A great first experience from two seasoned sitters - Ali & Mat's story

For many pet parents, inviting a sitter into their home for the first time can feel like a real leap of faith. After all, you're entrusting them with your most precious pet family, not to mention, your home!

Luckily, for pet parents Eric and Cindy, any pre-trip nerves were soon alleviated with the help of experienced pet sitters, Ali and Mat. They've been with TrustedHousesitters for three years, but have over 10 years of house and pet sitting experience under their belts. So, when they came across first-timers Eric and Cindy, their gorgeous cat Caxi, and their beautiful home in Salt Spring, BC, they were able to offer the reassurance that Eric and Cindy needed.

“We were thrilled that our confidence, years of experience, and love of animals could help put Eric and Cindy and ease before they left and that technology allowed us to stay in contact with photos, videos, and email updates to reassure them that all was well while they were on their trip.”

Ali and Mat decided to arrive the day before their sit started in Salt Spring, which provided more than enough time for Eric to go through all the details about the house, Caxi’s care, and, of course, all the local sights and eateries. But it was the extra time taken that was reassuring to both Eric and Cindy, as well as Ali and Mat:

“Having this extra time to bond and connect was helpful for all of us, allowing us to get to know each other and feel at ease about the sit. It is wonderful opportunities like these with great people who start as strangers and become friends that encourage us to keep house sitting.”

An idyllic housesit with a cute, cozy companion

And so began an idyllic two months in Eric and Cindy’s log cabin on Salt Spring Island, and, of course, Caxi was also there to help settle them in. In fact, she quickly becomes a part of their daily routine:

“Our favorite thing about sitting for Eric, Cindy, and Caxi on Salt Spring Island was spending mornings sipping tea on the couch with Caxi in her favorite cuddle spot staring out into the evergreen forest before heading out for a morning run and letting her nap. Then, we’d return for ours and Caxi's lunch and playtime before going out for an afternoon hike, exploring the local trails and mountains - coming back tired and famished to spend the evening eating, playing, and chilling with Caxi on the couch and me in front of the fireplace.”

It seemed as if Ali, Mat, and Caxi were all on the same wavelength from the start. The couple were able to make the most of their stunning surroundings while knowing they had a furry friend to greet them when they came home:

“It was really cool to be able to merge our lifestyle with Caxi's cat needs and schedule, giving us some routine and structure but also freedom and flexibility to enjoy the island's offerings.”

“We loved getting to know the neighbors”

In addition to bonding with their new cat companion, Ali, and Mat also made some human friends during their stay:

“We loved getting to know the neighbors, some of whom we helped with yard and garden projects and making new connections in the community, at the gym, in the grocery store, and in the trails.“

Overall, the sit went swimmingly - for Ali and Mat, Eric and Cindy, and of course, Caxi! Keen hikers and cyclists, Ali and Mat have managed to combine their love of pet sitting with the chance to travel Canada by bike. Caring for Caxi came in the middle of a cross-continental bike-packing trip and provided the perfect chance for some R&R! 

“It provided a really amazing opportunity for us to make some new friends, like the pet parents, Eric and Cindy, and play, pet, and cuddle with our newest four-legged companion, Caxi. We got to explore the majestic Gulf Islands with its plethora of hiking trails and ocean views, and bike ride on the hilly, island roads.”

“It is such a unique and interesting lifestyle”

Before they knew it, Eric and Cindy were back home. As of today, they’ve cycled over 11,000km (nearly 7000 miles) in 113 days with a few more weeks to go! Round of ap-paws for you both, Ali and Mat. 

This epic adventure hasn’t left much time for house sitting recently, but that doesn’t mean to say they won’t be back to see Caxi and Salt Springs in the not-too-distant future:

“We have stayed in touch with Eric and Cindy, who have been cheering us along on our bike-packing trip. There is talk of returning to Salt Spring this winter for another sit with Caxi!”

So, what are their final thoughts on this amazing experience and reflections on pet sitting in general?

“It is such a unique and interesting lifestyle that provides us with connection, community, freedom, novelty, and a lifetime of new friends and great memories.”

Thank you so much Ali and Mat for sharing your beautiful story - we don’t know who wouldn’t have a serious case of wanderlust after reading that! If you’re keen to read more adventure stories like this, check out Silvi and Luca’s alpaca pet sitting exploration in Hawaii. Or, read up on the other side of the story, from how pet parent Christine found leaving her 23 alpaca, Labradoodle, and Tabby cat with her trusted sitters.