Pet Sitter Thinks Dogs Are Exhausted Until She Turns Toward Home

Michelle Wilcock runs Lola's Pet Sitting Services in Barnsley, England, caring for plenty of wonderful four-legged clients. But none have mastered the art of being dramatic quite like Buddy and Jake, two dachshunds who always act delighted at the prospect of an outdoor adventure until reality sets in. Once their paws hit the pavement, their enthusiasm quickly evaporates into a sluggish trudge. As Wilcock explained to The Dodo, the brothers will amble along as if completely out of energy, only to experience a miraculous recovery the instant she decides to head back. "I discovered their tendency to want to go home when we were walking, and I said, 'Come on then, we will turn around.' And then they set off running," Wilcock recalled.

Despite their stubborn homebody tendencies, Wilcock makes sure Buddy and Jake get all the fresh air and exercise they need. For her, looking after them is deeply meaningful: she founded her pet-sitting business to help heal her heart after losing her own dog, Lola. Caring for sweet, funny pups like these two brings joy right back into her days.