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Sitter available

Experienced house sitter (16 years, since 2007) and experienced homeowner, animal lover, Father of two adult daughters, retired banker, non-smoker, non-drinker, and amateur photographer with great references

United States

Testimonials

They have 14 testimonials (view below)

Pet experience

Dog(s), Cat(s), Bird(s), Fish – dogs, cats, birds, fish

Police check

They don't have a police check

Availability

From: 20 Oct 2024
Until: 31 Dec 2025

Occupation

Retired

References

They don't have referees/references

About this sitter

Since retiring I enjoy traveling and experiencing new places. As a retired banker I was bonded for the 30 years I spent in the saving and loans and the commercial bank I worked at. I have lived in small towns (Colby, Eureka, Iola) in Kansas all of my life until moving to Wichita in 2006. After retiring, my wife and I divorced and I moved to Wichita to be closer to my younger daughter and grandson. After 11 years in Wichita I have moved to Parkville, MO a suburb of Kansas City. This move was to be closer to my oldest daughter and 2 grand daughters. I have lots of time to travel and I find it very easy to adjust my schedule to fit your house sitting needs. I have owned my own home and am experienced in dealing with problems that may arise when you are gone. I have remodeled the 4 homes I have owned during the past forty years. I have had my own pets (both cats and dogs) and have had sixteen years experience (yes, I retired early) house sitting/pet sitting for others (both cats and dogs, also birds and fish). I am a tidy person (my ex-wife and daughters will tell you I am a better housekeeper than they are). I will keep your home tidy while you are away and aim to keep it as you left it so you can relax when you return. I am a non-smoker and other than an occasional beer, pretty much a non-drinker. I do most of my exploring during the day and enjoying relaxing at your place with your pet during the mornings and evenings.

Why they want to house sit

I enjoy the housesitting experience, both meeting homeowners and connecting with their pets. I find it much easier to explore a location while housesitting rather than living out of a hotel. Of course, the cost is much better also. Traveling is my main reason to house sit, but living in different locations has also been very interesting. I have house/pet sit for the period of a week or as long as three months (depends on the location and time of year). Although I traveled before retiring, it was always rushed and the purpose was to hit the main areas most tourists go. House sitting allows me the time to relax at your home, pay attention to your pet and find many interesting things to see and do at your location.

Their experience

I started house sitting in 2007 and have house sit for more than thirty five homeowners. Locations include Santa Fe, NM (2 cats, 2008), Tahlequah, OK (2 cats, 2 dogs, 2008), Cincinnati, OH (1 dog, 2009),  Longmont, CO (no pets, 2009), San Antonio, TX (2 cats, 2009), Albuquerque, NM (2 cats, 2007, 2009, 2012 ), Sedona, AZ (2 dogs, 2010 & 2012), Cabin John, MD (suburb of Washington, DC, 3 cats, 2010) Irvine, CA (no pets, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015), Chicago, IL (no pets, 2011), Montpelier, VT (3 cats, 2012), Dana Point, CA (2 dogs, 2014), Houston, TX (no pets, 2014), Salt Lake City, UT (no pets, 2014), Ojai, CA (1 cat, 2015), Jacksonville, FL (2 cats, 2016), Santa Cruz, CA (1 dog, 2016). Eugene, OR (2 cats, 2016), St Augustine, FL (1 dog, 2017), Colorado Springs, CO (2 cats, 2017), Lyons, CO (1 dog, 1 cat, 2017), San Francisco, CA (1 cat, 2018), Laguna Niguel, CA (1 cat, 2018) Tucson, AZ (1 dog, 1 cat, 2018 and 2019), Silverthorne, CO (2 dogs, 2019), Nashville, TN (1 dog, 2019), Pleasant Grove, UT (1 dog, 2021), Lacey, WA (1 dog, 1 cat, 2021), Washington DC (2 cats), 2021, Dresher, PA (1 cat, 1 Parrot) 2022, Albuquerque, NM (1 dog, 2022), Shakopee, MN (2 cats, 2022), Tucson, AZ (2 dogs, 1 cat, 2022), Encinitas, CA (2 cats, 2023), San Clemente, CA (1 dog, 1 cat, 2023), Wilmington, NC (1 cat and 1 parrot, 2024), Raleigh, NC 1 dog, 2024, Boulder, CO (1 cat, 2024), Taos, NM (2 cats, 2024), Fort Collins, CO
(2 cats, 2024).
Lori, a retired teacher in Albuquerque (2 cats), was my first house sit in 2007, asked me back in 2009 and 2012. All were great trips as I love the southwest. In 2011, I house sit for Ken and Adair for 10 weeks at their home in Irvine, CA. Later that summer, I house sit for them at their second home in Chicago. California was such a great place to spend in spring, I house sit again in April & May 2012. I returned in the spring (3 mos) of 2013 and again in 2015 (2 mos). I house sit for Jackie and Robin in Tucson, AZ in 2018 & 2019. Their friends recommended me for an additional house sit in Tucson in 2022 (Werner & Maryse). Sybil (house sit in Dreasher, PA moved to Wilmington, NC and asked me to house/pet sit again for her cat and parrot.
My experience with pets has taught me to first let the pet get to know me and get comfortable with me, then they will accept me as your temporary replacement.  I have kept healthy plants for the past 40 years so I should be able to care for your plants in the short term. As a former pet owner and home owner I know how to address problems with your pet or home should they arise. I am a quiet person by nature and enjoy giving your pets the attention they require. I walk 3 miles a day so if your dog(s) likes to walk, they will have plenty of opportunity.
I have 2 adult daughters, a grandson (now 17), and 2 granddaughters (12 and 14 yrs). I have an excellent relationship with all. My daughters have trusted me to care for my grandchildren on my own since they were 2-3 months old. Both daughters have pets, one has 3 dogs (2 Bullys, 1 French Bulldog) and the other 1 cat and 2 dogs (Doberman and French Bulldog). I have also pet sit for them. Besides returning to Irvine, CA and Albuquerque in 2012, I also returned to Sedona, AZ to house sit/pet sit for Jenny and her two dogs, Lady & Pepper. I enjoyed my house sit in Tucson, AZ in 2018 and returned to house sit again in Nov-Dec 2019. All have been happy with my services and I have enjoyed returning to their locations.

What can they bring to the assignment

I am a healthy and physically fit person with a positive, easy going personality. I enjoy walking, hiking, and photography. I am patient and kind.  I respect other people's homes, pets and possessions. My belief is when I leave, everything should be as the homeowner has left it. I am excellent at following instructions from the homeowner. My goal is to have you give me an excellent reference. That reference gets me to the next location.

Last updated: 20 Oct 2024

Available to house sit

United States

Availability dates

From: 20 Oct 2024
Until: 31 Dec 2025

Do they charge?

They don't charge for house sitting services

Personal details

Age: 66-75 years old

Membership

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Where have they house sat before?

Testimonials

Leonard is a win, win sitter.

Leonard sat for my cat and parrot April 2022. He came in a couple of nights before my departure, so that I could aquaint him with the in's and out's of my home and pets. Leonard is someone who is caring, quiet, giving and respectful of your home. His care for my "Tweety bird and Sylvester" was so good that my precious gem, Cosette, totally bonded with Leonard, during his stay of a little over 2 weeks. Bob, my Nanday Conure, also found Leonard knew how things are in birdland. I highly recommend Leonard for any sit, anywhere. Hoping he will return for another sit in the future!

Sybil, United States, 21 May 2023

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

Great house and dog sitter!

Leonard was a super house and dog sitter. He was very good at communicating plans and confirming dates. He came early to meet our dog Carson, and was very friendly and nice. He has a lot of experience house sitting, and I felt very comfortable having him stay at the house and with Carson. He left the house tidy and Carson told us he enjoyed their walks! I would highly recommend him for house and pet sits, and would welcome him back anytime to our home.

Katrina, United States, 10 Aug 2022

  • Tidy
  • Organised
  • Good at pet care
  • Reliable
  • Friendly

Reliable, trustworthy, and all around great guy

Leonard's reference all checked out, and he got glowing reports from everyone I spoke with, and I know why. He took great care of my house and yard while I was away for a month in the summer. I would highly recommend him to take care of your place too.

Scott, United States, 16 Apr 2022

  • Tidy
  • Reliable
  • Friendly
  • Handy around the house

Awesome House Sitter

Leonard house sat for us in our Washington, DC home this summer. He was personable and friendly. He kept in touch on a regular basis. We returned home to an immaculately clean home, happy kitties and a freshly mowed lawn. We would welcome Leonard to return any time!

Kim, United States, 25 Sep 2021

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

Absolutely perfect first experience

When we first posted on the site we were nervous about a stranger coming to our home, and thought we would need to screen countless people to find the right fit. We were pleasantly surprised when Leonard responded to our post with everything we were looking for, and more! He is mature, provided contact information for references, and told us a little about his previous experiences so we could understand more about how the arrangement works, which put us instantly at ease. He was a quick communicator and responded to each message thoroughly, and remained flexible as our dates changed. When we returned home we found the place in better shape than we'd left it and our pets happy and healthy, just as we had hoped. We're thankful to have found such a great fit for our needs and we would highly recommend him to anybody looking for house or pet care.

Jennifer, United States, 26 Jul 2021

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

Best sitter for Mr. Jazz

What a guy! Leonard easily became best buds with my shih-poo, Jazz for 2weeks. Easy to communicate with, organized, friendly with my neighbors, and walked Jazz numerous times daily. I was exceptionally pleased with updates and care of my abode. Highly recommend Leonard for your sitter search.

Monet, United States, 26 Jun 2021

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

Leonard Exceeded Our Expectations!!

This was our first time using a house/pet sitter and we hit the jackpot with Leonard! He did everything he said that he would and he did them very well. When we got home we found that our pets were safe and happy, and our home was clean and just as we left it. Our neighbors loved him and commented to us about how nice he is. We were able to completely enjoy our vacation while feeling totally confident that Leonard was taking excellent care of our pets and our home. The dogs were sad when he left but we will definitely ask him to come back for our next trip which will make us and the dogs very happy!! Thank you so much Leonard!

Christy, United States, 9 Jul 2019

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

A great housesitter!

Leonard was reliable and wonderful with our pets. We felt very comfortable leaving our dog and cat in his care. Our dog got lots of walks and exercise and is probably now missing Leornard! The house was spotless when we got back. Thank you for the awesome care while we were gone!

Jenny, United States, 7 Aug 2017

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

Leonard is awesome!

We had Leonard watch our house and take care of our two elderly cats for 17 days. Leonard did a great job. He is professional, trustworthy and respects your property as if it was his own. We asked him to mow our lawn at least once and he did it TWICE. Always check references, but I can tell you that Leonard's references will come back with 5 stars every time. Leonard has been house sitting for over 10 years! Thank you Leonard for great job. You made our vacation more enjoyable knowing we were leaving our house and beloved cats in good hands. Larry and Nancy Chedsey

Nancy and Larry, United States, 25 Jul 2017

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

Great house sitter

Leonard has house sat for me twice now and I would definitely invite him again. He took great care with my dogs (they loved him!). He left the house tidy and clean and was very reliable and easy. Highly recommend him!

Jennifer, United States, 11 Oct 2016

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

House/Dog Sitter

Leonard is a very nice man with great experience housesitting and dog sitting. Our bloodhound was very well cared for -- lots of walks! Our house was immaculate when we returned home. We highly recommend Leonard and would invite him to return again to "mind our house".

Anna , United States, 5 Oct 2016

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

Book him, Danno!

When I called three references before engaging Leonard to sit my little house and kitties for a month, every single reference said without hesitation, "Get him! Snap him up!" And that's what I'm saying to you. Look no further. Don't waste time. He is the best. I came home after a month in Greece to a clean house and three very happy cats, and, based on his referrals, Leonard is equally trustworthy with dogs and large properties.

Paula, United States, 30 Sep 2016

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

Will invite him back

Leonard took great care of our cats and our home. He emailed us several times during the month we were gone, just to keep in touch and let us know that all was well. We hope he'll be available for another month next summer.

Paul, United States, 18 Sep 2016

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

The best house-sitter we have ever had!

Leonard minded our houses over the course of several years. For five years we moved seasonally from southern California to Chicago so he often occupied our house for months rather than weeks. After the first couple of times we felt so comfortable with him that we gave him a key to keep so we did not have to overlap. Everything always looked better on our return than when we left. We have no pets and kept our gardener on, so he did not have those responsibilities, but our house plants did admirably. If we need a house-sitter again, Leonard would be the first person we'd call!

Adair, United States, 18 Sep 2016

  • Tidy
  • Organised
  • Reliable
  • Kept in contact
  • Friendly
  • Handy around the house

References

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