My First Sit
By Julie & Jonathan
Meet Txuri, the Super-Sized Softie
Meet 9-year-old Pyrenean Mastiff, Txuri. She’s a gentle giant—and she was Julie and Jonathan’s first-ever house and pet sit after joining FurPetVo. They cared for her for five weeks in January 2018 in the charming coastal town of Aldeburgh, Suffolk.
The owner, Diana, was planning a special five-week “trip of a lifetime” to Tanzania with her family. Like Julie and Jonathan, Diana was also new to FurPetVo—making their connection feel especially warm and grounded in shared trust and fresh beginnings.
After submitting their application and receiving Diana’s enthusiastic reply, the trio spoke on the phone for hours—and instantly clicked.
A Shared Love of Spain—and So Much More
Julie and Jonathan discovered they shared more than just a love of animals: both had deep ties to Spain. Diana had lived and worked there and still owned property in Madrid; Julie and Jonathan had recently returned from living there themselves. Their common ground sparked an instant bond.
They arranged a meet-up at Diana’s home—just an hour away in nearby Norfolk. Everyone was thrilled at the chance to connect in person.
Diana invited them over for lunch in November 2017—a relaxed, joyful gathering where Txuri instantly stole their hearts. Diana made them feel incredibly welcome, and after only a short conversation—and plenty of cuddles—she surprised them with heartfelt words: “Can I just say now, I already love you two and want you to care for my precious hound and home—is that okay?”
It was deeply emotional. Both Julie and Jonathan teared up. They spent hours learning about Txuri’s journey—from her puppyhood in northeastern Spain to her life as Diana’s beloved companion. Diana noticed Txuri leaning affectionately against them both and explained it was her way of offering comfort and trust.
A Home Full of Wonder—and Gin
Diana’s home is beautiful—just steps from the seafront and Aldeburgh town centre. A passionate wildlife enthusiast, she’s transformed her garden into a haven for birds. Her extensive bird book collection helped Julie and Jonathan identify local species and understand their habits.
Of the two large Garden Summer rooms, one is stocked with every kind of bird feed imaginable—and the other? Diana’s very own “Gin Palace,” complete with laughter-inducing stories and generous hospitality. It was clear they’d met an extraordinary, warm-hearted woman—and fallen in love with her equally extraordinary dog.
Riverside Walks and Local Charm
Julie and Jonathan arrived the day before Diana’s departure. After tea, heartfelt chats, and plenty of snuggles with Txuri, they met Ginny—Diana’s close friend and local contact during her absence.
They took a quick tour of Aldeburgh, soaking up local knowledge from Diana herself. Everyone they met knew—and adored—her. Then came the best part: a walk with Txuri along the riverbanks and fields, guided by Diana, who showed them Txuri’s favourite routes. The convenience was magical—scenic riverside strolls right from the doorstep, plus the beach just across the street.
She Became Like Our Own
Julie and Jonathan bonded with Txuri almost immediately. Her calm, kind temperament and love of human affection made her easy to welcome into their daily rhythm. She loved cuddling—especially because, at her size, it felt like mutual comfort.
Grooming time was a highlight: Txuri wore a blissful smile, clearly enjoying the massage-like sensation—and the careful removal of excess fluff from her dense coat.
From the very first night, Txuri slept beside their bed. In fact, Diana later shared that for the first few nights after returning home, Txuri still slept in their bedroom—and looked for them.
