We have been blessed to always be able to have family members come care for our pets while we're away. Most recently two of my sons spent the week here with our two cats. It was nice for them to have the house to hang out in (they live in a small apartment with another person) and we had the benefit of knowing our girls were with people they know and love, and who love them. My youngest son actually gets right down on the floor so our Siamese can hang out all over him. She loves attention, so that's nice.
It seems to be a thing in my family to do this. My husband cared for my brother's dogs over the weekend, and my son used to do it when he still lived here. Two of my boys have both house/dog sat for my sister's two labs. She and I recently spoke of this and she said she feels really good knowing that her dogs, both aged and one pretty debilitated, are with someone who loves and will be patient with them while she's away.
I know not everyone has this option, and sometimes hiring a person who just "knows" animals is beneficial, but I'd be lost if I didn't have family members to care for our pets when we're away.
She loves attention, so that's nice. 
