After a big backpacking trip - during which Cassie traveled to a different place every two days - she knew she was ready to explore the world in a different way. She wanted to travel more slowly, more meaningfully, and connect with more locals. And she found just that (and more) with pet sitting. Spoiler: this is a love at first sit story.
In January 2026, Cassie traveled to Cambodia, not knowing she would fall head over heels with Mavis, an elderly mixed-breed dog she’d bond with straight away. She had connected with Mavis’ pet parents through TrustedHousesitters and was ready to explore Cambodia by caring for their dog and cozy home.
“It was our first time in Cambodia, but we fell in love with the country because Mavis showed us how beautiful it was.”
From the first moment, Cassie and Mavis were inseparable. Cassie quickly learned that Mavis was a very gentle and loving dog, and that she seemed to trust Cassie and her partner instantly. Mavis wanted to be close to them, even though they had only just met. A true match made in heaven.
“She followed us around the home like our new little shadow.”
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"Mavis left such a special paw print on our hearts."
Golden hour in Cambodia
From making breakfast in the kitchen to swimming in the apartment pool and watching the sunset over the city from the rooftop, Mavis was there for all their Cambodia-firsts.
“At a hotel, we’d just check in, sleep, and leave. But with a house sit, we truly feel at home.”
Pet sitting didn’t only give Cassie a new best fur friend, but also the opportunity to experience life like a local.
“Because we’re staying in a local area, we get a real feel for local life.”
“With pet sitting, we avoid busy tourist hot spots, and we get to experience local spots instead. Like the cafe around the corner where we get our morning coffee.”
Cassie set off to explore the new country she was in, one ‘date’ with Mavis at a time. Her pet parents had said that tuk-tuk rides are Mavis’ favorite thing in the world, so Cassie and her partner took Mavis for a ride.
“She looked so happy and content in the tuk-tuk, with the wind blowing in her face and her tail wagging.”
A tuk-tuk ride with a strawberry milkshake break
They stopped for a strawberry milkshake (Cassie), a latte (Cassie’s partner), and a fresh bowl of water (Mavis) at a pet-friendly cafe before returning home for snuggles and the new season of Bridgerton.
“Mavis was secretly getting into Bridgerton, even though she pretended to sleep next to us on the sofa.”
Over time, their bond grew even stronger. One day, Cassie had a very bad PCOS flare-up and experienced immense stomach pain. Mavis could sense something was off and didn’t leave her side all day.
“At one point, she laid her paw and head on my leg as we snuggled on the sofa. It was like she was saying ‘I’m here’. This made me feel so safe and comfortable with her.”
“The way Mavis seemed to care for me warmed my heart.”
Cassie and her partner had done house sitting before, but it was safe to say this sit with Mavis was their favorite one yet. It was just a perfect match. Mavis hadn’t only welcomed them into her home with open paws, she’d taught them to slow down. She’s an elderly dog, so she goes through life at a lower pace. And this was exactly what Cassie had needed.
“She reminded us that we don’t need to rush to enjoy a new place.”
Cassie loved exploring Cambodia with Mavis by her side
“She taught us it’s okay to slow down and enjoy the little things.”
Cassie and her partner currently have four more sits planned. Two in Canada, one in Thailand, and one in Mexico. And although they’re looking forward to more perfectly matched sits, they’d love to come back to Cambodia one day to see Mavis again.
“Now that we’ve experienced the pet sitting life, we really couldn’t imagine any other way to travel.”
Cassie and her partner didn’t see caring for Mavis as a task, but as a privilege. They loved being Mavis’ pet sitters, and hope she’ll remember them - the way they’ll always remember her.
Ready to find a sit that just clicks?
If, like Cassie, 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.
