then, we’ll move on to the regal cats of the Dordogne, the lovable antics of Archie, the unexpected journey with Maggie and Murphy in South Africa, and finally, a hilarious sheep escapade in the Cotswolds, UK.
Not only have these experiences enriched our lives with incredible bonds and unforgettable memories, but they have also been a substantial boon to our finances.
💰 For more on how house sitting has allowed us to explore the world more affordably. We’ve saved over $100,000! Read our insights on how house sitting saves us money here.
🐾 Join TrustedHouseSitters here as either a sitter or as a pet owner – Use our code LIFEJOURNEY25 for 25% off
Teddy: Joy and Heartbreak
Our most recent house sit in Western Australia introduced us to Teddy, a ten-year-old Maltese and Cavalier King Charles cross.
This fluffy bundle of joy bonded with us quickly. He often perched himself at my feet while I worked on my laptop or shadowed Lars in the kitchen hoping to snag a little chicken treat.
Cherished Routines
Daily walks with Teddy alternated between the local football oval and the beach, but it was clear he had a special affection for the seaside. He enjoyed the ever-changing smells of the incoming tides, and his excitement as he bounded along the shore was infectious.
A Frightening Turn
Towards the end of our two-month stay, a normal day turned alarming. While enjoying his usual frolic in the grass at the oval, Teddy suddenly went stiff and passed out.
Heart pounding, we rushed him to a nearby vet, where a heart murmur was detected. Further tests revealed he was in the final stages of heart degeneration, with perhaps only a month left to live.
An Emotional Farewell
The news devastated his owners, who flew back from overseas immediately to spend as much time as possible with him. While they arranged an international flight back home, our remaining days with him were bittersweet.
Teddy still displayed bursts of his old energy, looking at me intently each morning and eagerly anticipating his walk—his favourite part of the day. It was heart-wrenching to manage his expectations and gently refrain from throwing his beloved toy around the house.
Knowing he would never again run with the wind in his fur along the beach added a layer of sorrow to our final days together.
A Tough Reality
The emotional weight of Teddy’s diagnosis extended beyond our own attachment to him, impacting his devoted owners deeply. They now faced the heartbreaking possibility of a painful decline for Teddy and the agonising decision that might follow when his condition worsened.
It’s a burden no pet owner ever wants to face, yet one that many inevitably do.
Parting with Tears
My farewell was drenched in tears—tears for Teddy, whose vibrant spirit was overshadowed by his failing health; tears for his owners, who returned home to the prospect of soon losing their cherished companion; and tears for having to say goodbye.
Each house-sit leaves its own unique mark, but this one with Teddy saying goodbye, was especially difficult.
Rouge, Red, and Bertie: Lords of the Manor
In the heart of France’s Dordogne region, our nine-month house-sit brought us into the lives of three gorgeous cats, each ruling over the chateau grounds with their unique personalities.
Living in the area meant we could explore many of the beautiful Dordogne villages and fulfil a lifelong dream of immersing myself in French Village life.
A Trio of Characters
Red, the long-haired male of the pair, loved affection to the extent that he would drape himself around your neck like a warm scarf, seeking cuddles at every turn.
His sister, Rouge, short-haired and petite, was a diligent huntress. Known affectionately as Rougie, she took pride in controlling the mouse population. She often presented us with her trophies right at the doorstep—and sometimes, to our dismay, right into our living room.
Bertie, the eldest at the ripe old age of eighteen, was a fine old gentleman born on the chateau grounds. Despite his grumpy demeanour due to arthritic hips, he held a regal presence.
Initially aloof, Bertie and I developed a deep bond. Each night, as soon as I settled into bed, he would head straight over to the bed to snuggle on my chest, purring like an engine, tucked comfortably under my neck.
Heartrending Goodbyes
After such a lengthy stay of nine months, leaving felt like leaving my own pets. On our final day, Bertie was nowhere to be found, which only intensified my flood of tears as Lars drove us away.
Though the shorter house sits are meaningful, longer ones, like this one, carve a permanent niche in your heart.
A few days after we left, Bertie was found, but his health was in slow decline. Weeks later, we received the heart-wrenching news of his passing. While more tears flowed, we took solace in knowing Bertie had lived a dignified life as the true Lord of the Manor.
Archie: A Bundle of Joy and Full of Life
Another housesitting journey in Western Australia brought us to a vivacious one-year-old mini Australian Shepherd named Archie, who captured our hearts with his boundless energy and loving nature.
He was everyone’s friend and loved being near us. He often interrupted our laptop work with his favourite toys, eager for a game of catch. Despite the distractions, this lovable pooch made it impossible to mind the interruptions.
Archie also had a few quirks that made him even more endearing. He loved watching TV, with “The Dog House” being his absolute favourite show. Seeing him so engrossed in the antics of other dogs on the screen was hilarious.
And then there was his fondness for the cat’s bed, which was far too small for him, but he didn’t seem to care. He would squeeze himself into it, creating an adorably awkward sight.
Unexpected Nighttime Adventures
Archie’s usual happy-go-lucky attitude took a turn one evening when Lars was away. Normally, Archie didn’t ask to go out at night, but this time, he seemed uneasy and asked repeatedly.
Following him outside on the third request, I discovered why: he was suffering from diarrhea. In a moment of compassion, considering he was clearly unwell, I allowed him onto the bed—a place usually off-limits.
Only later, in the dim light, I realized he was covered in poo, from his fluffy tail to his back end.
A Night to Remember
A late-night dog bath followed, complete with bed stripping and some impromptu fur trimming—tasks I hadn’t anticipated for the wee hours. The next day, Archie’s condition worsened to vomiting and lethargy, prompting an urgent vet visit.
Thankfully, after a few days of care, he bounced back to his cheerful self. Still, the ordeal was a stark reminder of the responsibilities of caring for someone else’s beloved pet, especially in the owner’s absence.
Heartfelt Goodbyes and Joyful Reunions
After two joy-filled but eventful months, the inevitable goodbye was as tearful as one might expect. Driving away, I couldn’t help but shed tears for the little dog who had so quickly become a big part of our lives. However, the story didn’t end there.
Four months later, we revisited Archie, and the reunion was nothing short of magical. He remembered us instantly, alternating between Lars and me, unable to decide who to shower with more affection. His squeals of joy and enthusiastic tail wags made it clear that we had indeed captured a piece of his heart as he had ours.
That was Archie—his spirit was infectious and his love, deep. He left us with memories to cherish and a reminder of the joy pets bring into our lives.
Maggie and Murphy: Unexpected Adventures in Prince Albert
In March 2020, we began what was supposed to be a five-week house sit in Prince Albert, a charming town on the edge of the Karoo Desert in South Africa’s Western Cape.
We had no idea what started as a five-week gig would turn into five months because of the Covid pandemic lockdown.
A Duo to Remember
Maggie, a black mongrel with a slight resemblance to a small wolfhound, and Murphy, who looked more like a fox terrier, quickly became our companions.
The house’s large garden provided them plenty of space to roam, and it wasn’t long before we all settled into a comfortable routine. Lars, in particular, formed a special bond with Murphy, teaching him to high-five for treats—A trick that delighted both of them equally.
Maggie, on the other hand, had a hilarious quirk: she howled every time the honking Hadeda ibises flew overhead, making for quite a noisy spectacle.
Lockdown Life and Lingering Bonds
As weeks turned into months, our attachment to Maggie and Murphy grew. Evenings by the log fire became our cherished moments, with Maggie curling up by our side and Murphy, ever the lap dog, snuggling into our laps.
While challenging, the lockdown allowed us to spend more time bonding with these two souls, making our eventual departure again more emotional.
From House Sitters to Bush Camp Guardians
The story took an unexpected turn when the house owners, also affected by the travel restrictions, invited us to their bush camp in Klaserie National Park. After receiving special police clearance, we travelled across the country to the unfenced wilderness of the African bush.
They stayed for a few days to show us the ropes of bush living, teaching us which animals we could approach, those we should avoid, and behaviours to watch for that could save our lives.
Then they returned home, leaving us to manage on our own in this wild setting for the next three months.
Life Amongst the Wild
This switch from a suburban setting to life in the middle of the bush was absolutely amazing.
We found ourselves in the middle of iconic African wildlife scenes: lions feeding on their prey, rhinos in our ‘front garden’, and hyenas roaming the camp. I had a close encounter with a leopard, and early one evening, we came across an elusive and rare pangolin, a first for us, which was incredible.
Not to mention the baboon that cheekily stole a lemon through the kitchen window. The wildlife was not just around us but part of our daily lives, providing unparalleled experiences that deepened our love for overlanding and self-drive safaris.
Check out Lars’s take on Life in the South African Bush for a deeper look at our time there.
Cotswolds Capers: Sheep Shenanigans and Laughter
Our brief house-sitting stint in the picturesque Cotswolds was unlike any other. Over two weeks, we cared for two dogs, two cats, a rescue horse, and an energetic flock of 40 sheep.
Among them was a lamb, affectionately named “Ginger Babe” by the owners due to its slight ginger tinge to its wool.
Remarkably, Ginger Babe would come running like a dog whenever we called its name, adding a delightful twist to our daily routines. (See the short clip at the end of this section for a charming glimpse of Ginger Babe in action!)
This house sit was only for two weeks, so there wasn’t such a tug at our heartstrings at the goodbyes—it takes around a two-month stay for the tears to start flowing for me! However, it did leave us with tears of another kind: tears of laughter.
A Comical Capture
One day, we noticed one of the sheep hobbling awkwardly, its hoof nail overgrown and curling under. After discussing with the owners, they assured us it was simple enough—like trimming nails, with clippers in the shed.
Never ones to shy away from a challenge, Lars and I set out to catch the poor hobbler.
What followed was a hilarious, hour-long chase across the field, culminating in Lars finally grabbing the sheep.
But in his attempt to secure it for its impromptu pedicure, both Lars and the sheep ended up on the ground—in a rather compromising and comical position: Lars on his back with the sheep upside down on his chest.
Laughter in the Fields
I regret not capturing this absurd yet endearing moment on camera, but it’s etched in my memory forever. Watching my husband lying on the ground, struggling to keep a sheep on his chest, had me in stitches.
Tears streamed down my face from laughter as I finally composed myself enough to trim the sheep’s hoof. It was indeed just like giving a sheep a manicure, but oh, so much more memorable.
That hilarious episode in the Cotswolds, filled with unexpected animal antics and pure joy, will forever remind us of the lighter, often sillier side of house-sitting.
Video of Ginger Babe
For a dose of cuteness, watch this short video of “Ginger Babe” responding to my call just like a well-trained puppy. It’s not every day you see a lamb with such a personality!
The Emotional Journey of House Sitting … That’s a Wrap
Reflecting on these stories—from the heartfelt goodbyes with Teddy, Archie, Maggie, Murphy, and the spirited trio, Rouge, Red, and Bertie, to the uncontrollable laughter in the Cotswolds—underscores the emotional rollercoaster that is house-sitting.
Whether filled with joy, sorrow, or hilarity, each sit has deepened our understanding of what it means to become part of a pet’s life temporarily. These experiences, each unique and unforgettable, show us the profound connections that can be formed, even in the briefest encounters.
Though tears are a common theme when it’s time to say goodbye, especially after long stints, the joy and laughter they bring into our lives are what we cherish the most.
As we house sit on our travels, we’re not just collecting memories. Each pet we meet adds its own special mark to our lives, filling us with love and many unique moments.
And so, the question posed at the beginning remains: Do these emotional goodbyes put us off house-sitting?
Absolutely not. They are, in fact, what draws us back time and again—each goodbye making the hello that much sweeter.
To join or learn more about TrustedhouseSitters – the most popular house sitting Agency, we highly recommend (we’ve saved over $100,000 through them ) take a look here.
🌍 Explore More Wildlife Encounters
Seal Watching in Scotland: Experience the serene beauty and curious nature of seals at Newburgh Seal Beach, a perfect spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
Puffin Paradise in Wales: Visit Skomer Island and witness the charming antics of puffins in their natural, rugged habitat.
Tracking Desert Elephants in Namibia: Follow our adventures as we seek out Namibia’s Desert Elephants, a rare and unforgettable wildlife experience.
Sunrise with Meerkats: Get close to these charismatic creatures at Kanaan Desert Retreat, where meerkats steal the show — video included.
Luxury Safari at Ivory Wilderness: Immerse yourself in a luxury safari experience in the Klaserie reserve at Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge.
Monkey Encounters in South Africa: Learn about primate conservation and meet a variety of monkey species at Monkeyland in Plettenberg Bay.
For more exciting tales and tips from our wildlife adventures, visit our complete collection of Animal Encounter Guides.
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Planning Your Travels?
These are the travel resources we recommend and use when planning our trips.
- 🚘 Car Hire: We use DiscoverCars.com
- Motorhome/Campervan Rental: We highly recommend the Motorhome Republic
- 🪪 Order your International Driver’s Licence online here
- 🛏 Book Accommodation: We use Booking.com to find accommodation that suits our budget
- 🐶 Pet Sitting/Pet Sitters: Check Out TrustedHousesitters here (Use our Discount code: LIFEJOURNEY25 for 25% off. )
- Activities and Experiences: Get Your Guide and Viator
- Travel Insurance: Safetywing or World Nomads
- 🥾 Travel Gear and Accessories: Check out our top picks here — Lifejourney4two page on Amazon
For a more thorough list, visit our Travel Resources page here.
