Semi-retired teacher/writer with excellent references and very experienced with cats, dogs and birds

About this sitter

I am a non-smoking female and a semi-retired teacher/part-time travel writer who is very experienced with taking care of cats, dogs of all sizes and birds, gerbils and fish. I also have experience with animals who require medication. I sometimes travel with my spouse, a semi- retired TV editor who is very good with pets, particularly dogs. We are both in excellent health and enjoy long walks with dogs as well as play time with both cats and dogs.
Currently, we belong to three pet sitting sites with excellent references on all of them. I can also provide positive testimonials from AirBnB as to my suitability as a guest in your home.
Notable sits:
Taking care of Lola, an elderly German Shepherd in Miami Beach for the third time.
I've had repeat assignments in Manhattan taking care of two smaller older dogs who require medication and a young cat.
My last assignment (three weeks) found me taking care of a young Pomeranian puppy who required several walks per day to establish proper toilet habits. A week later, I was caring for an outdoor cat and a rabbit. Another assignment involved caring for a cockatiel who spent a good part of his day outside of his cage and a canary - both of whom had very specific diets and cleaning regiments.

Prior to that, I took care of a four-month-old puppy who required ear drops to be administered daily and lots of walks to help establish his toilet training.

My most recent cat sitting experience involved taking care of two elderly cats, one of whom had to receive medication daily in the form of an ointment placed on a tumor. I also followed careful instructions re their diets and cleaned the litter box out daily and kept the area clean around the box as well as the rest of the house.

Prior to that, I took care of two middle-aged cats and a large dog on an isolated property for three weeks. In another assignment, I took care of two small dogs and two birds in Long Beach, CA one of whom had to be let out of his cage for a few hours a day and then returned in the evening.

I look forward to speaking with you regarding your assignment if you could provide a telephone number and the best time for me to call.

Why they want to house sit

I love being around all animals and I love quiet time to write. I also enjoy long walks with dogs while exploring new areas. As a part time travel writer, I welcome the opportunity to visit many different areas of the world in both rural and urban settings.

Their experience

I am very experienced as both a pet owner and a pet sitter. Currently I'm caring for an elderly German Shepherd for the third time and this past fall I was taking care of two smaller dogs and a cat for the second time. My last assignment (three weeks) found me taking care of a young Pomeranian puppy who required several walks per day to establish proper toilet habits. A week later, I was caring for an outdoor cat and a rabbit. Another assignment found me taking care of a cockatiel and a canary who required my company for several hours per day. Both of these lovely birds had very specific dietary and cleaning regiments.

Recently, I visited the home of a professional family taking care of their four-month-old puppy which I highly enjoyed as it allowed the two of us to explore Manhattan on our long walks together. Horatio also required ear drops every day for the 10-day sit.

My most recent cat sitting experience involved taking care of two cats, one of whom had to receive medication daily in the form of an ointment placed on a tumour. I also followed careful instructions re their diets and cleaned the litter box out daily and kept the area clean around the box as well as the rest of the house.

Prior to that, I took care of two middle-aged cats and a large dog on an isolated property in Nova Scotia for three weeks. In another assignment, I took care of two small dogs and two birds in Long Beach, one of whom had to be let out of his cage for a few hours a day and then returned in the evening.
I have sat older dogs and cats who require medications and shy pets as well who need a gentle presence so they comfortable getting to know me on their schedule and terms.

What can they bring to the assignment

Experience, maturity, kindness, level-headedness, knowledge of first aid, a strong sense of responsibility and excellent references as both a pet sitter and as a trusted and reliable guest in your home.