Now for those of you who haven’t followed us for long we’ve been house sitting on and off since 2009. Lots of different countries – UK, Europe, Canada, NZ, and Aussie. Part of house sitting is looking after pets while their owners are away. Not always but more often than not. We’ve looked after dogs, cats, horses, sheep, cattle, goats, ducks, chickens and one rat. But mostly dogs. Huge to tiny. Gentle and quiet to mischievous and cheeky. The thing we’ve noticed most is that dogs tend to love you quickly. I know – we’re the ones feeding them. Always helps! But there is genuine affection. And it goes both ways! I have shed many a tear when leaving house sit dogs behind! So I’m going to revisit/introduce just some of the dogs we’ve cared for.
Our first house sit in Scotland was in the beginning of 2009. In the tiny village of Tomich in the Scottish Highlands. Our charges were Andrew – a Bearded Collie – and Rosie – a Greyhound Whippet. Lots of gorgeous local walks in the snow. Andrew loved jumping into the nearby stream no matter how cold the weather. He was amazing at catching sticks and tossing them up in the air. Hard to believe! Rosie wore a blue coat to keep warm – not a lot of body fat! Totally born to run. She would just take off across the field – a blue flash in the distance! Easy to spot against the white snow. Andrew was very affectionate – Rosie more distant – both well behaved. I cried heaps when we left!
In May 09 we looked after Harry and Constance in Dorset, UK. Both elderly. Harry a Norfolk Terrier, Constance a Jack Russell. Walks consisted of strolls around the vast gardens – their little legs trotting happily along – the odd flurry when something caught their eye. Definitely no flashes of blue anywhere! We lived in the converted stables on the estate and the dogs moved in with us while owners Angela and Michael were in Florence. The main house was set in the middle of the beautiful grounds – will include a photo. Quiet, happy dogs.
Then it was on to Hampshire to care for Robbie – an old blind Cocker Spaniel – and Lucky – a very tiny Yorkshire Terrier. Robbie just bumped his way slowly around the house and slept. Lucky was full of energy and loved a walk. I only had to reach into the laundry to grab his lead and he would twirl in the air with excitement. Always such enthusiasm – a real joy!
In 2015 we started what became a regular house sit in Thuir, a village near Perpignan in the SE of France. Originally we had Labrador Cross Divix staying with us – she eventually went to live with friends of the owners. Divix had the most unusual smile – check out the photo! We spent many hours wandering the narrow streets of Thuir with Divix on the lead. I cried when she left!!
Now in late 2016 we house sat in Perchede in SW France. Beautiful local farmland, lots of local walks. We looked after two Staffies – Medlow and Figue. Everyday we would drive into Nogaro – a local village – to get some bread. Had the cutest little red mini to drive around! The dogs would come with us and we’d find an “extra” long way home. Usually little dirt roads winding their way across the countryside – never sure where we’d end up! There was always the odd ancient church to explore, old village houses to admire as we drove past. Medlow and Figue loved a cuddle in the evenings – photo will explain!
A year later we were in Uzer – a small village in the Pyrenees – near Lourdes. Our charge was a black and white Border Collie named Balto. Cheeky +++. We would drive down to the local river every afternoon. Very beautiful. Balto would chase down every stick we threw – bounding through water, burrowing under bushes. He would hide from us as we walked along – crouching low to the ground in a hollow or behind a tree – stick on the path waiting to be thrown again. Sadly Balto become very ill while we were there. He had a tumor near his spine and his back legs became paralyzed. We were able to maintain his care and with medication he was pain free. I cried every day. Balto’s character never changed – always wanting to play and interact. His owners spent a few days with him when they got home before he passed away. Must have been very difficult for Henry and Anne-Marie, and daughter Manon.
We house sat in the Cariboo, Canada in very early 2018. We looked after a beautiful log cabin in the countryside. Across the road from the very frozen Dewar Lake – near the small town of Horsefly. Our house sit dog was Maggie – part Hound Dog. Maggie loved to help out, loved close contact. She had her own little heated hut in the yard but came inside to sleep if the temperature got below -30C. I would have sneaked her in every night but the home owner had health issues that made that difficult – not fair to change Maggie’s routine. RATS!!
Now there is one more dog I want to talk about – Frodo! Frodo belongs to Chris – our neighbour in Mourne Park, Northern Ireland. Chris adopted Frodo from a family moving to an apartment in London – all I can say is that Frodo landed firmly on both feet. Mourne Park is definitely “Doggie Paradise”! Acres of garden and parkland, walks everywhere, multitudes of things to sniff and explore. Add an owner who adores him. And grandparents who feel the same – US! Frodo took to life on the estate like a duck to water – digging holes, chasing squirrels, rolling in fox poo…………….unfortunately having a bath was his least favourite activity. And he needed plenty of them!!
Fond memories!
Love Di and Reg
This entry was posted in 150 Mile House, Cariboo, Canada, Catherington, Hampshire, Drimpton, Dorset, Europe, Mourne Park, Northern Ireland, Perchede, Gers, Thuir, Pyrenees Orientales, Tomich, Scotland, United Kingdom, Uzer, Hautes Pyrenees