Last updated on November 4th, 2018
Last week, while Mr. Fox and I were traveling, our friends Liz and Jesse and their adorable pooch Fergus stayed in our house. The arrangement did wonders to minimize the guilt that Fox and I normally feel when we leave Avery home without us. Fergus — a Tibetan terrier — is Avery’s BFF. Liz calmed our nerves by texting us numerous photos and videos showing us what Avery and Fergus were up to throughout the day. Here’s a sampling:
Avery enjoyed cuddling with Jesse in the library…
And rough-housing with Fergus in the Herb Garden.
Post play-time, both dogs recuperated on the kitchen floor.
Here’s Ms. Avery at the North Wing window…
And snoozing with Fergus in the entrance hall.
I suspect that Liz is cooking something wonderful here, because both dogs have their tongues out at the kitchen door.
Puppy love…
And more love!
Avery adores Liz.
Here’s proof.
Who takes care of your four-legged friend(s) when you go away? Talk to me in the comments field below.
xKevin
Missy Poppenger says
Such great photos. Thanks for sharing th
Jerry Miller says
Great video of the dogs playing!
J says
Hi Kevin, I don’t know if it is just my browser (Chrome) but your website is not displaying properly. I first noticed it a few day ago but I was still able to read it. Today the words are there & the video but no photographs.
I always enjoy reading your posts.
Cheers!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi J – That’s strange indeed. I’m using Chrome and the pictures/video are displaying just fine. Ditto when I checked the post on my iphone (Safari). I’ll pass this issue onto my website maintenance team.
Amy in the Upper Peninsula says
Oh, we always have a house/petsitter while we’re away. We have four cats, all of whom are neurotic in their own way, and they’re much happier when a person is staying in the house. I also worry less about the house. Odds are nothing would happen but I like knowing someone is making sure there are no water leaks, emergencies, etc.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Amy – Great to have someone actually live in the house during vacay time. As you said, less worry!
Delores says
Great Video-looks like Avery is having the time of her life!
Heidi says
The two looking out the window….you need that pic blown up & framed
phyllis says
The dogs made my heart sing!!!!!
Maraya says
Heidi is right – That photo of the two at the window is definitely an art piece! Avery is having a special vacation, too. Lovely. Thanks for sharing.
Judy Hines says
Very fun video of the doggies!
Cherry says
Love the two bff’s!!
Cathie Wagner says
Hi Kevin.
Thanks for sharing those wonderful pics of Avery and Fergus
Enjoyed them immensely.
You, Mr. Fox and Avery are all blessed to have one another.
Wishing you all many more years of love and contentment.
Sherry Pace says
The picture of the two of them looking at the window is priceless! What adorable pups…We take the dog with us, and the kitty stays at home. She is glad to get a break from her big sister (she is very afraid of her). We have friends and family who stop by to check on her, but her water, food, and kitty litter are all automatic so it’s really just a matter of cuddles and play time.
sue says
ayyyyeeeeeeee xxxxxxxxx
pure love !!!
Joy Windle says
All dogs need a BFF; Avery & Fergus are both better for their time together. Kudos for you for providing it!
My sister & brother-in-law stay here to cover house and hounds (3 borzoi) when I travel. Eddy, Phoebe, & Circe adore them both. When I’m home and they come for family gatherings, the dogs hardly know how to act, having us all here together.
Helen says
Great pictures! Our Maggie stays with her BFF Coco or with a pet sitter, she doesn’t like to be alone.
Looks like Ms. Avery might need a friend all the time!
Janis says
How adorable. We tried everything when we would travel. Expensive boarding places that were five star, pet sitters but nothing made our boy happy. He would just howl and cry, and go on a hunger strike until we returned. Cowboy did not like to be alone. Then we tried boarding him with our vet. Oddly, that worked best. He was totally adored by the staff and was constantly with people. Amazingly, they would even get him to eat. They really cared about him so it worked out.
Denise says
How wonderful to see your beloved family member having a vacation of their own! I have a house sitter come and take care of our furry family in our home. She sends me pictures too. THey seem to love her as they always get excited when she arrives. It is good to know they are happy so you can be content and have a good time too.
Maraya says
Have you considered getting a full-time companion for Avery? I always had dogs in pairs, as they are natural pack animals.
Susan Scott says
Hope you and Mr. Fox had a great trip . Avery certainly had a fun vacation with her new best bud.
Every body and every buddy needs a friend.
Patricia Burrell says
Love seeing Fergus and his BBF in the herb garden. Will you be posting pictures of what’s growing in your garden this summer?
Patricia says
If I have to go away, which I don’t unless absolutely necessary, my son takes care of my dog and the cats who tolerate the dog. I cannot imagine life without our animal friends and companions! It’s so nice to see Avery having such fun with her best bud Fergus.
MaryAnn says
Loved seeing the pups! But when my best guy and I go on vacation we take the girls with us. (kitties) They love to travel and love the ocean air!!
MaryEllen Warkentin says
I sit for my cousin’s 2 dogs and 2 cats up in NYS at an old, but much beloved family farm. She lets me bring my very amusing cat who is kept in one room (so she can’t get out the cat door to the “great unknown”). It is one of my favorite spots and she likes it as well! I used to have 3 Borzois and they always went back to my breeder, my friend, and their extended dog family when I went away.
Toni says
Smiles come in so many ways. Heart-warming! What can I say but “thank you”.
Carolyn Contois says
My kid didn’t have a sitter that was as nice as this!!!!!!
patrice says
could they get any cuter??
Rita says
Love the pictures of Avery and Fergus. Truly man’s best friends.
Marjie Butler says
I’m lucky, I have 2 different sitters I can rely on. The first is the woman who cuts my hair. That is how we met. She is wonderful and stays at the house at night. Because she works, the dogs have a great outdoor pen that is in the woods just outside out backdoor and garden. Makes it really easy!
The second sitter is my good friend and her 2 daughters. They stay here for the duration of our absence. Since we live in the woods and just a hop/skip and a jump from the lake, they can vacation here and feel relaxed. Our pups love the attention and can do what they do best: Fetch, eat, sleep, Fetch, rinse and repeat!
It is easy if the sitter is low key. Using the ball thrower, they can just stand on the front porch and throw the tennis ball into the woods. Makes life challenging and fun for Connor and Sam (4yrs. and 6 yrs. )
We don’t leave them home often, but when we do, we know that Connor and Sam will be able to cuddle, snuggle and fetch to their hearts content while we are gone. The Sitters have a great vacation and can relax and enjoy too!
Patricia Cremens says
I loved the pictures and video of the pups playing and resting. My rescue, Rocky, and his BFF from across the road play like that when they get together. I thought they were a bit rough, so seeing your pups doing the same was a relief. We don’t leave Rocky with anyone. He is always with one of us, at least. We are retired.
Samantha Gray says
Happy Anniversary and many, many lovely more! As for our rough collies, Pixie and Soleil and pussy cat Skittles, they board at our 24 hour veterinary medical center when we must, must, must be away from them.
Elaine says
The picture of the two dogs looking out the window could win a prize. They are just too cute. I love the difference in the two tails! By the way, if you can’t find “puppy” sitters when you go on your next trip, my husband and I are available to stay in your beautiful home, but we’d have to bring our cat Punkin. When we travel our good friend Beverly takes care of Punkin. Punkin stayes here at home and Beverly comes every day to feed, water, clean the potty box and play with Punkin. Now Punkin runs to see her when she visits. Punkin is a rescue marmalade cat that we got at Thanksgiving – thus the name Punkin – that’s southern for Pumpkin.
Danella on the Canadian west coast says
The blueberry dessert looks delicious. Love the dogs having such a good time and hope you both have a wonderful time in the city. Happy Anniversary!
Georgeann Brown says
Debbie, the cat lady. Sends pics, videos and how much fur was swept from the floor.
Mary Beth says
I also agree with Heidi comment #8. It is a beautiful picture. I have 2 yorkies. Lol, I haven’t been on vacation in so long I can’t remember. I think I finally found a place to my specifications but still am worried about all my backyard plants in containers. Still trying to find someone to put in a drip system. I think it is great that you and Mr. Fox can go on vacation and not worry. I hope you have a nice peaceful one.
Ardelle says
Wonderful photos and video – thank you for sharing that. During my dear Sophie’s almost 15 years my neighbor Frank was always happy to take care of Sophie for me whether I was gone for a couple days or a week or more or simply late from a long work day. He would come to my home, take her for walks, feed her, play with her, give her treats for good behavior. It was definitely a great arrangement. We also, had happy hour on their patio along with his wife and la apso, Phoebe. Sophie would often go to the curb and lay there looking over to Frank’s house to see if he would appear with a treat or come over for a visit. A year ago, Frank suddenly lost his sight under unusual circumstances – so devastating for someone in his mid-80’s. Three days later his wife suffered a fatal stroke. Such life changing events so close together – so very sad. He chose to go to assisted living and Sophie and I would visit him almost daily. Sophie still would go to Frank’s house door as always and bark, patiently waiting for him to come to the door. Some days, Sophie and I would just go over and sit on the back steps with our sadness. Now a year later, April 12th, it was time for Sophie to leave me too. Such a hard decision. If I could just hold her one more time… Sophie can never be replaced – she was so very special. Went camping, hiking, backpacking & kayaking with our friends who all loved her. It’s been a tough year so far – I often hear the click of her toenails, the clink of her tag on her dish, her dainty lapping of water in the middle of the night. I expect to see her in her usual spots and I miss our 8:30 play time in the evening – I could set my watch by her expecting to play. Sorry, I didn’t mean to go on forever but I know everyone that has had a pet grieves a long time. So, I’m gardening with a vengeance but I miss her out there as well – she was always with me and I mean always and she still is… I just can’t think of getting a new dog.
Valerie says
*****LOVE***** your pics….keep those pet pictures a regular feature!!!!! Well our little mini labradoodle is 2 1/2 and has NEVER been away from us..we have never left her side for more than…ummm…20 mins. tops (except for grooming appts.) ! Our lives are centered around her…and just couldn’t be without her….we are very lucky though, at this point in our lives to have the opportunity to not have to leave her…. Cheers…Valerie 🙂
Terry L Stites says
Happy Anniversary. I enjoyed the pictures very much, and plan on making the dessert soon. Thank you for making my day. My mini short haired Border Collie,(mutt), Jesse Jane, is OK with being alone for the occasional times I need to go into town. If I have to be gone for any amount of time, my grandkids are next door.
NickieO says
Lost my kitty 2 years ago, but I always watch my daughter and son in laws kitty (Leesie). She’s always the first to come greet me when I visit. But I worry cause I’m ready for my new kitty and she doesn’t like other animals. Don’t you and the silver fox also have a kitty. Loved your pictures!
Chris says
We used to meet my parents halfway between our homes (total distance.2.5.hrs) and they would take our Jack Russell Terrier back to their house. Brodie would happily go away with “Grandma” and “Grandpa” to be spoiled rotten. Following Brodie’s passing, we recently adopted two Jack Russell puppies. My parents have generously offered to come stay at our house to keep the pups in their routine. I just hope they pack their patience!
Juls Owings says
First, Happy Anniversary.
Second I have Chrome and everything was fine.
Third… we don’t go together for any length of time but if we did our son would come stay and then make trips to spend time and take care of his cats who I watch when he is away for his jobs.We would like to find a house sitter that combines with dogs when we finish moving.
Sunni says
Happy Anniversary! Re the pooch pics: How very sweet!! Avery has made your home hers. All good news.
Elizabeth says
How adorable!!
When we go out of town either my daughter house/dog sits, bringing her Shiba Inu to play with our yellow lab, or our friend brings his two dogs to stay. Either way our Sam has canine company when we’re away! It makes it so much easier for him! And it’s peace of mind for us, too.
Dayna Springfield says
This was a well needed puppy break! Thank you for the cuteness overload!
Meghan Girroir says
I see the makings of a children’s book -the window photo as the cover. Made me so happy to see such joy!!!
Maraya says
Reading through some more posts, I realized I missed the intro on your email and I never said Happy Anniversary! 20 years! Fantastic!
Liz says
When my children go on vacation, their pups enjoy staying with their Granny (me) who enjoys having them as much as they like to visit.
Dorothy Loose says
They’re adorable. So enjoyable to be able to go away and know your pet is being cared for and having the company of another dog.
Elaine Clark says
The dogs look like they were left in good hands. Don’t you two have a cat or two ? Hope your trip was fun and successful.
Isabelle Maddock says
Love the photos of Avery & Fergus! I hope you had an enjoyable time away. Your home, garden, recipes, and commentary are a pleasure. Thank you for sharing.
Cindi says
Oh Kevin, you should have a caption contest for the photo of the two pups at the window.
My yoga teacher is our fabulous chicken, cat and dog sitter when we leave. The animals love her, especially the dogs when she gives massages!
My daughter has a group of friends who have formed a dog sitting co-op. It was working beautifully until they all decided to vacation together in Mexico! Her solution was to put her house on airbnb, where she found a traveling nurse who was happy to dog and house sit in exchange for free boarding. Win-win!
Jane Gillespie says
I am with others who thinks the one of the dogs looking out the window together is a masterpiece!!! So sweet!!!
Marilyn says
Adding my two cents to Heidi and Maraya’s opinion of the Dogs On Alert photo. It is art…..and actually could be used commercially. Great picture.
Grammie Pam says
Hello, and wishing you a happy anniversary!
I am just writing because I was also on vacation .
I have the best neighbors who over the years have watched my dogs and cat while I was away.
Even though I don’t have a dog right now my daughter asked if my neighbors could watch their family dog Hannah while we were all away on vacation because the neighbors are so good about taking care of them while we are away.
One family takes the morning shift and evening shift and the other comes over in the afternoon to take them outside and ❤️ and play with them.
I truly have the best neighbors .Now with cell phones keeping in touch is so easy.