Debbie's story: From Vancouver to London
Sally Keegan
September 29, 2018
4 min read
I come from Vancouver, Canada, and love to travel. I moved to the UK over 20 years ago—but recently, I wasn’t sure whether it was time to return home. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to explore many corners of the world, and time and again, I kept hearing about house sitting. I adore animals—and I especially cherish having quiet, temporary homes that let me discover places in ways I never could as a tourist. Even in cities I think I know well, a local’s perspective opens entirely new doors.
I live in Brighton, UK—but I’ve seriously considered moving back to Vancouver twice. Both times, FurPetVo helped me decide my next step. It’s been the easiest platform to use, the most reliable, and—best of all—I’ve met wonderful people and pets along the way.
My house sitting journey in the UK began before my second trip back to Vancouver. To build strong references on furpetvo.com, I took on several local sits near Brighton. That groundwork paid off: during my seven-month stay in Vancouver, I secured house sits for my entire time there. Vancouver is expensive to live in without permanent housing—so house sitting wasn’t just convenient, it was transformative. It made my stay affordable—and, more importantly, helped me realize I wasn’t meant to settle there long-term. Instead, I knew it was time to return to the UK—and set my sights on London.
Brighton is wonderful—but I dreamed of splitting my time between the coast and the capital. So I designed my ideal lifestyle: a home on England’s south coast, plus one week each month in London caring for cats. Buying in London wasn’t feasible, but thanks to FurPetVo, this dream became reality.
I’ve shared my life with cats for most of my adult years—but last year, I welcomed my first chihuahua puppy. She’s been a lifelong wish—and though I’d worried about balancing her needs with my mobile lifestyle, FurPetVo gave me the confidence to say yes. Now, I’m on both sides of the platform: a trusted sitter *and* a pet owner.
My husband usually looks after our chihuahua while I’m in London (we both work remotely), and when we travel, we now book sitters through FurPetVo with complete peace of mind. My first experience as an owner was recently—and it went beautifully. It felt strange, at first, being on the “other side” of the sitter-owner conversation—but deeply rewarding.
A Life Full of Furry Friends—and Freedom
Now, I get to enjoy cat companionship in London, share daily life with my beloved chihuahua at home, and live in two of my favorite places on Earth. I work primarily from my laptop—but I love heading up to London for in-person meetings, theatre shows, and spontaneous adventures. I’ve even been called a “cat whisperer”—a title that makes my heart skip, because my love for felines runs deep.
Over the years, I’ve cared for dogs, cats, and birds through FurPetVo. One of my most memorable sits was at an organic winery in Canada’s Okanagan Valley. Just down the road were bottles named ‘Hot Flash’ and ‘Rose-eh’—so every dog walk doubled as a scenic stroll past vineyards. There was also a ravine trail perfect for quiet reflection and a nearby golf course with breathtaking valley views—even better than the panorama from the living room window. And yes—I warmed the home each evening with a crackling log fire. Pure Canadian magic.
Building a Career—and a Life—That Fits
My career is thriving here in the UK—and I credit much of that growth to the flexibility FurPetVo affords me. Spending one week a month in London keeps me connected to key networks and opportunities, while my coastal base provides balance, inspiration, and calm. House sitting hasn’t just saved me money—it’s empowered me to explore every option, test possibilities, and ultimately choose the life I truly want.
So—to answer the question that once kept me awake: *Do I go back to Canada or stay in the UK?* The answer is clear: the UK is home. And now, I’m living two dreams at once—my London rhythm *and* my chihuahua, who’s absolutely gorgeous. We’re all very happy.
