Dull mature quiet responsible female non-smoker/vaccinated: California mid-Dec/24 to March/25

About this sitter

Hello - At 67, a competent mature quiet woman, I'm kind, capable re home issues, don't smoke/drugs or party. I'm highly attentive to your kids (pets) and their needs/schedules, take mail in, care for plants, put out trash etc. I'm rarely in tourist mode, not on social media so also confidential re your home, won't leave your pets for hours at a time, always sleep onsite. A book/newspaper reader, I'm happy/content/respectful to be in your home, comfy with pet(s) routine. Anywhere walkable is great; as in previous sits to dog parks/beaches if your car is for that use, I'm a great driver/no accidents, have been driving 50+ years.

Why they want to house sit

I've freelanced since 1996 (way before digital nomads) using the internet (writer/editor). As I age, I'm not keen to shovel snow so like to escape some bits of Canadian winter and I love travel, like changes of scene; walking, looking at landscapes, architecture, art, gardens, food/wine - simple daily joys. I love the company of cats and dogs equally, attentive to their differing personalities/quirks. I also know that your routines are primary; I'm observant as to the comfort, play and/or distraction a pet needs in them missing you.

Their experience

Yes and I truly enjoy caring for pets - same fantastic dogs over many years in CA, other dogs there, 2 Southern cats 8wks, cottage country Ontario, Nova Scotia dogs, local regular and I often foster cats, so am especially patient (like with some people...). I conserve water anyway (was on well/septic 24yrs) sort garbage/recycling/compost, am calm and level-headed in emergencies. I can bring my chuck-it for balls if your dog likes and/or a never-fail cat's toy. Re your home, I'm old enough to know there's little chance Bewitched will clean up after me so you'll find it as least as you left it (listening to jazz/music, enjoying wine is about as wild as I get). I’m happy to email/text reports/photos as often as you wish. A private/confidential person, I've never posted/sent pics/info about homes/pets to anyone. I fly from Buffalo or Toronto, given flight delays, a day or earlier (e.g. SFO>Santa Rosa) to assure you I'm there, have Nexus Trusted Traveller card. I've owned homes since mid 80's so am used to maintaining, cleaning, troubleshooting/fixing, so respectful of yours. And, me being from a cold climate, your heating bills won't soar... I don't think I've ever turned heating on...

What can they bring to the assignment

I'm handy, reliable, considerate, and easygoing - your pets' schedule is mine, walking dogs how many times you wish, e.g. 4 a day (yay exercise for me!). Being respectful and friendly to neighbors is natural. It's fine if your dogs/cats like to sleep on the bed (if you allow). As some sits ask for no kids or other pets; it'd just be me. I have a police check, references, and am happy to talk to you or videochat and answer any questions you have.