Mexico

Sharky, Frankie & Minerva – I spent ten days in Pescadero, a peaceful coastal village just 45 minutes from Cabo San Lucas. Known for its laid-back charm, warm sun, and close proximity to beautiful beaches, it’s the kind of place where life moves at an easy, gentle but dusty pace

This was my first time looking after Sharky, Frankie, and Minerva, three lovable rescue dogs who each bring their own unique energy to this breezy Baja town.

Sharky — A pit bull mix with a big heart and a goofy streak. Strong and gentle all at once, Sharky loves hanging outside, keeping a watchful eye on things.

Frankie — A mixed-breed boy with a permanent smile. He’s affectionate, a little needy, and never late for dinner. When night falls, Frankie happily claims the sofa as his personal throne.

Minerva — At 12 years old, Minerva still moves with the agility of a pup. With a hint of terrier spirit, she’s nimble and quick, as shed jumps from sofa, to bed to chair chasing her favourite toy and she is a pro at finding cool spots to escape the Baja heat.

Arie, Nesta, Blue, and Kaya — a foursome of distinct personalities that made my first sit in Pedregal unforgettable.

Arie, the tall and graceful two-year-old Weimaraner, carries herself with quiet dignity. Initially timid but always observant, she warmed up with time and proved to be a loyal guardian of the home.

Nesta, her younger companion, is a one-year-old bundle of goofy charm. Larger than Arie but softer in spirit, he’s endlessly playful and affectionate.

Blue, the shiny black rescue cat, is selective with her affections. She keeps her distance from most, but Nesta has earned her trust and each morning, Blue makes her quiet rounds, checking in before retreating to her preferred personal garage or secure under bed spot.

Kaya, the matriarch, presides over the household with calm authority. She’s the one who keeps everyone in order, but typically prefers a quiet cool corner or comfy bed to rest and observe. Her grumpy cat face is deceiving, because she loves to indulge in a morning cuddle.

Tom and Doug – El Tezal locals with big personalities packed into little paws. For the past two years I have been caring for them regularly, in three different apartments, proving that wherever they go, the fun follows.

Summers with these two are best spent stretching out on cool tiles, chasing shade on the balcony, or just flopping down together under the AC to handle the heat. Life in Cabo is always sunnier (and sweeter) with Tom and Doug around!

Zutroy, Lencho, and Bella — three unforgettable feline personalities — on a short but soul-refreshing return trip west to the Mexican Pacific. The trio, living their best cat lives in sun-soaked Baja California Sur.

Bella, the quiet matriarch, carries herself with serene dignity. She prefers to keep her distance (from the two boys), observing the world with calm wisdom. Gentle and aloof, she maintains a regal air from her cosy cat nest.

Zutroy, ever the brooding heartthrob, is all dramatic glances and graceful swagger. Stoic and handsome, with an appetite to match, he moves through the world like he owns every sunny patch he stretches out on.

And then there’s Lencho — wild-eyed, unpredictable, and entirely his own creature. Whether he’s scaling impossible heights, darting through shadows, or launching into zoomies with no warning, Lencho brings the chaos and comedy. You never know what he’ll do next — and that’s exactly the point.

Though this was just a brief visit, I already look forward to being reunited with these Cabo Cool Cats again in the future.

Max, Mewnie and Momo – For four delightful weeks in Morelia, I had the pleasure of caring for Max and Mewnie — two stately seniors of distinguished presence, very specific and long nap schedules.

Plus, they are now joined by Momo, a new rescue cat. Upon arrival, it became clear that while Momo is quite sweet with humans, he does not get along with Max or Mewnie. Momo now enjoys his own plush quarters in this historic house, living his best solo-cat life with the occasional supervised hallway cameo.

So for a month, I played peacekeeper, concierge, and companion to a trio of personalities: the two big sweet old guys and their new roommate with main character energy. Life in Morelia was full of purrs, passive-aggression, and expertly scheduled cuddle shifts.

Tom and Doug – The dynamic duo of El Tezal, in Cabo San Lucas are regular stars on my house-sitting calendar. Recently, over four weeks, their playful antics and warm companionship made every day memorable. Together, we’ve basked in glowing sunrises and sunsets, with the stunning Pacific Ocean as the backdrop.

Tom, the confident boss of the two, and Doug, his spirited partner-in-crime, are affectionate and lively. Their energy transforms even the calmest days into fun and laughter. With tails wagging and paws ready, they remind me to savor life’s simplest and most beautiful moments.

Looking forward to more laughter and cuddles later this year with these dearest puppy friends!

Nelson and Charly – I was recently reunited with Nelson after two and a half years since my last visit to Lo de Marcos in the Mexican state of Nayarit. This time Nelson was joined by his energetic new friend, Charly.

Looking after the two adult dogs was such a delight! We took daily morning walks on the long flat beach which is the jewel of this beautiful beach town. Nelson typically taking his time, strolling at his own relaxed pace, with Charly racing ahead and embracing every moment for playful runs in the sand. Every morning was a perfect start to the day in Lo de Marcos!

Tom and Doug – For the past month, I’ve had the joy of dog sitting Tom and Doug. These two delightful Terriers are regulars on my house sitting schedule and draw me back to Cabo San Lucas frequently. We have a lovely routine, starting with a walk before sunrise. It’s the perfect way to start the day, with everything still quiet and serene.

Tom and Doug are incredibly affectionate and always excited to see me. Their greetings are full of energy and love. The neighbours adore them as well; their charming personalities have made them local favourites.

Bella, Zutroy, and Lencho – These are my dear friends and regular companions in Cabo for the past two years. Each has their own unique personality making them unforgettable.

Bella is a tolerant and patient big sister and knows how to look after herself. She’s an expert at finding the coziest hiding spots and never misses a chance to pounce on treats, making sure the boys don’t get them all.

Zutroy is the aloof one, his lean physique hides the fact that he is the biggest eater of the crew, always on the hunt and taking the lead when it’s dinnertime.

Lencho is the lively one, always poking about and exploring. His curiosity keeps things fun and he often pops up in unexpected places.

Lyla and Cody – Spending time with Lyla and Cody is an absolute delight! These two dogs are full of personality and charm. Their home is nestled in the quiet outskirts of Morelia, and is the perfect setting for peaceful walks around the private community, with a beautiful waterfall just minutes from the front door.

Lyla, a graceful full-sized poodle, is gentle, patient, and a true big sister. She brings a calm presence to our days together, while Cody, the energetic Australian Shepherd is always eager to check on the neighbourhood and keep an eye on the local dogs and cats.

From daily strolls to relaxing moments in the scenic surroundings, it has been a pleasure to care for these wonderful dogs and explore their serene corner of the city.

Max, Mewnie and Khalma – I am back house sitting in Morelia. Marking my fifth time here, I couldn’t be happier to return to the charming city and company of Khalma, Max, and the newest family member, Mewnie.

Max is the senior ginger cat, Max, is a lovable, big fluffy teddy bear. His gentle nature and affectionate personality make him an absolute joy to be around. Khalma (formerly a street dog) joined the family after Max and this is the fourth time I’ve had the pleasure of looking after her. She is a social butterfly and loves to stroll through the city streets, meeting new people, and has a bit of a stubborn streak, always going her own way. Mewnie is the newest addition in the household. Sweet and affectionate he prefers the quiet spots, often found lounging in his favorite armchair or on the piano chair.

I’m thrilled to be here once again, enjoying the beautiful historic city and these three amazing pets.

Tom and Doug – I’ve had the joy of dog sitting Tom and Douglas for the fourth time in Cabo San Lucas, and these two Terriers bought so much fun to my days. They love their life in Baja California Sur, spending hours on the patio gazing out at the stunning views of Medano Bay, while keeping a close eye on the neighbours and saying hi to anyone passing by.

On our early morning strolls around the property they love meeting the other dogs in the complex, and it’s the perfect time to beat the heat as the sun starts to rise. Whether they’re lounging on the patio or socialising on our walks, Tom and Douglas always remind me of how sweet life can be in this sunny slice of paradise.

Tom and Doug – I am spending my last night with these two beloved terriers after a month caring for them – for the third time. I’ve had the joy of starting my days here in Cabo with two tails wagging and the boys eyes filled with anticipation for a morning walk and a fun filled day ahead.

When I am taking them for their strolls around the grounds of the property, their enthusiasm for sniffing out new scents and saying hi to familiar faces knows no bounds. Doug small frame is very deceiving, and he usually leads the way, while Tom likes to take his time and makes sure nothing gets past his keenly observant eyes.

As this stay draws to a close, I am left with many fond memories and look forward to my next visit here, later in the year.

Bella, Zutroy, and Lencho – Collectively known as the Cabo Cool Cats, these charming tabbies have now been under my care four times. Each time has been a delightful trip into whiskers and wonder!

Lencho steals the show with his wild-eyed prowling and unmistakable wildcat energy. He loves his kitty cat tunnel and uses it as a lookout for potential prey or mischievous play. This energetic explorer adds an element of surprise to every day, making for some unforgettable moments.

Bella, the cuddly curvy queen, graces the sofa with her presence when she needs a break from the antics of her rowdy brothers. Alternatively, she will find solace under various items of furniture, with the coffee table a favourite spot for catching afternoon rays.

Zutroy, the handsome big brother, is independent and reserved with a regal demeanour and occasionally surprises me with a display of affection, usually coinciding with meal time.

Tom and Douglas – This is the second time looking after these little furballs, and let me tell you, they’re absolutely pawsome! Our days are filled with fun and playful moments with a generous supply of plush toys on hand for fetch and chasey and after all the excitement, they love nothing more than snuggling up in a sunny spot on the bed. On our walks around the property grounds, we make sure to spread some love and greetings to their fellow four-legged neighbours; it’s a great community and I am making some new friends here too!

Bella, Zutroy, and Lencho – I returned to Cabo San Lucas two weeks ago, and this is the third time I am caring for these three fun felines.

Bella, the sweetheart of the group, is still reigning as the cuddle queen. She’s got this adorable way of making you feel like the chosen one, but only when she decides it’s cuddle time. Zutroy, the handsome and broody feline, is typically on active duty guarding the front door. There’s a lizard friend who’s a regular visitor, and Zutroy has appointed himself as the official bouncer. Lencho, the ever-alert ninja cat, continues to be the hardest to capture on camera. Always ready to pounce at a moment’s notice he’s also the CEO of the Breakfast Wake-Up Committee. First one up, demanding to know where his morning feast is!

House sitting these three bundles of fur and quirks is always full of playful antics, cozy cuddles, and the joy of being bossed around by three fabulous felines!

Max and Khalma – This delightful pair have been my beloved companions during my recent ten-day stay in Morelia. This marks the fourth occasion I’ve had the privilege of looking after Max and the third time with Khalma. Khalma is a spirited former street dog, who simply radiates love and a zest for life. As you’ll see in these candid captures, Khalma is always seeking affection or doing something silly to evoke a smile and warm the heart.

Max is the town’s biggest ginger cat and exudes an air of dignified charm that’s truly one-of-a-kind. Max may not be the type to flash a smile for the camera, but we did manage to capture a couple of precious moments. While Khalma revels in leisurely walks through Morelia’s picturesque historic center, Max prefers to relax finding serenity in the gentle caress of the sun’s rays within home’s central courtyard.

Tom and Douglas – These two furry friends are every bit as charming as their owner described them and were waiting to meet me at their home in Cabo, Baja California Sur. They’ve mastered the art of surviving the scorching heat of the August days, preferring to pound the pavement during the cooler early mornings and evenings.

When it’s time to unwind, they enjoy lounging together on the couch or in a cool corner, but when I am in the mood for a cuddle, Tom and Douglas are always up for some quality snuggle time.

Tom and Douglas radiate chill vibes and have affectionate personalities, they quickly became my go-to buddies for making memories and getting a giggle, I’m looking forward to my next visit with these two terrific Terriers.

Bella, Zutroy and Lencho – With just a few weeks between visits, I was back to kick off a new year in Cabo and get to know these three happy tabbies – each unique and totally adorable.

There is Zutroy, Mr Cool and Calm, always keeping an eye on things but seemingly equally disinterested in the world around him, and to my dismay, me. Beautiful Bella, who likes to snuggle in small doses but has mastered the art of serious napping and commandeers the sofa like it’s no ones business. The baby is Lencho. If you lock eyes with this guy you may not come out alive – especially if you resemble a piece of plastic or electrical wiring. If ever there is a power outage in Cabo, it may be Lencho that has bought the city down.

I will miss my three feline friends, but have a date to come back later in the year to look after them for a third time.

Bella, Zutroy and Lencho – Meet the Cabo Crew! three beautiful cats that have moved down from LA and bought their big personalities with them.

There is Bella, the only girl of the group and she is easy to identify with her big bootylicious curves, she is super cute and loves to steal a snuggle or two. Her brother Zutroy is a handsome cat that has the face of a little lion, he is a chilled out guy and prefers to find quiet spots and his own space. The baby of the bunch is Lencho, and he is the oddball! He’s always on the hunt, eternally alert and ready to jump to the rescue if a ball, bug or bright light appears!

Iggy, Stevie, Yoko and Joni – Say hello to the (growing) Tulum Tribe now with four members. I have been here four times and on my first house sat here I was coming to care for timid and sweet Stevie and the oddball Iggy. However, just before I was due to arrive Joni hopped into the picture and she is now convinced she is no different than her cat brother and sister.

More recently Yoko has appeared on the scene. During my last trip to Tulum, she was still relegated to outside quarters while she was getting her necessary shots and a clear bill of health. Yoko now enjoys a big comfy bed and much of the run of the downstairs section of the home (much to the chagrin of the other members of the family). Yoko is also the friendliest and noisiest.

Rubi – I have returned to Sayulita on the Pacific Coast of Mexico to take care of Rubi while her owner takes a vacation with family and spends some time in the US. My arrival in Sayulita was a little earlier than last year and it is wonderful to be back in this Pueblo Magico. The Summer heat dominates the days and provides sensational sunsets in the evening. Beating the high temperatures and humidity Rubi and I enjoy early morning beach walks. While she doesn’t run around as much as she once did her time on the beach is her favourite way to start at day.

Nelson – Returning to Lo de Marcos for a second sit, I am looking after Nelson while his owner takes a short trip to visit family and friends. I was greeted at the bus stop and Nelson and I picked up right where we left off. We do twice, sometimes thrice daily trips to the beach, some hiking and cruise around town in the golf cart which Nelson commandeers from the passenger seat. He is as gentle as he is handsome and a treat to return to care for.

Max and Khalma – I am back in Morelia for my third time, looking after big Max again and his sister Khalma who joined the family late last year. On this sit I have been enjoying morning walks with Khalma all over the historical centre. Visiting parks, plazas, fountains, churches, cafes and calles are all a part of a typical day. These long meandering walks have been a pleasant addition to my daily routine while I’ve been here. It is hot here right now so Max and Khalma are often shielding from the heat during the day. Typically they both have their preferred spots but can sometimes be found both seeking refuge in the same place staking out spots to snooze solo on my bed.

Iggy, Stevie and Joni – For the past month I have been back in Tulum, looking after this tribe of three. This is my third visit here, and Iggy, Stevie and Joni are so much fun to take care of. Iggy and Stevie are the ones with the long tails and are rescues and find spots in the house to spy and sleep. Iggy likes to seek out company during the day and will tolerate cuddles. Stevie waits until bedtime to come looking for attention and only on her terms!

Joni, the white fluffy one, wants to be part of the gang and is blissfully unaware that she is fundamentally different from the other two. She can however jump up on the bed to say good morning, likes to be hand-fed a small entree of snacks before starting her main meal and exercises some quality control when the greens are not quite to her liking.

Khalma – During my last stay in Morelia when the owner was home for a few days between trips Khalma joined Casa Azul. Khalma was adopted off the streets from Santa del Cobre, a small village close to Morelia. Dirty and in need of a few treatments and a check-up by the vet she came to the house and settled in right away. Her sweet personality meant she was gentle with Max who is timid by nature, and adored by all she met in her new neighbourhood.

Max – This big ginger guy epitomises my belief that ginger cats have the sweetness gene flowing through their feline veins. Max’s physical size is matched by the greatness of his gentle nature. His big tiger cuddles are the best way to spend an evening on the couch, an afternoon break or moments before tucking in for bed.

Iggy, Stevie and Joni – This is the Tulum Tribe, which I am looking after for the second time this year. We have Stevie (the girl, grey and white cat) and Iggy (male, with tiger stripes) who have been long time residents in Tulum. Both have the typical small frame and skinny legs and round head of cats in Mexico, and they both have very distinct personalities. Stevie and Iggy have not changed much since my last visit. Stevie who has always been very timid is a bit bolder now, especially when it comes to lizards and insects in the garden, and the ever odd Iggy is a bit cuddlier and has chilled out a bit. Joni is the third member of this tribe and the most recent arrival in the house. When I was here in April she had just joined the family and was a tiny little baby bunny that could fit into the palm of my hand. In the past six months, she has undergone a transformation and is a full-blown thumper now. Her size rivals that of the other two, she loves to wander around the garden and likes to say hello and come and see what I am up to.

Rubi – This mature Mexico Mutt is the Assistant Manager at a beautiful villa in Sayulita. Rubi typically greets guests, makes sure they are tucked in for the night and guards the gate. While I was staying with Rubi she took some time off from her duties as the villa was closed for the season. In the absence of guests Rubi became my chief guide on the jungle and beach trails to the north and south of town, and favourite companion to enjoy a beautiful sunset with from the deck.

Nelson – I took care of Nelson on a short house sit of two weeks in the Mexican Pacific coast town of Lo de Marcos. Nelson is a rescue, and now is loved not just by his new Mum, but everyone that gets to meet him. A sweet, gentle big dog with more than a few dashes of Labrador in him, Nelson is typically happy to relax on a cool cement floor or a shady spot on the beach. Among his typically calm demeanor Nelson will inject a couple of jumps of joy and excitement when leaving the house or running on the beach among the waves crashing.

Max – This is Max from Morelia! He is a mature ginger fellow of about 11 years and has moved down from the States to retire in his cool, quiet historical home. He is big and fluffy and loves to be around people. He is surprisingly agile and can get up a brisk run to the kitchen when it’s time for a meal, or to make sure I know the way if I have been out for a few hours. Max gives amazing cuddles and can be chatty if he wants to know what I am up to.

Iggy, Stevie and Joni – This is Stevie and Iggy, two adopted cats that have been living as brother and sister in the uber cool Mexican Instafabulous beach town of Tulum and their recently added sibling Joni, a cute while bunny that needed a home as much as any house needs a fluffy white rabbit. Stevie is painfully shy, except, when on her terms she may want to sniff, knead and cuddle, usually very early in the morning. Iggy is curious, bossy and talkative with all of the quirks you might expect of a cat of the Caribbean, including being very vigilant around the pool as you can see here. Joni is sweet, happy and friendly. She likes company and when she is feeling active shows off with the cutest lopsided bunny jumps and launches into her pen for feeds of fresh greens.

”I knew from our FaceTime talk that she was going to be great but she exceeded my expectations. Narelle took care of Nelson, my very special large lab that is my absolute love. Leaving him for two weeks definitely was a bit easier knowing he was in good hands.”

Lisa ~ Mexico ~ June 2021