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Sitter available

We are a retired couple who are animal lovers, trustworthy and flexible with extensive experience in house and pet sitting. Double vaccinated and booster

Canada

Testimonials

They have 11 testimonials (view below)

Pet experience

Dog(s), Cat(s), Chicken(s) – We have cared for Golden Retrievers, a Husky, a Portuguese Water Dog, a West Highland terrier, a rough Collie, a King Charles Cavalier spaniel and many rescue dogs of undermined parentage. We have also cared for Siamese, Burmese and once again many res

Police check

They don't have a police check

Availability

From: 1 April 2024
Until: 1 March 2026

Occupation

Retired Personal Assistant to a lawyer and to a General Manager at sports and entertainment stadium

References

They have referees/references (view below)

About this sitter

My husband and I are a mature retired couple who are financially secure. We have spent many years living and traveling in various parts of the world. We are trustworthy, caring, flexible and very house proud and treat both house and animals as though they were our own. We are reliable. If we are offered and accept an assignment we guarantee that we will honour our commitment to you and will not let you down at the last moment,.

Why they want to house sit

House and pet sitting for us is truly rewarding. We love animals and we also enjoy the opportunity it gives us to experience new places. We are very fit and active and enjoy cycling and hiking. Most of our assignments involve looking after animals, usually dogs and cats but we also we have cared for horses, goats and chickens and we have enjoyed the interaction we can develop with them.

Their experience

We started housesitting for family and friends many years ago and then we were referred to other people by satisfied home and pet owners. We have looked after dogs, cats, horses, goats and chickens in the UK, Australia, Canada, France, Norway, Botswana, Tuscany and Mauritius and even, on one occasion, we looked after two teenagers in Sweden. In 2013 we cared for four horses and two dogs in Tuscany and before that we were responsible for four horses in Devon, UK. Handling horses and mucking out is not a problem for us. We have cared for Golden Retrievers in Dubai and we spent three months in Botswana, Africa where we took care of a bush camp and two dogs and a cat.

We love animals but because of our lifestyle (we love to travel) we are unable to have pets of our own so we find that pet sitting is a great way to have interaction with animals. Although when the time comes to leave we are always sad to leave our new found friends behind.

We have testimonials/references which we can be viewed on this site.

We both had pets when we were young and miss having them around.

We have made a video of our most recent assignments which you may like to watch. It can be accessed through YouTube at:

https://youtu.be/BXXyiUWKEyo

What can they bring to the assignment

We can offer you complete peace of mind. We will treat your pets and property as though they were our own and you can be confident that both will receive our undivided attention. We love to potter around in the garden so any gardening chores will be taken care of. We are non-smokers and only drink the occasion glass of wine. We are very adaptable and can fit in with any arrangements you may have i.e. collecting mail or sending you emails regarding the welfare of your house and pets or anything else that you may require. We usually arrive shortly before you leave so that we can meet and receive any instructions on any special requirements regarding the house and pets. At the end of the assignment we usually leave the day after the home owner returns or when convenient to the home owner.

Available to house sit

Africa, Australia, Canada, Caribbean, Denmark, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Mauritius, Middle East, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States

Availability dates

From: 1 April 2024
Until: 1 March 2026

Do they charge?

They don't charge for house sitting services

Membership

MindMyHouse member since 2014

Personal details

Age: 66-75 years old
Family status: Couple

Total sits

Total completed house sits: 11

Testimonials

Great house and cat sitters

Moira and David stayed at my house for almost 5 weeks, taking fabulous care of my cat, and my home. They were kind enough to arrive the day before I left so we could get to know each other a little, so they could meet Stewie, and familiarise themselves with the house before I travelled. I was provided with regular detailed updates and pictures of Stewie whilst I was away, and I returned home to a super clean, tidy house. Thank you both so much!

Rachel, United Kingdom, 22 October, 2023

  • Tidy
  • Organised
  • Good at pet care
  • Reliable
  • Kept in contact
  • Friendly

The absolute best

Moira and David were the absolute best house/ dog sitters. We just loved them and more importantly our two dogs did too. We loved them so much that we hope they'll want to come back to Bequia again someday.

Elizabeth, Caribbean, 15 February, 2023

  • Tidy
  • Organised
  • Good at pet care
  • Reliable
  • Kept in contact
  • Friendly
  • Handy around the house

Amazing...simply amazing.

I cannot recommend too highly this super-couple, Moira and David. From the moment we agreed the sit, they gave assurances that they would turn up by sending a copy of their flight reservation. Moira then kept in touch with emails right until the time they arrived. It was clear right from the start that we were leaving our beloved pets in two very safe pairs of hands. While we were away they kept us informed of our pets' well being through weekly emails. They also informed us of other matters regarding our place. Flexibility is another of their many attributes. They were willing to feed the large number of strays outside and to take our own pets to the cattery at the end of their stay since we would not be back for another two weeks,This transfer was done smoothly and efficiently and the stray cat duties handed on to the building caretaker We really didn't have to worry about a thing. On arrival home we arrived to a spotless house...cleaner even than we had left it. They had even filled up the car with petrol after their use. In addition to their superb house sitting skills,David and Moira are a fascinating couple to get to know. They have spent most of their lives travelling the world. David has some great stories to tell. I genuinely regretted we arrived back home after they had gone as I would have loved to have chatted more with them...but I am looking forward to David's blog on their stay! I would definitely ask them to sit again and I hope that they will say yes. You will not regret asking Moira and David to sit for you. The only box I have not ticked below is good in the garden and that is because we don't have one,

Kathryn, United Arab Emirates, 27 August, 2019

  • Tidy
  • Organised
  • Good at pet care
  • Reliable
  • Kept in contact
  • Friendly
  • Handy around the house

Best Ever

Moira and Davis stayed at our house and took great care of our Weston Jessie. They were respectful, neat as a pin and very organized. They stayed with Jessie twice and on our return made sure there was milk and cream, bread available for us in the morning. We were happy to have them for dinner as they are both so interesting, funny and endearing. As world travelers, they had so much information to share. David has videos of their travels that really interested us. They are a perfect example of why Mind my House works. A testament to the give and take available through the program. We wish them well on their next adventure.

Joanne, Canada, 17 April, 2019

  • Tidy
  • Organised
  • Good at pet care
  • Reliable
  • Kept in contact
  • Friendly
  • Good in the garden
  • Handy around the house

Joy murphy

Moira and David Atwell house sat for my Rough Collie and CKC Spaniel for the month of August whilst we were on holiday in SPAIN . They were so organised and prompt even before they arrived , with their communication and details of their travel . I had had a few reservations about having house sitters . Not because of my house but my dogs are so so precious . Moira and David arrived a day early so they could familiarise themselves with both the dogs and my routine with them . They took it from there . They were wonderful . When we returned home , both dogs were calm and fit . I think they settled really well with Moira and David . A few local dog walkers met them whilst walking and all reports of their care were excellent . You will be lucky to have them in your home .

joy, United Kingdom, 15 September, 2018

  • Tidy
  • Organised
  • Good at pet care
  • Reliable
  • Kept in contact
  • Friendly
  • Good in the garden
  • Handy around the house

Great, Responsible House Sitters

Moira and David are completely dependable and responsible. They take pride in the job they do and will care for your home and pets like they were their own. They did an excellent job of communicating with before and during their house sit. I have no hesitation in recommending this couple.

Susan, Canada, 29 July, 2018

  • Tidy
  • Organised
  • Good at pet care
  • Reliable
  • Kept in contact
  • Friendly
  • Good in the garden

The best sitters ever!!!

Dear All, This testimonial is loooong overdue since it refers to last summer. Moira and David stayed at my house for around 4 weeks, 3 weeks without me. They came a couple of days before my departure which was perfect because they could learn the daily routine and in return my dog could get used to them being around and walking him. Seeing him running for the door when they just mentioned the word "walk" gave me such a good feeling to leave the house and get on that airplane. I knew he was very much in good hands. David and Moira kept me posted with emails and fotos of Dingo on a regular basis and he looked happy and well kept. And that's exactly what I found upon my return 3 weeks later. The dog was as happy as can be and surely had gotten used to asking on of them for cuddles and treats. Apart from that, my house was wonderfully clean. Moira had even found a basked with laundry that needed ironing and (yes, I did see that as well, Moira) had cleaned my oven!!!! And during the days we spent before and after my trip together, David and Moira were very hands on, meaning there were evenings when I came home and dinner was ready - what a treat!!! I liked the fact that they were very independent and I did not have the feeling of needing to care for them every minute. But on the other hand it was wonderful to sit and chat with them in the evening. The morning after David and Moira had left, my dog woke up and went straight to the guest room, pushing the door open and sat down looking at the bed... So would I book them again? Hell yeah! I don't think the dog would forgive me if I wouldn't!!!

Gabi, United States, 21 July, 2018

  • Tidy
  • Organised
  • Good at pet care
  • Reliable
  • Kept in contact
  • Friendly
  • Good in the garden
  • Handy around the house

Well travelled, conscientious dog lovers

Moira and David provided excellent care of my dog and my condo. They had to deal with an injury to the dog and a delay in my return date and handled both with confidence and creativity. Neither issue phased them. My home was clean and tidy and Skye was happy and well exercised. I would recommend them for any future assignment.

Liane, Canada, 13 March, 2018

  • Tidy
  • Organised
  • Good at pet care
  • Reliable
  • Kept in contact
  • Friendly

Lovely experience, highly recommended!

Moira and David were the first house/cat sitters we have used through MindMyHouse and the experience was exceptionally positive. They stayed for three weeks in our high rise apartment in Panama City, Panama with our two cats. They were detailed and attentive in the evaluation process, kept in just the right amount of contact in the preparation for their visit and during their stay, and they even stayed on for a bit after we returned. The cats had clearly accepted them as family and the apartment was even cleaner and better stocked than when we left! 100% endorsement to this lovely couple.

Sarah, Panama, 13 January, 2018

  • Tidy
  • Organised
  • Good at pet care
  • Reliable
  • Kept in contact
  • Friendly
  • Good in the garden
  • Handy around the house

House sit for Sue and John Russell family in The New Forest

Moira and David are a lovely, friendly couple. We came home to a clean, tidy house - as well as the leaves having been cleared in the garden. Our animals had clearly been looked after very well and were very happy in the Atwell's company. During our holiday they kept in touch as necessary - not being a nuisance with over fussing but asking relevant questions regarding the animals' health and well being. I am very happy to recommend them as excellent house sitters and real animal lovers.

Sue, United Kingdom, 17 November, 2017

  • Tidy
  • Organised
  • Good at pet care
  • Reliable
  • Kept in contact
  • Friendly
  • Good in the garden
  • Handy around the house

Safe Hands!

Moira and David house sat for us for 2 months whilst we were recently abroad visiting our family. We met them before we left, and it was such a relief leaving our home and much loved pets in such capable hands. They are friendly and reliable and kept in regular contact with us during our time away. We would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone who wants to go away knowing that their home, garden and any pets will be very well looked after.

Sue, Mauritius, 09 September, 2017

  • Tidy
  • Organised
  • Good at pet care
  • Reliable
  • Kept in contact
  • Friendly
  • Good in the garden
  • Handy around the house

References

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Last updated: 9 March 2024