Animal lover, artist, educator, published writer and adventurer looking for new place to go!

About this sitter

I am turning 60 and as my age suggests, I have a few life experiences under my belt. I am a semi-retired educator, writer and heath care provider having worked in private homes, nursing homes and with the school board in the school system. I work with mainly individuals with special needs(all ages) as well as seniors with dementia.
*I am equally comfortable in the country or the city although I do like a simple and quiet lifestyle.
*Dealing with animals is not an issue. I grew up with dogs and from the time I was 13 did animal portraits as a past-time. So dog shows, dog trials, and horse shows are part of my past.
*Now I like to go to the market, meet local people and settle in to really experience the place I am house sitting in.
*I am very adaptable and don't care if I have to keep a water ditch clear although running water can be nice. Doesn't matter.
*I am a Nova Scotia (Canada), and I know how to do things. It comes with the territory of growing up in a very rural area. If something doesn't go according to plan, you just roll up your sleeves and deal with it.

Why they want to house sit

For me, life is meant to be lived and I like doing this in new places, meeting new people, learning about new cultures, eating new foods and just seeing things from a different view point. I can take a break from my other life, follow other interests such as writing and photography. I don't have any pets of my own right now and enjoy the company of critters. The more, the merrier. I have been told I have a way with animals and have gone to homes where they thought it would take forever for the pet to respond to me, but usually it takes just a few hours. They know I care and I think that is what matters the most. That you truly do care. Animals can sniff out a fake a mile away!

Their experience

I did my first house sit when I was 18. That wasn't yesterday. Over the years I have done numerous others not really thinking about it. Just doing it to help others out.
*Later I taught English as a Second Language in other places in the world besides Canada
*then got into WOOFING (working on Organic Farms) which led me to this site I am now trying out.

What can they bring to the assignment

Whatever is required. I am:
*grounded, mature and resourceful because I have lived.
*Your home and animal(s) will be well taken care of.
*I will do as instructed and leave no footprint. This is my way.
*You will have the comfort of knowing everything will be dealt with and all communication will be clear.
*I don't make assumptions. I do follow instructions and I will write everything down.
*I have lived in many other people's homes. I know everyone has their own ways about doing things. I respect this and will continue this.
*I also know how to deal with animals. They come first!
*I know about apartments, houses, farms and other such places.
*I have lived off the grid in a little log cabin in northern BC Canada.
*I have lived in the Andes (loved it!) and
*I have lived and taught in Thailand, traveling around Cambodia, Laos, etc.
*Recently I did a two week house sit with a lovely Black lab cross named Brie and we had a hurricane to deal with. It was fine. Nice when you have a generator! Not always a luxury I have known.