Gallery

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.

Paddy and Millie – Two senior dogs living a quiet life in El Salvador. Paddy’s big ears and bandy legs sure do give him a unique look. He is a tough little guy that battles arthritis in his little bones. Paddy can typically be found on his big cushions by the window in the sun sitting or sleeping. Millie is Paddy’s best friend and she is a bit more mobile and happy to help out with any leftover breakfast or dinner he might have. She is a sweet old girl, gentle and happy and she likes short morning walks and sunset strolls.

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!

Sydney and Hunter – These two adorable brothers have hearts as big as their stature. Standing almost as high as my waist they are very strong, especially as a pair walking together. These brothers love to sniff out the goats passing through the neighbourhood, true to their Spinone Italiano breed which is an Italian hunting dog. Sydney is the older of the two and can be mistaken for being serious, but he is actually very curious and breaks into some goofy stunts and likes to get a crowd laughing. Hunter is high energy and playful. He has a very keen nose and sometimes has trouble containing his excitement, but is very gentle when he is seeking out a cuddle in the morning.

Harley and Quinn – I was asked to return to Manta on the coast of Ecuador to look after these two adorable big cats who may have even grown a bit since I was here earlier in the year! They also have moved into a new apartment and have a fantastic big balcony facing the ocean from which they can spy pelicans and seagulls, but while I was here this time they discovered huge fish and birds in the giant living room window!

Zeus – This gorgeous guy with a shiny red coat, jaunty strut and curious eyes is a loyal and forever happy companion. He is never far away, whether it be right on my heels as we are hiking through the jungle, running alongside me at the beach or sniffing around the flowers while we are out in the garden. Zeus is very happy in his newly remodelled home with incredible valley views, and it is a pleasure to be back in Atenas for the second time to take care of him.

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

Harley and Quinn – These two guys have moved from Atlanta and are now Ecuadorian coastal cats in Manta. Despite both of them being of generous proportions, they both possess timid feline personalities. After sizing me up for a day or two they came out of their shell (or from under the bed covers) to check on me to see if I am working or stake out a spot on the couch for a night in.

Hollie, Osa and Mia – On this house sit in Cusco, Peru it was a house full of women, myself, two dogs and one cat. Holly (the white dog) is the oldest and has boss eyes, sad eyes, sly eyes, tired eyes, happy eyes and eyes for any other doggy emotion you could imagine. Osa (the brown dog) is the younger of the two dogs and is happy, carefree and equal parts goofy and nimble. Mia the cat, who by virtue of her breed and being outnumbered in the house is typically is hyper-vigilant and she knows exactly the moment when a sleeping dog turns into a four-legged force!

Paddy and Millie – This duo is the perfect pet pair of yin and yang personalities. Paddy likes to be left alone and Millie doesn’t like to leave me alone, so we all get along fine. Paddy and Millie live in a small estate in Santa Tecla to the west of San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador. It is perfect for walking a few laps in the morning in the sun while stretching our legs. In the evening we all settle down together or take a short walk to admire the decorations in the neighbourhood and most other times it’s serious napping on king-sized cushions.

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.

Zeus – A young, sweet, energetic dog that was rescued and taken in by an American expat now calling Costa Rica her home. Zeus is very well behaved, has lots of energy and is endlessly entertaining. He oscillates between giddily happy and seriously pensive and loves to have company to spend his days by the pool with.

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 lop sided bunny jumps and launches into her pen for feeds of fresh greens.

Buster, Kona, Ripley & Loki – I had four really big and interesting personalities on my hands on Isla Cristobal, Panama. Arguably the most determined, and sassy is Ripley. She has gorgeous long shiny black hair and amazing electric green eyes and a meow that demands attention and an appetite that won’t quit. The other cat in my care on this sit was Loki. This pretty grey guy loves the camera and the feeling is mutual. Quiet and gentle and not one to be fussed over he is timid but sweet. The older of the two dogs is 11-year-old Buster who would typically start the day with me in his ‘I am just going to be here while you have your breakfast pose’. Buster is an old gentle sweet soul made of mostly black lab. The younger dog is Kona, an independent, active and quirky girl who loves to run around the large garden on a sunny day chasing anything that will move.

Beach dogs and Cats of Gonio – After having spent a few of months in the Georgian mountains and then another month in the capital Tbilisi, I headed west to the Black Sea and the beach dogs and one cat of Gonio. The friendly and carefree dogs rule the beach. Each group informally belonging to a hotel or restraunt. Here are some of the dogs that would take afternoon walks with me, head down to the beach in the morning or just wait in the shade patiently for the next stroll. Cats were much less visible, but you can see there is one here that is not any less confident of the dogs, and actually quite sure of his rights to a comfy spot in a beach cabana.

Grizzly & Wolfie – As a result of the Corona Virus travel restrictions and lock down of borders my two week holiday in Georgia turned into a stay of several months. While I didn’t do any house sitting during this time, there were plenty of friendly street dogs in every city and every town to get to know and have fun with. Grizzly and Wolfie have been adopted and have hit the Georgian Street Dog jackpot. A friend who is based in Bakuriani ensures they get good nutritonal meals, any required vet treatment and plenty of walks in the mountains. While he was out of town I eagerly volunteered to check in on them and take them with me hiking.

Dibley & Yet – On my first ever visit and stay in London, I house sat in the colourful area of Brixton, South of Central London. In my care was Dibley, a Bearded Collie of 11 years and Yet, a ten-year-old Domestic Shorthair. Dibley, a sweet girl likes things predictable and unexciting, including her walks, feeding times and play things. A veteran in the neighbourhood and her park, she is easily recognisable with her big soulful eyes and shaggy grey coat and well-liked by all those who know her. In the three level home, Yet has claimed the second floor as her home base and will wonder upstairs in the evening or down to the kitchen for a late night snack, but mostly loves her corner with her scratching pole and the underfloor heating in the bathroom.

Jasper, Bunny Go John, Unicorn Pegasus, Charlie and Truffle – Jasper a one year old Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced “show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee”), the ancient Aztec dog of the gods or more commonly known as a Mexican Hairless Dog. Jasper had many of the qualities this breed is known for,  a loving companion and vigilant watchdog. The alert and loyal Xolo comes in either hairless or coated varieties, Jasper fortunately as a lover of the Scottish outdoors has a black coat. There were two dirty ducks there too, Unicorn Pegasus and Bunny Go John. They were always happy and content and can go from slug slurping in the mud, to immaculate white downy pillows nesting on their straw bed. And two geckos, Truffle and Charlie that required their enclosure to be kept at the right heat and humidity.

Lili & Lucy –  A Persian and a little white dog that live in an apartment in a small village in the Herault region of France. Lili (the Persian) is happy to sleep on various surfaces, high and low, big and small, soft and hard and despite outward appearances is very affectionate and will welcome walkers home with meows from the balcony. Lucy is energetic, but well behaved and a fabulous hiking dog. She never gets tired and always stays close and as long as there are only trees and rocks to contend with she is the queen of the trails.

Jackie, Tilly, Dolly & Jeti – Four sisters that have lived together in the small village of Marathounta, Cyprus for a long time. They are all sweet, affectionate, well behaved and ageing gracefully. This foursome is much loved and cared for and get the exclusive priveledges of being the inside pets (see the other outside animals at this sit below). They all love having company and were quick to let me know if I was not paying them enough attention or too much attention to one of the other siblings. With numerous snoozing spots to catch the afternoon sun or hide in a cosy cupboard, a headcount would sometime have me on a hunt for a missing cat, only to find Dolly, Jeti or Tilly in a favourite quiet corner or basket.

Percy, JoJo, Barooch, One Eye, Micha, Tiny & Allessio – Seven lucky wild cats of Cyprus. They have an entire balcony and huge yard to defend between morning and evening feeding times. This seven, plus the four above, make my largest house sitting assignment to date. It was a pleasure to learn all of their personalities, and the hierarchy and power structure within this tribe. An occasional scrap, hiss and howl could be heard in the evening, but the law of cat society had big old JoJo as the head of the tribe, Percy the “I’m too pretty cat”, the two black boys Tiny and Allessio the stealth warriors, Micha the only girl and very timid and shy and Barooch the ginger has some health issues and is the most delicate in the group.

Whiskey, Ollie & Didge – Three older cats that live in the English countryside and enjoy a charmed life. They each have their own territory marked out and respect each others space, favourite spots and most importantly feeding stations. The two brothers (no points for guessing which ones they are) are almost indistinguishable, Didge a bit longer and leaner while Ollie more solid and chunky. Whisky, a bit wobbly on her aging back legs usually rests on the window sill in the sun but can get up a mean hiss if her favourite dish of shrimp for breakfast is being eyed off by one of the boys.

Tiger, Lily & Tigger – An older brother and sister pair with a younger sibling make up this trio. Tiger and Lily are about ten years old and have cohabitated most of their life. They come from the U.S. but have seen more of Europe than many people. One their journeys they were joined by Tigger, named for his jumping like the fictional character and now they are three. Tigger as the youngest is tolerated by the older pair, and he makes no apologies for keeping them on their toes and making sure they protect their turf.

Winston –  11 year old male, Old English Sheep Dog. Winston lives in the Old Town of Nardo in the Salento region, also known as “the heel” of Italy. He sports a dashing do to stay cool during the hot Italian Summers and adds to this by snoozing the afternoons away on the polished cement floor of his home. When the sun goes down Winston walks the town and charms the locals and visitors alike. Winston knows where the best pizza bars are and will make a beeline for home when he has had enough attention from all of the Win-a-ston-a fans of Nardo, Italy.

PB & Rhino – This brother and sister pair could not be more different, in both their looks and personalities. Small and grey Rhino is ironically named but has the confidence of a horned African beast and PB is big and goofy and the colour of his namesake sandwich spread. Both completely adorable, they live a wonderful life in the Bucharesti suburbs. Their days exist to torment the neighbour’s dogs and be doted on by the Building Manager, a far cry from the cardboard box they were found in at just a couple of weeks old on the Romanian streets.

Steve & Tom – On my first visit to the UK, I spent one month on the beautiful Isle of Wight in a small village in the South West. During this time I cared for Tom & Steve, both about ten years old and have grown up together after they were rescued as kittens in Africa. Tom is an independent, tough and chatty fellow and Steve is sweet and playful. Steve is blind and so requires a greater level of vigilance and care, but this extremely capable cat loves to go for walks in the field and knows his way around the place and doesn’t let his lack of vision slow him down.

Tosca & Otto – after three months in Africa I circled back to Europe, having been asked to return to house sit in the beautiful Algarve in the South of Portugal. I was delighted to be asked to come back to look after the charismatic and incredibly elegant Tonkinese pair Tosca & Otto. Otto, the bigger, handsome brother with huge blue eyes lets his cheeky sister Tosca be the boss. Impeccably mannered and aloof to say the least, a treat might inspire a trot and two pair of unwavering eyes firmly focussed on the target at hand.

Mateo – This feisty Tunisian kitten of five months old, if the size of his paws are anything to go by is destined for big things. He is a natural born predator and has more than just a wild streak in him. With pointy ears and fine markings this pretty boy born in the streets of Tunis is definitely the Alpha Male of the house, where the cat is king.

Bella & Buster – Two young pups that have gone into early retirement and have moved South with their owners from Wales. Bella had a tough start and still has some of the street spunk that helps her hold her own with her little brother. Buster is a one year old and is working on becoming an urban eating myth of Playa Flamenca and will take a treat at any time of day.

Tosca & Otto – They come as a pair, two lovely Tonkinese. They are brother and sister and have come all the way from New Zealand to enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle in the Algarve, South of Portugal.

Nola – A two year old female Labrador Cross with sweet eyes and a lovely temperament. Nola enjoys walks in the forest behind the village where she lives in Marseille and loves to check to see if you can fold up blankets by swapping her favourites around.

Chiko – A male Podenco. While not a permanent resident at the house I was sitting Chiko would make regular appearances and enjoyed the hospitality and company of the rest of the tribe.

Katy – A female Podenco, a Spanish breed of dog originally from the Canary Islands. The Podenco is still used in the Canary Islands today in packs as a hunting dog but Katy got lucky and lives in the Spanish country side with four cats and gets to run around in the hills during the day, stay cool in her kennel or warm up in the sun as it sets.

Tiger – He’s big and he’s black and he might just be a little bit magic! This sleek and stealth guy liked afternoons in the sun and nights on the prowl – and not to be disturbed!

Soxy – She is one very cool character who was found in a bin as a kitten and has risen up the ranks to top cat of the campo. She is the matriarch of her feline family and isn’t shy in pulling out the punches and can turn on the good looks and gentle charm when the moment strikes her.

Lily – A divine pure white feline. She was a rescue kitten but belongs in a cat show, and she might just know it. A little moody and not to be underestimated this pretty white fluffy thing runs the country side by day and night and then contends with her grooming every other waking minute, I don’t know how she fits it all in!

George – 12 week old kitten, delightfully fun and playful and ready to take on anything in the campo. Formidable and fierce with the help of his two big sisters and brother he pops up in places unexpectedly, provides hours of entertainment and fantastic companionship.

Ginger – 13 year old domestic short hair that I sat in an Adelaide home for three weeks. Ginger was very timid when we first met, and on the two occasions I visited her home before the sit she was in hiding the whole time. On the first day of the sit I was still yet to spot Ginger, although food was being eaten and as an indoor only cat there was nothing for me to be concerned about. With older timid cats I give them a chance to get used to a stranger in their home and allow them to socialise with me in their own time. Two days into the sit Ginger was purring loudly, sharing the couch with me and waking me up with those big dish plate eyes.

Rocky – 3 year old male Cavalier King Charles Spaniel that I sat for a short few days while his parents were visiting friends outside of the city. We enjoyed some short walks in the park near by in between the rain and wind . A wonderful cheeky character and lots of fun to spend time with.

Tonka – a 11 year old male Burmilla that is independent and likes to keep an eye on things but very keen to also monitor what is happening in the home, especially in the kitchen. This chatty cat would always welcome me back to his home and on a cold day could be found curled up on the couch.

Blazer – A six month old Cavoodle that has energy to burn! Loves walking in the beautiful parklands that surround Adelaide and socialising with the other dogs in the dog park near by. But after a big walk he is happy to take a Saturday afternoon snooze and keep me company.

Gilbert – This is Gilbert, a 9 year old domestic cat. I was looking after him in his beautiful period home in Adelaide while his owners were away. He did miss them as he is very spoiled but we soon came to be good friends. He loves to cuddle up and keep warm with me and is very chatty.

Champy – This big guy had the run of the house, let himself in and out and knew when breakfast and dinner was due to be served. He would pop up stairs to check on me in the morning to ensure I was coming down for breakkie with him.

Elliot – I was fortunate to be reunited with my old friend Elliott and picked up where we left off. On the couch, curled up and cosy.

Ginger, Hazel and Chocolate – good layers except when it gets really cold. A healthy happy brood living a charmed free range life.

Georgie – Machi’s sweet timid sister, also a Maremma Sheepdog. This is an intelligent and strong willed breed and Georgie is characteristic of their independent thinking. She needed a little extra attention to make sure her breakfast and dinner didn’t go missing before she managed to get to it. A very sweet girl who was happy to rest in her favourite spot or run around with her brother.

Machi – A big old male Maremma Sheepdog who loves to run around with his sister Georgie out in the cool windy weather of the Adelaide Hills but always gentle, well mannered and good company sitting in the warmth out of the cold night.

Elliot – I recently took care of this two your old man in a lovely Adelaide home. Elliot definitely asserted his position as man of the house and was sure to be there in the evenings to keep an eye on things and in the mornings to ensure I did not forget where the pantry was! Aloof to start with Elliot and I shared some quality couch time and he would snuggle up after a few well placed scratches around the ears and chin.

Rosie – An adorable 18 month old cat I fostered from the RSPCA, Rosie lived with me for a few months before I left Darwin to relocate to South Australia. A delightful girl who liked to have a chat and was happiest when she had company and could hang out while I was working.

Boodgie – A female foster kittie I looked after for a few months in Darwin. She was naturally curious, and liked a cuddle after playing and running around. PAWS Darwin is an animal welfare organisation in Humpty Doo dedicated to providing care for unwanted and stray animals with the ultimate goal of re-homing these animals to loving families. Boodgie found a permanent home in the Darwin area.