At the start of 2024, Sonja’s world was turned upside down by three life-altering events. The first — a serious bike accident, the second — the abrupt end of a job, and the third — the tragic loss of a close friend.
The trio of painful events catapulted Sonja’s life in ways she simply couldn’t imagine. Despite the hardship she faced, Sonja found herself on a journey of restoration and healing that uncovered a life of true purpose and authentic connection — almost, by chance.
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"At the start of 2024, I could not foresee how dramatically life was about to shift."
At a time of rhythm and steadiness between the bustling city of Denver and beloved mountain town - Steamboat Springs - Sonja was subject to a tragic bike accident.
“I was catapulted off my bike in Denver, and I sustained a severe compound fracture to my right arm, affecting my dominant hand.”
While navigating her recovery, Sonja was hit by another blow — the abrupt end to a job contract. And as if the events so far weren’t enough to tackle, Sonja was faced with yet another life-altering shock — the devastating loss of a close friend.
“Jake was someone I had known since I first arrived in the quaint ski town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The weight of this loss was profound.”
Feeling disoriented at this point, Sonja was forced to navigate through not only grief, but also her physical recovery and financial strains. When a wedding was to take her to the Pacific Northwest, she grasped the opportunity to explore the world with an open mind, despite what she’d been through.
"I threw all my belongings into a storage unit, and set off in my car."
Exploring the US with old friends
After some time exploring the northern US wilderness with old friends, she was ready to propel her solo adventures, as well as her healing journey. And as if the stars were aligning, she encountered two pet sitters who were just about to embark on a sit with TrustedHousesitters.
"They described TrustedHousesitters as a community where no money is exchanged between members, just trusted care of a home and pets."
Something about the idea of using TrustedHousesitters to see new places, live like a local and connect with real communities stuck with Sonja — it was unlike any other travel experience she’d heard of.
And by the time she took off to new places without the company of friends or family, she decided to secure her first sit in Ketchum, Idaho.
It was here that her house sitting adventure really took off — taking care of Layla, a grey and black speckled pup. The two spent their days hiking the mountains behind the apartment, meeting locals on their way, and soaking in the sun that cast a “golden glow over the rolling hills”.
"I felt completely at ease with Layla, as if she were my dog and that area was my home. I was hooked."
Sonja with her new furry friends
It wasn’t just the mountain backdrop, or the energetic pup that had Sonja coming back for more sits. It was the local life she got to step into, the connections with new communities, and the unique intimacy with the places she was staying that felt simply couldn’t be replicated by a hotel.
“I already had a lot of experience on long road trips as a remote worker, long before the pandemic. Through the lens of TrustedHousesitters, it was different.
It felt far more personal, and I could familiarize myself with a rhythm that provided a cadence into their way of life.”
"These sits offered more than just places to stay, they gave me a window to different ways of life."
With a thirst to see new places and a love for the neighborhoods she was experiencing, Sonja’s TrustedHousesitters membership gave her the fuel to travel solo to places both familiar and new.
“My first stop in Tennessee landed me in the quiet suburbs outside Memphis, which was an unexpected enclave that felt worlds away from the city.
Autumn and I wandered nearby farmlands and spent days relaxing by the pool at the house. I passed the time playing guitar and banjo.”
And after spending the holidays in Princeton with a sweet Australian Shepherd named Cosmos, New Paltz was calling.
Entirely new to the Hudson River Valley, Sonja enjoyed the city escape where she stayed in a large farmhouse with pups Cece and Rouix - her temporary hiking buddies in the Berkshires. The house was complete with an outdoor hot tub, and views of snow-capped cliffs in the distance.
“Each of the trips were tranquil respites, grounding me spiritually at a time of uncertainty.”
Onto Portland, Sonja stepped straight into local life with pups Elroy and Atlas — enjoying fresh seafood and relaxing in nearby cafés.
On the road again to Massachusetts, she took her chances on a last-minute sit in Hull, where she enjoyed the company of two sweet dogs, chickens and a cat.
“The roof deck became my favorite spot. I would spend evenings watching the sunset while getting work done.”
Sonja's new furry (and feathered) friends
It’s safe to say that Sonja’s house sitting experience provided some much-needed headspace, adventure and reflection after a turbulent series of events.
And with the perspective that her time away allowed, she learned more about her values than ever before.
“I’m now residing closer to people that truly resonate with me. I prioritize time with family and community.”
Since relocating, (and spending time with countless pets on her house sitting adventures) Sonja is now collaborating on a passion project rehoming dogs, through New Hope Dog Festival.
And so while the devastating events of 2024 veered Sonja from life as she knew it, they — along with a chance encounter with TrustedHousesitters members — led to unforgettable experiences and a shift in perspective.
