"Annie took a massive weight off our shoulders"

Updated 25 June 2024

For our members Melanie and Denis, their fur baby (and no less than adorable feline), Theo, was their everything. Bringing her over with them, the family migrated from South Africa some 10 years ago. 

And with a new home, neighborhood (and neighbors!) to adjust to, Theo was always happier in the familiar company of her humans at home.

That’s why when the time came for Melanie and Denis to visit their family for Christmas after five years of separation, the hardest part was figuring out what was best for Theo. 

Luckily for their furry beloved and their own peace of mind, the couple discovered the TrustedHousesitters community just in time.

It’s TLC on tap and round-the-clock care here

For Melanie and Denis, moving to England from South Africa meant leaving family members and friends behind. And for years on end, the couple stayed in their new home for birthdays and Christmases, only catching up with loved ones on the phone and online. 

But after five years without seeing their South African family, it was time to make the trip back for Christmas. And naturally, that meant leaving lovely Theo behind.

“Our decision to visit our family for Christmas, for the first time in 5 years, for 18 days, was stressful for us, as we didn't want our Theo to be stressed by our long absence”

And with Theo so used to the couple’s company, they told us that even leaving their kitty for a couple of days has always been emotional, as she gets “evidently upset”. 

So, with that in mind, it was vital that the pair find a pet care solution that meant Theo was well and truly looked after, for peace of mind while they were some 6000 miles away.

THS means not turning down family get togethers

With an ache to see their family back in South Africa and after weighing up their pet care options, Melanie and Denis discovered the TrustedHousesitters community. 

Suddenly with thousands of loving pet sitters at their fingertips, the couple connected with Annie - animal lover from Oslo. And luckily, she was super keen to make the trip to England and care for Theo.

“After signing up to TrustedHousesitters we met Annie, and she was so reassuring. We knew we had found the perfect sitter from the moment we spoke with her, and she fully understood our concerns about leaving Theo. She asked lots of questions about Theo to make sure she could be as supportive as possible once we had left."

And once the couple had taken the leap to welcome Annie into their home, the peace of mind only multiplied. It was clear from her communication while the pair were away that Theo’s happiness was Annie’s utmost priority.

"We received regular messages while away, and knowing Theo was in the best possible care, we were able to be really present with our family and friends in South Africa while we were there.”

"Annie took a massive weight off our shoulders"

So there we have it - a true success for Melanie, Denis and Theo. While Theo was kept calm and content at home by a true animal lover, the couple were able to make their long-awaited trip to South Africa to see their family - reunited in time for Christmas.
“Annie is an incredibly warm, sincere, kind and caring person and a real ray of sunshine.”

Giving the couple the chance to make festive memories they’ll never forget, it’s safe to say that Melanie and Denis were over the moon with the care Theo was in from Annie. So much so, that the couple nominated Annie for the TrustedHousesitters Sitter of the Year Award, 2019, telling us she “totally deserves” the prize.

“Annie took a massive weight off our shoulders, which made this possible, for which we are incredibly thankful for.”

“We found TrustedHousesitters, and it literally changed my life”

In the THS community, Barbara has found loving, reliable sitters that make her cats happy and allow her fulfill her travel dreams. Explore her story here.