Hi, I am Max the Dog. About a week ago, my people disappeared. I heard words like South America, Iguazu Falls, suitcase, and more importantly…Pet Sitter.

And just like that, my people left, and Janet, the dog sitter, appeared. I don’t know where she came from, but she has been here ever since. I have heard her talk to friends about Trusted Housesitters, so maybe that is where she came from. Do these people just pop up from another reality? I don’t know.

I like having her here. She walks me, feeds me (I love food), pets me often, and even found a ball for me to play with. She is pretty good to have around. I would be very lonely if she wasn’t here and my peeps were gone. I sometimes get stressed if any of my peeps are gone too long. I carry stuffed toys in my mouth when I get distressed or worried. I am used to attention and having my needs met.

After all, I am a Dog!

I am an older dog, whatever that means. I have a gray muzzle, which I guess is a sign of being old. I also take stuff for my joints. People call it arthritis. I call it feeling stiff and achy in my legs, and I have four legs that I need to take care of because I love to go for walks.

Janet takes me out walking twice a day, and I get to smell and sniff to my heart’s content. Every time I walk, I have to check all my mailboxes and find some new ones. That is how we dogs communicate. Oh, there was Fluffy, who stopped to mark her mailbox, and Rex and Eric and…well, you get the idea. We dogs like to stay in touch.

One day, I met Ella. She is much younger than me and has a lot of energy. She bounced and appeared anxious to move. Janet liked her owner. They talked, and finally, the four of us set off on a mini-adventure to the water towers. I have been walking a lot. When we return to the house, I find one of my comfy beds and dream of my adventures.

I have three beds: one in the living room, one in Janet’s bedroom, and one in “The Office.” I spend most of my time in the living room, but when Janet goes to bed each night, I sleep in her room. I like my people close by. I sleep better hearing them breathe.

Janet tells me that my peeps will return soon, but I don’t know what that means. What is soon? Today? Tomorrow? I don’t know, so I guess I will have to take her word for it. Each day, I look at the door with a bit of anticipation, but nope, not that day. Meanwhile, Janet is here loving me and ensuring I don’t starve for food or affection, and I get my walkies in.

It is nice to meet you, and in my language, I greet you…”Woof, Woof.”