Willow & Bear’s House
After a last-minute cancellation, I was able to assist a new client whose house sitter had backed out unexpectedly. Once all the details were confirmed, I headed to Hampshire the following week with my co-sitter, Harley (my dog). Harley loves a road trip—she has her bed set up in her dog car seat and enjoys watching the world go by through the window.
For this house sit, we were responsible for Willow and Bear, two whippets; Jemima, the hamster; Indi and Elmo, the rabbits; and five chickens. I was warned that Willow and Bear were not morning dogs, and they were not joking. They showed no interest in going for a walk until at least midday. As someone who enjoys morning walks, this was definitely an adjustment. Their routine involved being gently encouraged to go outside to pee, having breakfast, and then curling up on the sofa under a blanket. Willow and Bear would even whine until they were covered up—they're real cozy dogs.
Willow and Bear looking cozy.
Bear having the post breakfast nap.
Harley is such an easygoing dog; she was happy to go with the flow and enjoyed helping with the rabbit and chicken duties while Willow and Bear napped. Harley also loves a snooze, so she was happy to curl up with the whippets.
Harley helping feed the rabbits, Elmo (left) and Indi (right)
The chickens
The homeowners were kind enough to list their regular favourite walks with accompanying dog-friendly coffee shops!
Off to get lost in the woods!
Bear hoping there's a treat for her too.
Willow and Bear exploring
After their walks, the whippets love to lounge around in the conservatory and enjoy the sun the room gets. Harley was more than happy to join them.
Harley enjoying the afternoon conservatory naps.
Bear relaxing on her giant bean bag.
Willow enjoying with warmth in the conservatory.
As Hamsters are nocturnal, all the hamster responsibilities were in the evening. I changed Jemima's food and put her in her hamster ball for a bit to exercise.
Jemima doing her stretches before getting in her ball.
Harley and Bear snuggling on the sofa in the evening.
As we were so close to New Forest, we took a trip to see the New Forest ponies. We had a lovely long walk on the moors, saw some ponies, then made an obligatory coffee shop stop.
We saw lots of ponies on our walk.
The coffee shop had dog beds for them.