TRAVEL-LOVING COUPLE WHO CAN PROTECT YOUR HOME, GARDENS, AND FURRY LOVED ONES!!!

About this sitter

Hello, we are Christopher Ellis and Wayde Westling.

Although we are new to MindMyHouse.com, we are a semi-retired/self-employed couple who have been trusted to house sit and care for pets by dozens of friends and referrals in America and many countries around the world for over 40 years (Los Angeles, Palm Springs, San Clemente, New Orleans, Chicago, St. Augustine, St. Simon's Island, Minneapolis, Mexico, Brazil, China, and more). We were Airbnb Superhosts for many years and received excellent reviews from other hosts we stayed with as well.

Please note: Some of the pets you see are our beloved kids, others belong to folks we've house sat for in the past.

Also, we are passionate pet people (currently with 2 rescue cats and a Shiba Inu mix dog (19 years old and counting!). We have a lovely koi pond in our front garden and an aquarium of rare tropical fish both for fun and good feng shui. We have mostly cared for dogs and cats, but we have also babysat tortoises, snakes, chameleons, birds, and the occasional eight-legged arachnid (ick!).

We both love landscaping and gardening, currently with two gardens in the front and back of our home.

Our future clients may rest assured that their home, pets, and green spaces will be well taken care of! Please check out our recommendations from past clients who will be glad to confirm the quality of the home care we have provided for them in the past.
Wayde is an interior designer/real estate stager with a strong background in construction, handyman work (basic electrical and plumbing abilities, pool care, property management, etc.).
Chris is a professional galleried artist, published author, and English teacher for international students. He's traveled and worked around the world and has developed a strong understanding and sensitivity regarding cultural, religious, and geopolitical differences. He worked in Liberian refugee camps during that country's civil war and was honored with a Humanitarian Award by Project Africa. As well, he speaks Mandarin (5 years teachig in Mainland China) and a smattering of Brazilian Portuguese.

You can rest assured that if any unforeseeable issues arise with your property or pets, we will be able to handle those problems with competence and alacrity. Also, we are aware that life can sometimes throw schedules and such into a tailspin. We always try to be flexible if a client needs to change the dates of the house sitting. As well, we ourselves are very responsible and have never canceled on people who have put their trust in us.

We are ready to experience new countries, cultures, cuisines, and -- of course people -- as we enter the freedom of full-time retirement.

Thank you for considering us,

Chris and Wayde

Why they want to house sit

We have just reached retirement age and wish to spend our senior years traveling the world and immersing ourselves in new experiences. We have the active yet relaxed energy of people half our age.

While we enjoy high-end hotels and such, we prefer a more relaxed and homey environment. Being animal lovers, we really like to stay in places with pet energy, especially when our TLC is responded to with 'snuggle' and play time.

Their experience

Please refer to my introduction telling you about us above. We have been house sitting through friends and referrals for many years and have excellent testimonials.

What can they bring to the assignment

Because of our work backgrounds, we can not only sit for your home, but we are very talented with handyman tasks and general property management. We are people persons and work well with others, such as property workers, gardeners, veterinarians, and neighbors. Also, we are able to handle 'emergencies' like plumbing, electrical, veterinary contacts and specialty needs animal care (pills, brushing, walking, play time, etc). You can rest assured we will address any unforeseen home and pet issues competently and with speed.