I’ve rented out my home and become a pet minder
Over60 community member, Wendy Dooley, writes about her experience of going from house to house as a pet minder and making some unexpected (furry) friends along the way.
No pets, no worries. When I retired, I really didn't want to just sit in my house all along but I didn't have a pet and so I felt restless after working so hard for so long. So I decided to join a couple of house sitting agencies. Bingo! I have been minding other peoples' pets non-stop since February this year. My house is rented out, which helps too. It's interesting, exciting – sometimes challenging (note to self: remember not to leave slippers within puppy reach!) – but certainly never boring journey.
The great thing I have found it that you get to choose what assignments you wish to take (e.g. you might prefer small lap dogs, or hate cats or only love lizards) – there are so many choices for both singles or couples. For instance, want to do it for a weekend? A day here or there? Or fancy life in the country or the city? Short and long-term assignments are there for the asking.
So far I have had the wonderful experience of looking after little dogs, big boofy dogs, fish (not very exciting but good for meditative moments), cats oozing personality, fluffy cats, aloof cats and a grumpy old cat who, despite everything, decided it loved me after all. Every animal has adored me (or appeared to). After all, I feed them – they like me! Simple. What more could anyone ask for but undivided love even if it comes with the "feed me'' condition? I know zip about horses and cows so tend to avoid any animal bigger than myself.
I admit it's always difficult saying goodbye to the pets you've been minding. You do become attached but you know you have to move on and there will be an equally cute, loveable cat/dog at the next assignment. But while you have them, you enjoy their personalities. So often I have found a little dog or cat curled up in my suitcase as I was packing, or even sitting in the car, expectantly waiting for me and I have to admit those scenarios do choke me up a bit.
As for their antics, I have never laughed so much as when I was on the Gold Coast, minding Siamese cats, Frida and Franki. These two honestly thought they were human and insisted on helping to unpack suitcases, do the laundry and of course, don't forget the housework… how fascinating is a swiftly moving duster is? I found myself chatting away to them, as if they were really human beings and they had me in stitches with their funny cat routines. Frida and Franki reminded me of having toddlers all over again – wherever I was, these two were close by. The owners should rent out these two to anyone who is feeling sad as those furry felines guarantee spontaneous smiles.
Now for anyone who is feeling lonely: borrow a dog and take it for a walk. It doesn't seem to matter if it's small, large, scruffy or sleek, people interact with animals more easily, it seems, than with fellow humans. You will get lots of comments and social interaction if you want it. I have managed to meet new friends at every town, just by taking dogs for a walk.
Minding pets whilst their owners are away is not only extremely satisfying, it lets me explore, through a resident's eyes, little towns and cities that I wouldn't normally see. I have a car and just drive wherever, whenever – this year I have only concentrated on the Australian east coast but already have house sits confirmed for the UK, commencing January next year. I never anticipated my life would go in this direction, that's for sure. Although I don't get paid, I have found that it can be a very inexpensive way to live as you are living without accommodation and utility costs. Besides, I don't believe in barriers, once you're over a hurdle it was never that big to start with.
So don't let the lack of owning a permanent pet stop you from enjoying animals. Just borrow someone else's!