There are some house sits that feel like they quietly settle into your routine and your heart.
I’ve been looking after a beautiful Spoodle called Louie in St Helena, in the north-eastern part of Melbourne. From the moment I arrived, he made it very clear that I was now part of his world. He is just such a lovely one with his enthusiastic greetings, constant companionship, and the kind of gentle presence that follows you from room to room just to be close. Louie is exactly the sort of dog that makes you slow down without even noticing you’re doing it. How could i not let him sleep in the bed? Yes, every night for the whole time.
The house backs directly onto parkland, which has honestly been one of the best parts of the stay. We’ve made the most of it with long daily walks. We went on at least one proper wander each day, often two. There’s something very grounding about stepping straight out into green space like that. No planning, no driving, just lead on and off you go. Louie seems to know every good sniffing spot already and takes his responsibilities very seriously.
He also has a thyroid condition, so part of his daily routine includes medication as directed by his owners. It’s a small thing, but it adds a layer of care and attentiveness to the sit. It’s one of those reminders that house and pet sitting is really about maintaining the rhythm and wellbeing of someone’s home life while they’re away.
Early on, I noticed a couple of lumps on his body and flagged it with the owners. They were already across it and had had them checked by a vet. They are fatty deposits, apparently common for his breed. It was reassuring to know it had been looked into, and it also reinforced how important that communication is while people are away. Small observations can make a big difference.
The owners, a family with young children, are currently holidaying in Queensland. Their original sitting arrangements fell through, and I was able to step in for part of their time away after being recommended by friends. That’s something I really value about this kind of work: it often comes through personal networks, trust, and word of mouth rather than formal arrangements. And honestly, that’s my favourite part of all of this. House and pet sitting for friends, and friends of friends, always feels different. There’s already a sense of trust built in. You’re not just arriving at a house, you’re being welcomed into someone’s life in a very practical, very real way. You look after the garden, the routines, the mail, the pets… and in return you get these quiet, meaningful connections with places and animals you might never have met otherwise.
Louie has been the heart of this stay. I already know leaving him is going to be harder than I expect. If all house sits were like this one, I think I’d probably never want to stop… maybe i never will!
