Sydney, Hunter & Buzzy – This was my fourth time looking after Sydney and Hunter, and my first time getting to know the newest member of the furry family, Buzzy.
Sydney and Hunter are Spinone Italianos, a large, gentle gundog breed known for their shaggy coats, soulful eyes, and famously affectionate, easygoing nature. Sydney, the senior statesman of the trio, carries himself with calm seriousness, but he still can’t resist a cheeky check-in on the treat jar in the kitchen. Hunter, now the middle big brother, has truly matured (and might even be bigger!). He sports a beautiful white coat and brings such a funny, playful spirit to every moment.
Buzzy is a Bouvier, a strong, intelligent herding breed with a teddy-bear face and a big, bouncy personality. He loves to romp around, and we spent lots of time at the beach as he grew more and more confident with the waves.
I absolutely adore each of their very different personalities, and it’s always a joy to spend time with them all.
Greta and Ginger – This is the second time I’ve been entrusted with their care and my third time enjoying all that Pucon has to offer. Greta is a gentle soul who adores a cuddle, yet she holds her own independent spirit. On the flip side, Ginger is a whirlwind of energy—crazy and hyper at times but absolutely affectionate, loyal, and exhibiting those classic shepherd traits.
Our days are filled with invigorating hikes along scenic trails, a perfect match for our adventurous spirits. When the rain rolls in, we find comfort indoors, relishing quiet, cozy moments together. House-sitting here, with these two wonderful companions, turns every day into an adventure. Here’s to many more precious moments in this enchanting town!
Sydney, Hunter and Paco – this is my third time back in Santa Marianita on the coast of Ecuador. It is wonderful to be reunited with Sydney and Hunter and meeting the newest member of the family Paco.
Sydney (the serious one with brown markings) and Hunter (the goofy all white one) are Spinone Italianos, a very large hunting breed. They are both very sweet, but strong and give me a good work out when we are out walking around the neighbourhood.
Paco was rescued a few months ago, after being hunted down by a cat. He has since made a full recovery and lives a protected life away from wild and feral animals. He is gaining his confidence and flys around the house a little and will come and sit by the table if he is feeling social.
Punto, Luna, Nala, Mila and Moco – I am in Pucon, Chile for the second time and this year I have joined a little tribe here with 5 awesome buddies – 3 dogs and 2 cats!
Punto is the smallest but oldest dog with the biggest attitude. He can be quite the drama king, but he’s adorable and hilarious. He loves being rolled up in a fluffy blanket like a little barkito. Luna, the second oldest, has some mobility issues but still enjoys stretching her legs on the expansive grounds of the property. She’s sweet-natured and loves being close to her furry family or people. Nala is a big, long-coated playful girl with a serious side. She’s an excellent guard dog but also reveals her gentle teddy bear personality.
Mila, one of the cats, is cute, curious, and always vocal. She’s incredibly agile and can be found in a cupboard or snagging food in the blink of an eye. Moco, the more elusive cat, loves his independence but when he’s in the mood, he’ll soak up all the hugs before heading out to chase rabbits.
They’re all so much fun and such a pleasure to care for!
Sydney and Hunter – These two are the dynamic duo of fur and fun I am looking after during my third visit to Manta and second time to the Santa Marianita area. These two Spinone Italianos are not just dogs; they’re big fluffy boisterous bundles of joy, energy, and a hint of doggy drama. Sydney, the master of the puppy eyes, has pitch perfect ears finely tuned to the lid of the treats box and Hunter is never far behind but has a long way to go in the eye snout coordination department. If I ever need a mood lift, a few minutes with these two is elevating! I could never get enough of Sydney’s gentle eyes and Hunter’s goofy grin.
Xena, Rocco, Greta, and Ginger – My four fantastic friends In Pucon, Chile. Xena, at the impressive age of 18, is a terrier with a youthful spirit that defies her age. As the matriarch of the tribe, she exudes wisdom and charm. Xena also knows how to relax. Basking in the warm Chilean sun on her cozy lambskin rug is one of her favourite pastimes.
Rocco, another terrier, is always alert and ready for action however when he’s in relaxation mode, Rocco is a master cuddler. There’s nothing quite like the warmth of his affectionate snuggles to brighten up a chilly evening. Rocco’s watchful presence ensures not a bird, rabbit, car or person passes the home unnoticed.
Ginger, one of the two street dogs that was adopted into this loving home, has a remarkable story of resilience. When she was rescued, Ginger had a damaged hip and was severely malnourished. Thanks to the care and dedication of her new family, she made a remarkable recovery. Today, Ginger proudly displays her German Shepherd lineage and her herding instincts kick into gear whenever we hike or even just step out the back door.
Greta, another Chilean street dog, joined the pack with a similar tale of hardship. Like Ginger, she needed a great deal of love and care to regain her health. Greta’s spirit is as sweet as can be, and her affectionate nature warms the hearts of everyone she meets. However, when it’s time to hit the trails, Greta unleashes her adventurous side. Her independent spirit and fearless nature make her the head of the pack, leading the way with an infectious enthusiasm.
Being surrounded by Xena, Rocco, Ginger, and Greta is an absolute delight and these four friends have made my stay in Chile entertaining and heart warming.
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!
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!
”Narelle is a lovely person, and she did an outstanding job caring for my two adult male cats and condominium in Manta, Ecuador. In addition to happy, healthy, and relaxed kitties, I was delighted to find my home spotlessly fresh and clean, in every way just a little nicer than she found it. ”
Kelly ~ Ecuador ~ February 2022
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