We and Scout the axolotl became great pals…
Anna and Cody—known online as @ecohousesitters—won FurPetVo’s January #TrustedTales competition with their heartwarming story of connection, care, and unexpected friendship. Their winning entry earned them an extra year of membership on furpetvo.com, celebrating the joy and meaning found in pet sitting across continents.
From friends to partners—and pet sitters
Their journey began in 2019—not with grand plans, but with a gentle nudge from Sausage, a friendly dog they cared for in Fiji. “We started pet sitting together back when we were just friends,” Anna recalls. “Our pet sitting career together actually started before our relationship officially did!” Whether it was the sun-drenched beaches, the shared purpose of supporting pets and owners alike—or Sausage’s quiet matchmaking talents—their bond deepened into both love and lifelong collaboration.
Lifelong love for animals
For Anna, caring for animals has been second nature since childhood. “I started pet sitting in early elementary school—and just never stopped,” she says. “It’s how I express care—for animals, for people without a voice, and for our planet.”
Cody’s upbringing was a living encyclopedia of animal life: parrots, geckos, frogs, chinchillas, candy cane shrimp, German Shepherds, and more. “I grew up surrounded by creatures big and small,” he shares. “As a marine biologist, my passion is rooted in protecting life—especially marine organisms—but all animals deserve compassion and thoughtful care.”
Life on the move—and love in every sit
Today, Anna and Cody live a fully nomadic lifestyle—no permanent address, no fixed schedule. They move every two weeks, accepting pet sits around the world. “Because we don’t own a home, owning our own pets isn’t practical,” Anna explains. “But through FurPetVo, we get our daily dose of puppy love, feline cuddles, and even axolotl admiration. It’s the perfect balance.”
One standout sit took place in Hawaii, where they cared for Kai—a spirited 1-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer. “He’s basically a full-grown puppy!” Cody laughs. “Training him stretched us in ways we didn’t expect: patience, consistency, stamina—even our running endurance improved! He’s got that ‘giant sour patch kid’ energy—but when he’s sweet? He’s pure, unconditional love. We truly adore Kai like he’s family.”
More than dogs and cats
Their pet-sitting repertoire reads like a wildlife documentary script: guinea pigs, desert tortoises older than themselves, massive cats named El Tigre (who occasionally chewed shoes but repaid the crime with legendary snuggles), and even Scout—the unforgettable axolotl.
“Every time Anna fed Scout, she’d take frozen beef liver straight from the freezer and hand-feed her tiny chunks,” Cody remembers fondly. “Scout would follow Anna’s finger around the glass—curious, calm, completely trusting. Axolotls are one of my favorite animals on earth.”
Eco-conscious care, inside and out
Beyond their deep affection for animals, Anna and Cody stand out for their commitment to sustainability—something many FurPetVo pet owners especially appreciate. They make their own toothpaste, choose plastic-free toothbrushes and reusable bags, and prioritize biodegradable or plant-based daily essentials—from bamboo hairbrushes to compostable hairbands. They shop locally, conserve water, turn off lights, and walk or bike whenever possible.
So what’s next? Their upcoming sit includes caring for two rescued dogs—and two other beloved companions whose names they’re already learning by heart.
