Well-Traveled Woman Seeking Pets, Gardens and Homes to Care For

About this sitter

I am a public health professional, photographer, mother, Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Suriname, South America), and racquetball coach. I was born in North Carolina (USA), raised my children in Iowa (USA) and on the campus of New York University- Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), and most recently completed my Registered Dietitian training with a dietetic internship in Phoenix (USA) before moving back to my home state of North Carolina to be of help to my elderly parents . I am the state-wide comprehensive suicide prevention program coordinator for the NC Division of Public Health; as my job is remote, I have wonderful flexibility to house and pet sit. I would be honored to be invited into your home and would greatly enjoy the opportunity to care for your pets and gardens. Thank you.

Why they want to house sit

In the last five years I have house and pet sat in Abu Dhabi, France, Italy, England, and numerous states in the USA; I simply love animals (though not snakes or horses) and the opportunity to be somewhere new. I have so enjoyed all the cats, dogs, fish, and chickens I've taken care of. Additionally, walking dogs is a great way to learn about a community. When I was in Bristol, I walked Lily (or rather she walked me!) for hours every day and in a park there a woman approached me and held out her hand exclaiming, "You must be the new Paul?" Paul is Lucy's owner. Through pets I am able to meet people and get to know places in a more intimate, perhaps even more honest, fashion. Additionally, being in a new place allows me to recharge. I love to see new gardens, new art, and to taste regional cuisine.

Their experience

For 16 years I owned a Queen Ann Victorian built in 1896 and dealt with normal mishaps such as leaky faucets, broken central air, and cracked window panes. I’ve also had the unexpected: the painters catching the house on fire during lead paint removal, a flooded basement, and a substantial hail storm that resulted in a new roof, (another) paint job, and new screens. I am a well-seasoned home owner. I know how to care for a home, what to look out for, and when to take action (and when to call in the professionals!). I will look after your home with the utmost of care.
As for pets, I can still name every cat and dog I’ve ever owned. I’ve also had fish, hamsters, chickens, and guinea pigs, and had the opportunity to care for rabbits. Honestly I don’t do snakes because of an over exposure to the fer de lance, anacondas, and boa constrictors of South America. But I’m enamored with lizards, skinks, and turtles because I find them beautiful and plucky. I have trained every dog I’ve owned, and I’ve worked hard to understand and accommodate every cat (that means all the tasty begonias go on the top shelf, out of snacking range!). During a recent pet sit by Day 2 I could tell the difference in the dogs’ bark and reached out to the owner, asking if the stunning blonde golden retriever that went by the house was a friend. Her response was an enthusiastic and impressed yes! I try very hard to tune in to animals so that I can meet their needs, and so that we can enjoy each other. Animals are incredibly important to me; I believe animals make us more human. I will cherish your animals as I do my own.
In addition to caring for my children, my home, and my animals, I am an avid gardener. In Iowa (USA) I had a large vegetable patch as well as flowers and ornamentals. Every year I stole a bit more yard and turned it into flower beds; I’m not a big fan of lawns though of course I can mow. Additionally, I have a large number of indoor plants from cacti to African violets to orchids. I know how to care for plants and enjoy doing so.

What can they bring to the assignment

I have a life time of experience that makes me a valuable house and pet sitter; please see response to “Are you experienced?” above. Please consider selecting me. Thank you.