Dog Sitting in Palos Verdes Estates

For the last two weekends we’ve been dog-sitting in Palos Verdes Estates (PV) for a one-year old Vizsla called Shogi. This breed of Hungarian dog was bred as a pointer and retriever, but all Shogi really wants to do – is play catch, cuddle and be your best friend!

Shogi was super affectionate, after she got over her initial shyness. And was like looking after an excitable 3 year old toddler.

PV is a unique area of Los Angeles, on a promontory in the South Bay just below Redondo Beach. It’s been a couple of years since we dog sat in this neighbourhood, but I was excited to be staying in the area, albeit for two short weekends.

It’s easy to get lost in this neighbourhood. It’s a slightly rural area and the road seems to loop endlessly amid the hills, and if you miss your turning you can’t do a U-turn for miles.

I’m without a car at the moment so I had to venture there in an Uber, and even with their access to navigation apps, two of my Uber drivers missed the turning.

It’s a great neighbourhood for dogs, and there was a trail right at the end of the street. Shogi had lots of energy so needed a couple of long walks each day. She loved playing catch with a stick and a ball, but like any toddler she got distracted easily.

I got a little distracted too .. the views from up here are a reminder of how big and sprawling Los Angeles is.

It’s always a little nerve-racking when you dog sit for a new pet. You don’t know how responsive they’re going to be to your command, especially where there’s squirrels in the vicinity, but Shogi was a model pupil and there was no bother getting her back on her lead when we left the trail to head back to the house.

Shogi was a real bundle of energy, and just wanted to cuddle. No matter where Red sat, Shogi wasn’t too far away … stuck like velcro.

Luckily we were instructed to give her two really, really long walks to tire her out by the end of the day, so that we could relax in the evening.

And when it was time to watch a movie … Red and Shogi got comfortable on the couch and settled in for the evening.

Red slept through the movie … so Shogi and I watched it together.