The House-Sitting Hustle: Feast or Famine (and Cuddle Puddles!)

So, I've been living the full-time house and pet sitting life for a while now, and let me tell you, it's a rollercoaster! You go from being knee-deep in furry cuddles and overflowing food bowls one minute, to staring blankly at your calendar wondering where the next gig is coming from the next. It's definitely a learn-as-you-go kind of existence.

One thing I've *definitely* learned is that those dry spells are inevitable. Unlike some house sitters who have a van or caravan all set up, I'm still rocking the "slightly-too-small-for-comfortable-napping" car life. So, when those gaps appear, it can get a little…stressful, to say the least. I do have a Plan B, bless my amazing friends who offer up their couches, but I always feel a bit like I'm imposing. So, finding a gig is always the preferred outcome!

Last week, I was staring down the barrel of a week with no sits lined up. Cue minor panic! But thankfully, the house-sitting gods were looking out for me, and I snagged not one, but *two* amazing sits!

First up was a dream team of Labradoodles: Molly (6) and Rosie (5, and a Labradoodle/Cobber mix). These girls were velcro dogs to the max! And don't forget Felix, the 13-year-old Birman cat who oozed gentleness. Molly and Rosie were my shadows, and bedtime? Let's just say I learned to share my bed (willingly!) with two fluffy, snoring doggos. I wouldn't have it any other way!

Then, straight after, I landed another sit with another adorable bunch! This time it was two Cavoodles and a ridiculously cute 8-month-old Ragdoll kitten. Yep, you guessed it, more furry shadows and more cuddles. Again, the dogs and kitten loved joining me in bed. It's amazing how adaptable they are! I could toss and turn all night, and they would just snuggle closer and drift right back off. Talk about unconditional love!

Leaving them was HARD. Those little faces, looking up at me with those "Please don't go!" eyes... pure torture! I'm already counting down the days until I get to look after them again.

This whole experience just reminded me why I love this crazy life. The flexibility, the travel (even if it's just within driving distance!), and most of all, the incredible animals I get to meet and care for. And it definitely makes me more determined than ever to get that van someday! Then, those gaps in the schedule will just become little adventures instead of mini-panic attacks. Wish me luck!