"I feel so lucky"- Nicole's story

Nicole has been a big animal lover since she was a kid. So, when her living situation in Berlin suddenly changed, becoming a TrustedHousesitters member just made sense. As someone who loves to move around, it felt like the perfect opportunity to get her claws into becoming a full-time pet pal. She began to search for pet sits in the German capital. 

“I love animals but also love traveling, so it makes it complicated to have animals of my own. I love the TrustedHousesitters site because I get to combine both of my passions. Each animal has their own unique personality and it brings me so much joy to get to know their silly quirks.”

It wasn’t long before she began to find house sits, one of which was in her hometown of Tucson, Arizona.

“I was visiting family for the winter and got an amazing gig with Rusty the shaky Chihuahua in a three-bedroom house with a pool overlooking the beautiful desert. At the time, Rusty was quite elderly so he didn’t need walks, he just needed someone to open the sliding door to the backyard from time to time and help him get buried underneath his blankies.”

Speaking of amazing sits, she’s currently on a rather spectacular one right now with two fabulous felines and a paw-fect pooch.

“[I’m in] a converted barn in the French Pyrenees. Every morning when I wake up to feed the cats, Chile and Cookie, and Moka the dog, I glance out at the snow-dusted mountains in the distance and can’t believe this is my life! I feel so lucky that I get to see beautiful places around the world and hang out with some pretty cool animals at the same time.”

Pet care and globetrotting are all part of the TrustedHousesitters experience!

“TrustedHousesitters is more than just a convenient way for me to see the world on a budget, it is helping me live out my dream life.”

With all her worldly pet-sitting experience, she knows exactly what makes an excellent sitter.

“I think it helps when you can detect any anxieties they might be feeling due to the separation from their human, and then show them extra love and attention, especially during the first few hours of their human’s departure. Getting on the floor with them and giving them a good belly rub goes a long way.”

Does that mean she perhaps has a preference for bark babies over other precious pets?

“I love critters of all kinds… but my favorite animals to care for are dogs. They are just so sweet and protective. They really just want to give love all the time.”

As a fully remote worker, Nicole has the wonderful option to meet new furry friends all over the planet. Whilst also enjoying her time with four-legged friends, she is also keen to connect with other like-minded travel and animal lovers. 

“I can work remotely, travel the world, stay in beautiful places for free, and connect with other folks who, like me, believe life is meant to be enjoyed, lived on your own terms, and surrounded by snuggly creatures that make you laugh. And that is just so inspiring.”

So, where in the world is next on Nicole’s world tour?

“I am headed to Sagunto, Spain where I will watch three dogs and two cats. After that, I’ll head to Olhão, Portugal, and watch an entire farm including chickens!”

If you’re keen to keep up to date with Nicole’s amazing travels and pet antics, you can follow her on Instagram at @nmpaulus. She’s also currently writing a book outlining all the steps that curious souls need to take to live outside the status quo. Read her blog here: nicolepaulus.com/blog