For over half my life, I lived in rural coastal town in Downeast Maine.  We had two dogs, four cats, four parakeets, two horses, three ducks, six chickens all at the same time!  Frequently, I would also watch our neighbors pets as well.  I was a member of 4-H and United States Pony Club.  When I went off to college, I was looking forward to coming home and seeing my pets and couldn't wait until I could bring my cats with me.  After college, I moved to the Boston area and desperately wanted to bring my cats but it has turned out there are many people allergic!!!! 

Finally, I was able to take one of my cats home with me.  Kittie, my 18 year old cat, stayed with my mother in Maine.  In the summer of 2002, my mother went on vacation and left my cat in the care of what we thought was a reliable neighbor.  When my mother returned, Kittie was no where to be found.  It turns out the "friend" came the first few days and then let Kittie outside and never came back.  We never saw Kittie again and I was heartbroken. 

Since I work 99% of the jobs myself, I always ensure that I will be available and able to care for the pet as the owner would if they were home.