House sitting since 2015 from Australia. Experience with Dogs and Cats

About this sitter

We are Marcela and Leonard Horwood.
We are a married couple from Sydney, Australia now travelling around Europe and UK in our little van.
We are self-funded retirees living as ‘Free Range Humans’.
We find house sitting a fun way to research areas, meet and make new friends which enrich our lives.
We are organized and very trustworthy. We enjoy a good laugh. We are a quiet, non-smoking couple who enjoy the simple things this world has to offer.
We are very considerate of the needs of the animals we are caring for and very respectful of the property we are sitting.
We are very reliable and take pride in fulfilling the owners requests and requirements expected in a house sitter.
Our lifestyle is flexible and we quickly adjust to new environments and situations.
We are focused on providing confidence so our hosts can relax and enjoy their time away from their pets and home.
We appreciate that pets may miss their family when they are gone, so we are loving, caring and patient in learning the personality of the pet/s we are caring for.
We believe “Pets always come first”.
We are willing to maintain contact with owners during the assignment, if that’s their wish.
We are very handy with house and yard maintenance.
Leonard’s had professions as a self-employed Mechanical Engineer, a Police officer in New South Wales, Australia and a Ranger dealing with Companion Animals in Australia.
Leonard has skills in owning a small hobby farm in New South Wales, Australia. During this time, he was involved in breeding various breeds of dogs and obtained experience with caring for cows, horses, chickens, sheep and goats.
Marcela profession is in Sales and has skills in house renovation and decoration.
Marcela loves cats. She has experience raising new born kittens and caring for older cats.
We have been house sitting since 2015 and have experience with caring for cats and dogs. We love the affection they can give when properly cared for.

Why they want to house sit

We love visiting new places, living like a local while meeting new people and their pets.
We understand our animals are important family members.
We understand that upsetting their routine can be very stressful.
We also understand that animals can suffer stress and anxiety.
By giving our experience, kindness and relaxed nature when caring for animals, we will be rewarded when we bond and earn the trust of the animal.
We wish to give home owners peace of mind knowing that when they return, their animal will be relaxed and happy, their home will be clean and maintained.

Their experience

We have been house sitting in Europe since 2015.
Our first house sits were in France.
Please read the references they gave us from another website:
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We cared for Mark and Tina's 2 Bernese Mountain dogs and 3 cats.
Mark and Tina Green own and manage Les Cheres Meres, Farmhouse B&B, France states:
"We went on holiday and had LJ and Marcela come and live in our house and look after our animals. They cared for our two dogs and three cats for about 3 weeks. We were not worried while we were away and when we returned everything was clean and as we had left, and more importantly our animals were happy! we would know if they weren't happy and if they wouldn't been loved and cared for in our absence. One of dogs was ill and they managed to get him into their car and take him to the vet. Even with the language barrier they managed, and then then had to administer tables to him daily. They informed us by email whilst we were away and kept us up to date with his progress. When we returned we were extremely happy to see that everything was lovely and I would be happy for LJ and Marcela to care for my animals and property at anytime. I found them to be honest and trustworthy people. I would highly recommend them to anyone who is considering them for a similar assignment. "
Yours Faithfully, Tina Green
Les Cheres Meres
St Mars d'Outille, 72220 Sarthe, South Le Mans
(Dated 25 June 2016)
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We cared for Jan and Mick's 3 cats and chickens and cut the lawns.
Jan and Mick Waters own and manage La Maison en Pierre & La Vieille Maison Holiday Homes, France states:
"LJ and Marcela house sat for us in France for 3 weeks in April. Upon meeting them we immediately felt at ease with leaving them with our 3 cats and five chickens. They looked after everything we requested and we had complete peace of mind while we were away. On our return we found the animals had been very well taken care of. In fact, our most timid cat who never went outside and always ran away when visitors arrived came out of her shell while we were away and now actively greets friends and demands attention from them. She goes out everyday and is a changed cat. Leaving her with LJ and Marcela did her the world of good. They were very respectful of our property and we would recommend them to anyone looking for a house sitter."
Mick and Jan Waters.
26 Route de Ste Hermine
85210 St Juire Champgillon
Vendee, France
(Dated 20 June 2016)

What can they bring to the assignment

We are relaxed, flexible, easy going, punctual and trustworthy.