A long time ago some guidance counsellor invited me to imagine a career that I could enjoy so much it wouldn't seem like work.
I remember thinking geez there's so many beautiful beaches and mountains to see and interesting books to read...couldn't I just skip the work part and live like a millionaire and not actually do anything except eat and drink and chuckle with my chums and just generally go fishing?

Flash forward a few decades and I'm now an expert house sitter and it sure feels a lot like living the dream.

People trust me with their keys and critters because I am trustworthy. I love their pets like they were my own and I don't snoop in their drawers unless I think the corkscrew is in there. When I'm not gawking at the sea and sky I keep hot tubs sparkling, vehicles charged, gardens pruned, decks scrubbed etc. Always leave a place and pet in better condition than when you arrived is my policy.

I recently returned for another five month contract at a mansion on the cliffs of Pender Harbour, taking care of my favourite dog Copper, an amiable and formerly lazy 10 year old golden lab. When he came into my life he was 102 pounds of grinning cookie dough. 3 months later he was carved out of wood; 10 pounds down and he bounds around like the clock wound back 3 years! He makes me a better, fitter person just knowing him.

Be like dog. This is my mantra. Dog ain't hung up on ownership. Dog ain't got no pockets. Dog desires nothing but your love, some grub and possession of that ball for as long as you'll chuck it. Dog just wants to live intensely in the moment. Dog looks out over the same landscape I do and affirms his joy at being able to breathe it in. There is no lying in him. Would that we all could be so humble and content…

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I bear a charmed life so I share my toys and say please and thank you.

Music, Movies, and Books

Birdsongs Fight Club Barkskins