We used to hire a pet sitter, too, but Sugar never liked to be in the house very much, so it was much easier having someone come feed and play with her twice a day. Roscoe would probably tear down the back door if he were left outside while we were gone. He's never handled 'alone' very well! :)
That's exactly what I've been doin. ;)
They know better than to leave me inside, I had my shock collar on and stayed outside around the house. I have a couple of beds outside, one in the garage and one in my doghouse on the back patio. It did get a little spooky at night when the critters came around. Mom was worried that I would get too close to a skunk and get sprayed.
Daisy Mae