Mick and I had been looking forward to coming to Cardiff. We had deliberately avoided visiting it during our week in Wales in early December (four weeks ago), knowing full well we’d have more than two weeks to explore it while we cared for this little white dog.

But, in fact, she is not too little. She has a fat little tummy, and is not too keen to go for a walk.

When we were met by Mitzi (as we got off the bus from Bristol), she was very friendly and happy to have our attention. Her owners enjoy travelling, and as a result Mitzi is used to ‘house sitters’.

We are staying in the suburb of Ely in an ex-council townhouse. The unit has three bedrooms (all upstairs) and a small courtyard. It is very cosy, but I think Mick and I have worked out what is too small for us when we eventually downsize from our current home.

After spending a night with the owners before their departure on a cruise with seven other friends, the following morning turned into a very busy affair. All seven friends were meeting at our house sitting location. That made eleven adults (including Mick and me), one dog and loads of luggage, including our large bags (as there was no room for them upstairs in our bedroom). We suggested we take Mitzi for a walk until the airport transfer driver arrived and everyone had left. This seemed like a good idea – it would distract Mitzi from getting too anxious that she was being left with two strangers, and it would allow a little more room in the townhouse. I jokingly said as we headed out the door and said our goodbyes, “Make sure you don’t take our bags when you go.” We did laugh a bit as we discussed the possibility of my underwear being worn by one of the males. Ha Ha.

Off we went and explored the area close by. This is Ely Bridge.

Here Mitzi is letting Mick know that this was as far as she was going.

When we arrived back at Mitzi’s home, all the adults and all the luggage was gone; including Mick and my suitcases. We searched the upstairs rooms just in case they had been stowed safely somewhere else. But, no. They were definitely gone.

I immediately texted the home owner (as they were heading to Gatwick Airport) and alerted him to the situation. At first he thought I was joking, because of our little joke before he left. When I assured him I was not joking, he got back to me to say the driver would deliver our bags later. And sure enough, around 7.00pm the driver turned up with our bags. Phew.

Meanwhile, Mitzi was happy to adopt Mick as a good spot for a rest.

We had all had quite an eventful start to this house sit.