My first assignment: 3 weeks taking care of a cat, a dog, and two donkeys!

About this sitter

After a career in publishing I ran a bed and breakfast business for 11 years, then worked as a harbour tour boat captain for 13. Just so you know I can keep a tidy home and a spiffy ship.

Why they want to house sit

I love the idea of looking after someone's home in a (to me) foreign locale, with the challenge of getting to know new people, caring for and making new feathered or furry friends. I also like the quiet times, reading and writing in the evenings with someone purring, snoring or tweeting contentedly next to me. I've missed those days but my working life got in the way. Now, that I'm retired, I decided it's time to pick up where I left off several years ago.

Their experience

I had my own cats, dogs, birds and fish before going on house- and pet-sitting assignments in Austria, France, Spain, Turkey and at home in Canada.

What can they bring to the assignment

Although I'm no Dr. Dolittle, I am perfectly willing to learn to communicate with your beloved pet(s) on their terms. And you can be assured that, as a home owner myself, I'll look after your castle or cottage as if it were my own.