09/13/2026
In Loving Memory of Sal 🕊️❤️
There’s a side of being a pet sitter that people don’t always get to see.
Sometimes we walk into someone’s life thinking we’re simply there to care for their dog, and in such a short amount of time, they become so much more than just a client.
Sal was Winston’s owner, and Winston quickly became my buddy. ❤️ I started caring for Winston because Sal was battling cancer and had many appointments. His situation was a little different and required flexibility that not every pet sitter may have been able to take on, but something in my heart told me to help. So we made it work.
The difficult part was knowing that with cancer, you never really know what tomorrow is going to bring. I never knew when a visit with Sal might be the last time I saw him.
Sal has since passed away, and my heart hurts not only for his family, but especially for Winston. 💔
Dogs may not understand death the way that we do, but they absolutely understand when their person is suddenly gone. They know their scent, their voice, their routines, their footsteps, their touch. Their entire little world can revolve around that person. Winston didn’t just lose an owner—he lost his closest companion, his home base, and the person he loved unconditionally.
One thing I am incredibly thankful for is knowing that Winston was able to stay within Sal’s family, surrounded by familiar people and receiving all the love he deserves. I know that would mean everything to Sal.
This job has taught me that pet sitting is so much more than feeding, walking, and caring for animals. Sometimes you’re trusted to step into someone’s life during one of their most vulnerable chapters. You become part of their story, even if only for a little while.
One thing about Stone Hearth Pet Services is that we have never wanted to be just a pet sitting company. We are family-owned, family-run, and when you trust us with your animals, in a way, you become part of our little Stone Hearth family too. ❤️ Moments like this remind me exactly why that means so much to us.
I’ll always be grateful that Sal trusted Stone Hearth Pet Services with his best friend. And Winston, you’ll always be one of my buddies. ❤️🐾
Rest peacefully, Sal. 🕊️
Thank you for trusting me with someone who meant the world to you.
Some clients and pets leave paw prints on your business. Others leave them on your heart. ❤️🐾