Competent, reliable recent retiree

About this sitter

I like to travel, and because I'm retired I now have the opportunity to see some new places in a more natural way than from a hotel. I am more interested in seeing new outdoor environments (neighborhoods, cities, and such) than I am in a particular indoor environment, so house-sitting is a good option. I was an academic and traveled for teaching positions, staying in medium-term rental arrangements, so I had similar experiences then. I am quite handy, so I am not concerned about managing in an unfamiliar place.

I am also fine with pet-sitting. I am a former cat and dog (and guinea pig) owner, and I have cared for the cats and dogs of others in recent years. I enjoy the company of pets, but I don't have any animals of my own now.

Why they want to house sit

I like new things, which include new places and new people and animals to become acquainted with.

I do take the responsibility seriously, though, so good communication in both directions is important. I am responsive myself, and if I have questions about the house or pets, I would hope for prompt responses.

Their experience

I have lived in the homes of others in medium-term rental arrangements, I've had pets in the past, and I've cared for the pets of friends, but I am new to organized house-sitting.

What can they bring to the assignment

Calm, competence, reliability.

I've lived in Italy, and I read in Italian and speak it well enough to manage, but I am not fluent.

I can provide references, and I’ve had Massachusetts background checks for volunteering at schools and for Meals on Wheels. I did not receive results of the background checks, but apparently the results were fine.