I believe a dog or cat can tell if you are "friend or foe". I have a natural soft and caring spot in my heart for them and they seem to recognize this. When they are in my care they have my full attention whether it be feeding, playing or just cuddling. Not long ago I was staying in a client's home sitting her four cats. She was gone for a week and that was such a fun time for me. Each cat had his own personality and unique traits. This made sitting for them interesting and anything but boring. I like sitting for the pets in their own home environment. It is less tramatic for them and for the sitter. Sitting is not work to me; it's fun and games.