On the surface, house and pet sitting is taking care of someone else’s pets and home while they’re away. But for our community, it’s something much deeper. It opens a gateway to slower living, purposeful travel, and sometimes even genuine healing experiences.
This was certainly the case for our member, Elizabeth. After suffering a profound personal loss, she was encouraged by her husband (and fellow house sitter) to secure a sit together back in 2024.
Little did she know, she was to fall head over heels for one energetic Labrador - Myers - and the green surroundings of his home in Washington D.C.
The pair secured their sit in the capital back in July 2024, which started with the blossoming of a new friendship between the couple and Myers’ pet parents.
“The connection was with Myers' owners. At the beginning and end of the sit, we spent time together, sharing life experiences. They were incredibly kind.”
Once the couple were left to make a home of the city, Myers lost no time in showing them around.
“Myers was the best guide. He knew exactly which paths to take, whether heading to the dog park or deep into Rock Creek Park. I never felt lost because he led the way with such confidence.”
Whether it was days spent visiting local dog parks, enjoying the city’s lush green spaces, or teaching Myers new tricks, Elizabeth and her husband soon eased into local life, and fell in love with everything the city had to offer.
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“The lush nature allowed us to jog freely with Myers.”
Walks with Myers allowed Elizabeth to connect with the local nature in a way she didn’t expect, and even helped open the door to her healing process. After the sit, she reflected on her time spent roaming the nearby green spaces:
“To the park across from Whole Foods: Thank you for the golden sunsets. I will always cherish the memory of sitting at your tables after a hot day, sharing a quiet moment with Myers while the wind blew and the birds sang. Those simple afternoons are tucked away safely in my heart.”
And when they weren’t meeting locals at nearby dog parks, the pair settled into the community with ease, discovering “Little Free Libraries”—a neighborhood book swap.
“Waking up early to meet Myers' furry friends and their owners made us feel part of a tribe.”
“I felt like a true member of the community.”
With walking instead of driving now a new daily non-negotiable, house and pet sitting showed Elizabeth how slower travel can open up a relaxed pace of life, and even personal healing.
“It’s the gift of slow travel. You live in the present, getting to know a pet’s unique personality and preferences without the rush to see everything in one day.”
“Myers and the surrounding nature accompanied me through my grief.”
Through slowing down the pace, Elizabeth discovered the magic of house sitting—the connection to a like-minded community, and the chance to have a more meaningful travel experience.
“This way of travelling enables you to connect with people who believe that the world is built on trust, responsibility and a shared love of animals.”
“It taught me that pets have a unique way of mending a broken heart.”
Armed with this new perspective and a heart that was starting to mend, Elizabeth found that this sit wasn't just a one-off trip, but the start of a larger adventure.
Her journey continues in Bulgaria, Turkey, and beyond—where she’ll no doubt fall in love all over again with the places, people, and pets who often have a way of quietly mending us.
Ready to find a sit that just clicks?
If, like Elizabeth, 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.
