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After the relationship concluded, I believed vacations as a solo mother would be straightforward. I soon realized they were either outrageously costly, or appeared exclusively suitable for “traditional” families, or were so budget that I came back more knackered than when I started.

Initial Holiday Attempts

My first attempt, camping alongside companions, was fine up until the moment came to dismantle the tent. Four hours of wrestling with it under the sun later, I developed a dislike for camping. Next, the adventure trip for single-parent households. The abseiling and exploring caves were fantastic, but resting in a bunk bed wrecked my spine. We attempted a low-cost all-inclusive on the island, but the hordes of nuclear families were overwhelming, and poolside chats with other women died down because I didn’t come with a handy husband for their own husbands to chat with. A trip to Mallorca with a friend and her children was wonderful, but the cost was staggering.

Finding Pet-Sitting

Then, last autumn, an acquaintance inquired if we’d house-sit her pets in Devon as she attended to a ceremony. During a tranquil weekend, we walked on the beach, and curled up near the fireplace in the evening. This prompted to pet-sitting for her friend in the region, which also went well. Encouraged, I subscribed with an annual £99 fee to register on a pet-sitting website, through which, by caring for people’s animals, you stay in their homes without cost. Within a few days, I’d arranged a ten-day pet-sit in Sussex, caring for a labrador called Buzz while his owners were abroad.

Our daily walks gave us the opportunity to discover stunning natural settings.

It was the initial assignment for unknown individuals, but all anxiety dissipated as soon as we arrived the gorgeous spacious house and met the gentle Buzz, who thrived for belly scratches. Each day's canine strolls gave us the opportunity to venture into magnificent scenic areas, and, once we came back, we could unwind in the garden for important conversations about our favourite “Ghosts” characters in the BBC sitcom. There were no expensive tourist traps to traipse through – rather, we perused bookshops, indulged to manicures, and embarked on kayak trips. I felt lighter and happier than I had for a long time, and could feel the connection with my daughter Polly strengthen daily. I’m not afraid to say that I cried from joy. Life seemed achievable once more.

Could Pet-Sitting Right for You?

Pet-sitting isn’t for everyone. Certain individuals want zero duties on holiday apart from selecting their upcoming cocktail, are not fond of dogs or cats, or find it strange about sleeping in a someone else’s bed, clearing the dishwasher, and putting out their bins. However the soothing pace of everyday life, with employment removed and new places to investigate, suits me for me.

It keeps myself from descending into complete inactivity, a state that leaves me experience twitchy and oddly empty. Moreover, monetarily, pet-sitting acts as a lifeline for a single parent. A 10-day break in a similar-sized property within the identical region we stayed could cost me back about £2,500 on Airbnb.

A New Perspective

As for staying in a another person’s house, I discovered it nourishing. Although pet-sitting is a exchange, it is equally an act of faith among strangers and animals, that has brought out my best self – my calm, caring and balanced side, overflowing with gratitude for the people and locations we encounter. I have scheduled another short break away, caring for a whippet within verdant Surrey, and, next year, I’d like to attempt pet-sitting overseas. Due to a touch of innovative planning, we are able to see the globe from the comfort of home – it just turns out to be someone else’s.