How pet-sitting Mac empowered me to make a big decision of my own

I've been living in share houses for more than a decade and, while I've loved living with others, having time to myself has always been important.

It gives me space to decompress, and not feel self-conscious about my routines or habits (nothing crazy apart from the occasional weeknight wine, promise).

And it's the reason why I often agree to house and pet-sitting for friends (or friends of friends) when asked. 

One particular house-sitting stint led to a big life decision. 

Five weeks with Mac 

I've lived in nipaluna/Hobart, Tasmania, for large sections of my adult life. I consider it my home, with very little room for surprises. 

But house-sitting for others has allowed me to consider what I want in the future.

Enter Mac, the kelpie-cross-border-collie who influenced my future more than she will ever know. 

I looked after Mac for five weeks, which flew by. She was a lovely older dog, who enjoyed the beach and roast chicken from the supermarket.

Mac came with a detailed routine: roast chicken placed inside her dog toy every morning when I left for work; one short walk a day; bed set up in the living room at night. 

At first, I didn't understand why it was so specific. But I soon came to realise this routine captured someone else's consistent love for their dog. And, of course, Mac appreciated it the most.  

Life's test drive 

After years of indecision, I made a deal with myself before my pet-sitting stint with Mac.

If it went well, I would get a dog of my own.

Knowing dogs can be as individual as humans, I understood that every experience would be different.

Mac – with her chin quivering when treats came out – was an older dog and set in her ways. 

But the deal I made with myself stuck.

When those five weeks with Mac wrapped up, I knew what I had to do.  

Enter Winnie 

March 2020 brought a version of life that none of us had experienced before.  

I was one of the first to be sent home to work from my dining room. 

And, as it turned out, it was the final push I needed.

Winnie – a butt-wiggling black labrador that licks everyone she meets – is now three years old. 

She's my first ever dog and, yes, she is what you would call a genuine "pandemic puppy".  

She has taught me patience, flexibility and just how much love a pet can provide.

If I hadn't taken up the occasional house or pet-sitting opportunity – and if I had never met Mac – I doubt Winnie would be with me today. 

That's something I don't want to imagine. 

Megan Macdonald is a social media producer with the ABC based in nipaluna/Hobart, Tasmania.