Bringing home owners and house sitters together
Sitter available
Experienced, caring companion
United States
Testimonials
They have 14 testimonials (view below)
Pet experience
Dog(s), Cat(s), Bird(s)
Police check
They don't have a police check
Availability
From: 5 Sep 2025
Until: 17 Sep 2026
Occupation
Freelance translator (retired); former RN; veteran (Army nurse)
References
They don't have referees/references
About this sitter
I’m an experienced house sitter and a non-smoking, energetic, calm and patient retiree. Most recently, I’d been a certified translator (Spanish to English) working freelance for professors and publishers in Spain. I’m also a former RN (my first career of 10 years) and a veteran (Vietnam-era Army nurse).
At this time, I’m available to care for cats and small- to medium-sized dogs in the New York City and Philadelphia metro areas only.
Why they want to house sit
For me, house sitting is mainly a lifestyle choice. Being a Sagittarius, I’m nomadic by nature, and I thrive on seeing new places, meeting new people, and learning new things. House sitting gives me all that—plus the gratification of providing a valuable service. Turns out it’s also the most fun retirement "job" ever!
Their experience
I've been a full-time house sitter since late 2013, except for a 2-year pandemic hiatus. My experience includes stays of 2 weeks to 2 months in 35 different homes, caring for their resident dogs, cats, and/or birds.
PET EXPERIENCE
> many rescues with separation anxiety, leash / food aggression, other issues
> senior and disabled pets (deaf, blind, diabetic, incontinent)
> multi-pet homes: dogs + cats is common; at one sit I had 7 cats
> medications: pills, eye and ear drops, and injections. I'm careful to give meds on time, every time.
> basic principles of dog obedience, positive reinforcement, crate training
> handling emergencies: three times I've had to take a pet to Veterinary ER (all were soon well again)
HOUSE EXPERIENCE
> primarily urban / suburban homes... from 3 dogs in a big old Victorian house to 1 cat in a tiny studio apartment
> mowing lawns, weeding flower beds, watering house plants, raking leaves
> arranging for services and repairs... amazing what comes up when homeowners are away!
> I've been entrusted with monitoring personal and business mail, depositing checks, relaying messages, transmitting documents, and assisting with other household affairs, as needed.
What can they bring to the assignment
1. COMPANIONSHIP: I'm essentially a “stay-at-home” sitter... meaning that keeping your pet(s) company is my priority! While I do need to get groceries and might enjoy brief outings, I'm staying in your home not as a tourist but as a professional sitter.
2. SENSITIVITY: I do not leave your pets at all for at least a day or two, so that they can adjust to your absence (and to my presence) without undue stress. I also preserve their familiar routines as much as possible. Pets used to sleeping with you? I’m happy to negotiate bed space with them ;) Dogs used to a long walk every day? We'll be trail buddies.
3. COMMITMENT: If there were any doubt about my ability or availability to care for your home/pets during your entire absence, I would decline the assignment. Once I commit, I don't quit!
4. COMMUNICATION: I communicate with you as often as you like and keep a journal for you of your pet's Sitter Adventure.
5. RESPECT: You'll come home to a clean house, fresh bed linens, and everything just as you left it. I don't rearrange your stuff but simply live on top of it or around it.
Last updated:
17 Jun 2025
Available to house sit
Countries: United States
Preferred regions: New York City and the Philadelphia metro area
Availability dates
From: 5 Sep 2025
Until: 17 Sep 2026
Do they charge?
They don't charge for house sitting services
Personal details
Age: 76+ years old
Languages spoken: English, Spanish
Membership
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References
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Sitemap
MindMyHouse.com – https://www.mindmyhouse.com/owners/sitter_listing/61950
Testimonials
Highly recommended
Our first meeting, prior to the start of the sit, Leslie came prepared with questions and requests for information to ensure she was prepared for the house and pet sit. Desi and Lucy warmed to Leslie on this first meeting, always a good sign. We appreciated the type of information she requested because it showed her experience and thoughtfulness; with this request, we knew she would be the right fit for the pet and house sit. She communicated daily and we felt the house and pets were in the hands of an experienced pro. At the end of the sit, Leslie gave us her daily journal filled with notes and observations. We appreciated the journal and observations as it is always good to get an outsider’s point of view and suggestions. The house was as we left it with the addition of a lovely fall dried flower arrangement using an array of cuttings from our garden. It was a nice touch. We had no worries with Leslie at the helm and highly recommend her, five stars.
Richard, United States, 21 October, 2024(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
I'd give Lesley 6 stars if I could
I'd give Lesley 6 stars if I could. It's tough to communicate what a great sitter she was: exceedingly organized, great communicator, fastidiously clean and—more than anything—a pet savant. Lesley was very accommodating with our abstract schedule and was more than ready to receive some landscapers we had doing work while we were gone. Not to mention: We came to a cleaner house than we left. I'm sure she'll be on to bigger and better sits, but we'd be lucky to have her again!
Sandy, United States, 22 August, 2024(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Lesley was top notch
Lesley was top notch! We did not worry a single bit while away in Italy for our 3 week vacation. Lesley would send us pictures / videos of our dogs and really went above and beyond with them. We came back and our puppy was like a whole new dog. She taught him some commands and he really learned to be respectful of our space and listens when we say "off." She became fast friends with our older dog, and was able to balance a household with a 9 year old dog and an 11 month old puppy. She stuck to our given schedules for them and upon our return it was clear that they had bonded with her. Our home was in better shape when we returned, than before we left. Lesley was super clean, neat, and organized. Before we left, we had the chance to meet her, and at that moment we knew our pups and home were in great hands. She didn't miss a single detail and asked us all of the relevant questions. She even offered to drop off paperwork received in the mail which was needed by my accountant while we were away. Lesley went wayyyyy beyond our expectations. If you ever have the chance to have this wonderful housesitter, take it! You will not regret it. One last thing. We got a full "report" when we were on the flight back. She detailed her experience with both of our dogs, the house, and anything else that was relevant. This was both helpful and informative.
James, United States, 05 November, 2019(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Thanks so much
Thanks so much, Leslie, for taking care of Emma. We were able to go on vacation and not worry. We so appreciate you and Emma says hi. She is still chasing tennis balls in the house and loving it. Thanks again!
John & Cyn, United States, 18 September, 2019(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Your house & pets are in good hands!
I am enthusiastically recommending Lesley for your house & pet sitting needs. Lesley house sat for us in Brooklyn, NY for 10 days while we were out of the country. Our senior cat Betty was periodically having health issues and it was a hard time to leave her. Lesley took great care of her while we were away and I felt reassured and relaxed on our vacation. I knew she was in good hands. She needed medication daily as well as a close monitoring of her eating. Lesley even called the vet when Betty took a turn for the worse, but because of her quick action all was remedied and Betty is doing great. I honestly don’t know what we would have done without Lesley’s care. Lesley is professional, organized, thoughtful and caring. She communicated exactly what information she needed up front to ensure a smooth visit. I felt very reassured by her vast experience and knowledge and her calm and genuine personality. Your home and pets are in wonderful hands with Lesley. I really couldn’t recommend her highly enough!
Katie, United States, 3 May 2018
Fabulous
Lesley already has so many fabulous reviews, but I have to say ... she's even better than that! She took great care of my dog, my plants, and my home. She's extremely well-organized and competent (she even programmed my thermostats, a job that was beyond my capabilities). She took Scout on long walks and adventures to nearby dog parks. He adored her and I was a bit worried he might hide in her suitcase. The only problem with Lesley is finding space on her (deservedly) very full calendar.
Jean, United States, 14 February, 2017(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
The ideal house sitter
Lesley was the ideal house sitter and companion for our two cats. She was thorough in preparing for any possible unforeseen problem and took care of everything -- litter, food, play, companionship, plants, mail, packages, etc -- with immense responsibility. Best of all was that when we returned, the cats' coats were glossy and soft and they hardly seemed to notice we had been gone. Lesley gave us great peace of mind while traveling.
Emily, United States, 01 July, 2016(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Definitely recommended
Lesley looked after our dog Denver for 18 days in January 2016. They got on like a house on fire, playing, cuddling, watching movies and going for long walks together. Lesley was caring and attentive to Denver and tidy and considerate in our home. We have no hesitation in recommending her and we have already booked her again for our summer vacation!
Michael & Nadine, United States, 04 March, 2016(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
A fantastic dog sitter
Lesley took great care of our two dogs for the two weeks we were away. She came over to familiarize herself with ours dogs prior to us leaving and accompanied us to the park so that she could see how our dogs behave off leash. While we were gone, she updated us from time to time on how things were going (we had told her that we didn't need an update everyday). She took our dogs for long walks at the park, which they loved. She even taught them a few commands during the 2 weeks she house sat, which we were very impressed with. She made sure to stay home on New Year's eve so that she could comfort the dogs when fireworks went off. On her last day, she sent us a journal that she kept while dog sitting. It was fun to read and to discover that they are jazz fans! All in all, Lesley was a fantastic dog sitter.
Catherine, Switzerland, 18 December, 2015(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Very responsive and experienced
Lesley took great care of my cat during the three weeks I was gone on vacation. Lesley was very responsive when I asked for news and she provided some on her own as well. She left my home very clean. Her experience shows in how well organized she is: She provided forms to fill out to make sure she can react properly in the event that something happens. She also provided a summary of her stay.
Geneviève, United States, 25 November, 2015(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Even our neighbours were impressed!
From the first visit Lesley made us feel at ease and re-assured. She was totally committed and thoroughly prepared to look after Troy our 7 year old (epileptic) Beagle. While away, Troy suffered from two seizures. Lesley managed the situation calmly and responsibly, including a cautionary visit to the vet, keeping us informed at every stage. She sorted him out not only medically but also with tender loving care (She Spoilt him). We could never have wished for better "Troy care". Even our neighbours were impressed. We would not hesitate to call Lesley again next time.
Mauro, United States, 28 October, 2015(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Hard-pressed to find a better house and pet sitter
We'd be hard-pressed to find a better house and pet sitter than Lesley. She went above and beyond typical house-sitting responsibilities, for example by taking our car to the mechanic when issues arose and giving our dog a great deal of attention. And instead of just cleaning our house to its pre-sit state, she assigned herself the additional task of wiping down all the doors, trim, and doorknobs. She was highly organized and thorough in collecting information about our house and dog, which, as a family who is new to both sitting and using sitters, taught us a great deal about the practice. We couldn't recommend her more highly.
Lillian, United States, 23 July, 2015(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Hard-pressed to find a better house and pet sitter
Lesley took care of our four house rabbits while we were on vacation for two weeks. She was great to communicate with before the stay and very well organized. She asked all the right questions, about the bunnies but also about our apartment. She arrived one day before we left to go through everything which was very comforting. Although Lesley did not have much experience with rabbits she had read up on their care and Health which was much appreciated. She took very good care of our bunnies and our apartment while we were away.
Sandra, Netherlands, 10 July, 2015(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Exemplary
We were so fortunate to find Lesley. Her exemplary care of our home and cat while we were away for six weeks makes us hopeful that she will house sit for us again. Lesley is organized, independent, and flexible with a keen sense of animals and their needs. She dealt handily with four snow storms, made a life-long friend of our cat, and returned our home to us in better shape than when we left. We highly recommend her services.
Janice, United States, 10 April, 2014(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)