I have intermittently house-sat along with pet-sitting, mostly for friends, over the past 4 decades or so. I love animals and they love me. I have had many cats and dogs of my own over the years but I am currently living in a place that does not permit pets. I find I’m enjoying others’ pets vicariously and when I am out walking I usually greet the dogs (along with the owners) and there are dogs who see me coming now & pull their owners along to me.