"TrustedHousesitters helped me propose" - Sam & Olivia's story

Pet parents need a sitter for all sorts of reasons, from vacations and visiting family to business trips both near and far. But it’s not every day someone needs a sitter so they can propose. In fact, as far as we know, it’s a first!

Dubai-based pet parents Sam and Olivia were over the moon when they brought their lovely Cavapoo puppy, Tilly, home earlier this year. But little did Olivia (and Tilly) know, this put a slight spanner in the works, as Sam was planning a secret getaway to propose. Stay tuned as Sam spills all the juicy details on how he pulled off the proposal without a hitch! 

Who would look after Tilly?

Sam needed to find a pet care solution that would work for himself, Olivia, and most importantly, Tilly. As a three-month-old pup, Tilly was too young to stay in a dog hotel in Dubai, but there was no way Sam could cancel their trip.

“We needed an option where Tilly could remain at home, unphased. That’s when a friend recommended TrustedHousesitters and from the moment we logged on, it seemed perfect!”

Sam signed up right away and created his listing, but he had no idea how many people would jump at the chance to come and look after Tilly. Her cuteness had nothing to do with it, right? 

“I received loads of messages from people willing to help – it was all very exciting.”

It didn’t take long for him to find Dajana, and after chatting with her on WhatsApp and then meeting in person, the sit was confirmed.

“The whole process was straightforward, quick, and very stress-free, we would certainly use TrustedHousesitters again.”

Time to pop the question

With Tilly’s pet care all lined up, Sam and Olivia were ready to head to the desert. 

“We had a magical weekend at the Al Qasr Desert Resort by Anantara in Abu Dhabi. I’d hired a private villa which was filled with balloons while we were out for drinks. We returned to the villa, and I proposed at sunset.”

The proposal had been on the cards for a while, and it may not have been a complete surprise for Olivia. She tells us what gave it away…

“I didn’t have a clue anything was happening until we woke up Friday morning and he said I wasn’t going to work, instead I had a nail appointment at 9am and I needed to pack for a weekend away...that’s when I started to think something might be happening!”

Spoiler alert…she said yes!

Of course Olivia said yes, and it was time to celebrate! 

After their listing caught the eyes of Team Trusted’s Membership Services, we were quick to sniff out if we could help make Sam’s surprise even more special. And, in superstar sitter fashion, Dajana was more than happy to lend a helping paw. The happy couple came home to an apartment decorated with banners and flowers, and of course, a very happy Tilly.

Wedding bells will soon be ringing, but with plans to tie the knot in the UK, Tilly won’t be able to be there on the big day. 

“I’m sure she’ll be excited in the buildup, and she’ll obviously get a special mention during the speeches!”

Could this mean there will be another chance to pet sit Tilly? Keep your eyes peeled!

Here’s to your furry-tail ending, Sam and Olivia!

"TrustedHousesitters made it possible for us to have pets"

TrustedHousesitters made a huge difference to Sam and Olivia when they needed it most, and the same could be said for Caz and her family. Read Caz and Craig's story to find out why TrustedHousesitters is now the first step in her travel planning process.