My First Sit | Melissa & Jordan
While it's always a special moment when FurPetVo members first connect with one another, for many, it's their very first pet sit experience that truly stands out. Sitter members Melissa and Jordan share the story of their debut house sit — a serene lakeside stay in North Indiana that felt almost too good to be true.
A Dream Takes Shape
A little over three years ago, Melissa and Jordan faced a crossroads: renew their lease, buy a home, or take a gap year to travel — a dream they’d cherished for years. When Melissa learned from a friend about traveling through pet sitting across North America and Australia via furpetvo.com, that dream suddenly felt within reach.
Of course, the practical hurdles loomed large — downsizing nearly all their belongings, ending a nearly five-year lease, and leaving behind their hometown, friends, and careers. Yet the idea took hold. Though bittersweet, they embraced the excitement of what lay ahead.
Getting Started on FurPetVo
Setting up their FurPetVo profile was straightforward — and even fun. Gathering references from friends and family wasn’t daunting, and once complete, they dove into browsing listings, already hooked by the possibilities.
They decided to begin their journey in the eastern U.S., where they’d be visiting family. Unsure how competitive it would be as newcomers, they applied to listings with hopeful curiosity — and were pleasantly surprised when responses came quickly.
One opportunity stood out: caring for three dogs at a stunning 10,000-square-foot lakeside home in North Indiana, complete with a private dock and kayaks. The pups — Josie, Farve, and Louie — were described as affectionate and full of personality. “We thought it was too good to be true,” they admit — but applied anyway.
The Interview That Changed Everything
Within 24 hours, homeowners Tom and Deb reached out to schedule a Skype call. Nervous but eager, Melissa and Jordan joined the call — and it went perfectly. Like them, Tom and Deb were first-timers navigating the process, and they expressed genuine confidence in entrusting their pets, fish, and home to the duo.
“WOW. We couldn’t believe it,” they recall. “But we didn’t dare ask if they were *sure* — just in case they changed their minds!”
Life at the Lake
When the day arrived to meet Tom, Deb, and the pups, the warmth continued. The couple welcomed them with lunch at a charming lakeside restaurant, walked them through each pet’s routine and quirks, and insisted they treat the home as their own.
Louie and Farve, the older dogs, had some health considerations but loved being near people — whether napping nearby or gently joining in quiet moments. Josie, the youngest, brimmed with energy: sprinting around the yard, leaping along the lake trail (on leash), and cheerfully watching — but never paddling — as her humans kayaked.
Evenings often meant movie night in the home’s dedicated theater room. The dogs followed along — or simply followed *them*, curling up for cuddles. In the exercise room, they’d stroll over during sit-ups and eagerly retrieve fallen ping-pong balls.
Tom and Deb were so delighted with the arrangement that they invited Jordan’s parents and grandmother to stay — who were equally enchanted by both the property and the pups. Together, they enjoyed lakeside walks, quiet mornings sipping tea with the dogs beside them, and lazy afternoons exploring the peaceful neighborhood.
A Fond Farewell — and a New Beginning
Two weeks flew by. When Tom and Deb returned, they were overjoyed to reunite with their pets and fish — and deeply grateful for the care Melissa and Jordan provided. A warm, lasting bond formed from the very first meeting.
As they said goodbye, promises were made to stay in touch — and to return someday. Their time at the lake left them with cherished memories: watching the sunrise over the water, strolling with Josie, Farve, and Louie, and even observing the fish glide through their tank.
That first sit also opened the door to their next adventure: their inaugural international assignment, just west of London — though that story, as they say, is for another time.
Though Farve and Louie have since passed, Melissa and Jordan remain close with Tom and Deb — and with Josie, who now travels with them on their trips.
