When Callum and his partner embarked on a sit in New South Wales, little did they know, they were to fall head over heels for a special someone along the way — Fraser.
Described as “playful, affectionate, and full of personality”, the pair told us that the bond formed “naturally” with him.
Through everyday moments from their morning routine, to walks across the local land and quiet evenings together, the quality time they spent saw a lasting connection brewing.
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“Fraser left a lasting mark on us.”
Fraser — a cat from Bowral with four canine siblings — was the perfect match for the couple who were looking for more than just a vacation.
Instead, they set out for a genuine experience where they could step into local life, and make true connections along the way.
The sit in the Southern Highlands helped the couple to take a well-earned reset. Looking after the pets gave them a sense of warmth and purpose that simply can’t be found with traditional travel.
“Life had been busy and a bit overwhelming, and being surrounded by such calm, loving animals gave us space to slow down. Fraser especially brought a sense of comfort and consistency that made everything feel easier.”
Through days spent on the farm enjoying Fraser’s playful and affectionate nature, the feline grew to be more than just adorable company for the couple. So much so, that Callum has a few words to share with Fraser:
“Fraser, you completely stole our hearts. Your playful, loving nature made every day brighter, and your constant companionship made the house feel like home. We still joke about finding your exact twin back in the UK — but truthfully, there's only one you. We miss you more than we expected.”
“We would go back in a heartbeat.”
As the saying goes, it’s not where you are, it’s who you’re with that matters. And despite the stunning surroundings, it was the company they kept in Bowral that helped the pair truly surrender to the gentle rhythm of local life.
“We fell in love with the ‘slow living’ movement. It’s all about the ritual: waking up, feeding the animals, stoking the fire, and taking long, aimless walks.”
“These months have taught us that life is better at a pet’s pace.”
During the months they spent roaming the hills of NSW, Callum and his partner also took the chance to get acquainted with the charming towns that surrounded them.
“In Berrima there are some stunning pie shops that have won awards for their tasty pies. We love the Cherry Hill Winery, there are some stunning views and a great variety of wines.
We also loved wandering the main street of Leura in the Blue Mountains. It’s incredibly dog-friendly, filled with quaint shops — perfect for a slow afternoon of window shopping and water bowl stops.”
By house and pet sitting, Callum and his partner were able to truly spread their wings, slow down and open their eyes to local life.
“In a hotel, you’re just a tourist passing through. Instead of a cramped room, we had 100 acres of rolling hills in Bowral. We swapped morning lobby coffee for sunrise walks with a pack of dogs. It turns a trip into a lifestyle.”
“House sitting gives you the keys to the kingdom.”
And alongside the freedom that house sitting allowed them, it’s safe to say that the pets they took care of left them with unforgettable memories.
“The animals made the experience richer. They gave structure, purpose, and companionship in a new place.
House and pet sitting is easily one of the best ways to travel—it gives you a sense of home, connection, and belonging that you just don't get otherwise.
The connection we built with those animals, especially Fraser, is exactly why we do this.”
Now truly hooked on the house sitting lifestyle and the soul connections that bind them to each place, Callum and his partner are continuing their adventures with sits planned all over Australia.
Ready to find a sit that just clicks?
If, like Callum, you’re ready to get used to what traveling with purpose feels like, it’s time to skip the tourist track, and find your perfect pet sitting match. Click below to get started.
