(Post #38) From Purrs to Paws: A Farewell to Miss Kitty and a Hello to Niki

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Only eight days left with Miss Kitty, and I’m already feeling a twinge of sadness about saying goodbye to this little character. But soon, it’ll be time to bid adieu to the cat naps and hello to Niki—a sprightly 5-year-old schnauzer. Niki’s owners have invited me for a dry run to get familiar with their home and routines, which is a common and comforting step for both parties. I actually first met them back in July, fresh from my Ontario trip, and we clicked well enough that they decided I was the right fit for their home and Niki. I always appreciate when people trust me with their beloved pets and homes—it feels like a little vote of confidence!

So, I’ll be back with them start of November for a walkthrough, just in time to start the real stint. I’ll be there until the end of November, right in the heart of Victoria, just steps from my gym, plenty of shops, and an array of restaurants. I might even pretend to be a tourist!

Unlike Miss Kitty, who’s perfectly content with her independence, Niki’s dog status naturally requires a bit more attention. But the upside? Dogs are like magnets for social encounters, and every walk becomes a chance to meet someone new. And while the walks are technically for Niki, I have a feeling I’ll be reaping some benefits too—fresh air, friendly faces, and a little routine of my own.

But first, it was time to see Graeme one last time before he heads off to Malaysia. So, I thought it only fair to visit him on his home turf in Nanaimo, over on the East Coast of Vancouver Island. While I hop from house to house with my pet-sitting gigs, Graeme lucks out with close friends who offer him a cozy basement suite during his six-month BC stay each summer and fall. I’ve been looking forward to meeting them—and, through Graeme’s stories, I already feel like I know them a little. He has this eclectic circle of friends he's collected over the years, which I admire. Like me, he treasures friendships, and it’s clear that he’s made some good ones.

To get there, I took a scenic detour via the ferry from Brentwood Bay to Mill Bay, a charming shortcut that skips over 30 km of road and crosses an inlet of water.  This ferry happens to be the oldest continuously running ferry on the BC coast—proof that good things do last! Normally, I’d drive the stunning Malahat route, but with BC’s winter tire rule in effect from October 1st, and my tires still blissfully summery, the ferry was the wise (and legal) choice.

Arriving at Graeme’s, I was welcomed by his friends—a lovely couple in their early 70s who’ve been together for over 40 years and have known Graeme for nearly as long. The warmth and curiosity were mutual; I suspect they were quite keen to meet “the blind date.” I could tell they were genuinely happy for him, which felt wonderful. 

We didn’t have long, but we squeezed in a walk along the seawall, topped off with a cozy lunch. It’s funny how much we wanted to pack into those few hours, as if we could squeeze in all the conversations we’d miss while he’s on the other side of the world. But there’s something comforting in knowing that, even from afar, the story doesn’t end—it’s just shifting to a long-distance chapter.

Miss Kitty On My Lap; A Very Different Cat - Success!!



Next: Post #39 -  The Case of the Evening Flood: Saying Goodbye with a Splash

 


Location: North Saanich, BC, Canada

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