Retired National Park Service Professional | Caring, Capable & Dependable House Sitter

About this sitter

I'm a recently retired National Park Service professional with 24 years of federal service, a love of animals, an adventurous spirit, and a lifelong curiosity about people, places, and cultures.

After raising my family, working full-time, and spending much of my life taking care of responsibilities, I've entered a wonderful new chapter. I'm embracing the freedom to explore the world, experience different ways of life, make meaningful connections, and continue learning along the way.

In the months leading up to my retirement, I traveled deep into the Peruvian Amazon rainforest, exploring a tributary of the Amazon River, where I had many unforgettable experiences one of which was holding a sloth. I also volunteered at a remote sled-dog kennel in Alaska. Since retiring, I've sailed through the Bahamas and worked as Chef/Stew/Crew/ShrimpBoss aboard a small charter fishing boat exploring Southeast Alaska's beautiful wilderness.

I'm independent, adaptable, respectful, clean and tidy, and comfortable spending time alone. I enjoy photography, writing, cooking, walking, nature, animals, meaningful conversations, and the occasional unexpected adventure. I have a positive outlook, a good sense of humor, and a fairly laid-back, no-drama approach to life.

I'm particularly interested in longer-term house and pet sits, ideally a month or more, although I'm open to shorter opportunities that are a good fit. I enjoy peaceful rural and coastal settings, but I'm flexible about location. Reliable internet is important because I'm developing a personal writing and community project.

Above all, I'm looking for a comfortable, mutually respectful arrangement where I can provide homeowners with peace of mind while enjoying the opportunity to experience life somewhere new.

Why they want to house sit

I believe there's a wonderful difference between simply visiting a place and actually experiencing life there.

House-sitting offers the opportunity to slow down, become familiar with a community, explore the surrounding area, and experience the rhythms of everyday life rather than rushing from one place to another.

I love animals, particularly dogs, and having a furry companion to share daily walks and quiet evenings makes being somewhere new even more enjoyable.

Several years ago, a series of significant life experiences reminded me how precious and unpredictable our time really is. Those experiences helped shape my decision to retire and pursue a life filled with greater freedom, connection, learning, and meaningful experiences.

One of my favorite quotes is by Diane Ackerman:

"I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well."

I've always liked adding the words: "and the depth."

For me, house-sitting is a meaningful exchange. Homeowners receive responsible care for their home and animals, while I have the privilege of experiencing a new place, often with the companionship of a beloved pet.

It's an arrangement I hope leaves everyone feeling grateful.

Their experience

Yes. Although I'm newer to international house-sitting platforms, I'm not new to caring for homes, animals, or managing responsibilities independently.

Several years ago, I house-sat for the same couple on numerous occasions. Their repeated trust in me meant a great deal, and I understand the importance of respecting someone else's home, privacy, belongings, and established routines.

I also have extensive experience managing my own household and property, raising a family, caring for animals, and handling the everyday challenges that come with homeownership.

I grew up helping on my grandparents' farm, where I gained hands-on experience with animals, tractors, equipment, property upkeep, and outdoor work.

Shortly before retiring, I volunteered at a remote sled-dog kennel in Talkeetna, Alaska, helping care for more than 130 sled dogs in demanding winter conditions. My responsibilities included feeding and caring for the dogs, cleaning kennels (including plenty of poop scooping!), and assisting with visitor tours. It was a wonderful, hands-on experience that combined my love of animals, the outdoors, and connecting with people.

My time aboard boats has also strengthened my ability to work independently, keep shared spaces clean and organized, follow procedures, adapt to unexpected situations, and take responsibility for the safety and comfort of others.

I'm comfortable in remote locations and understand that rural properties sometimes require extra awareness and self-sufficiency.

I'm happy to provide personal or professional references and discuss the needs of any assignment before making a commitment.

What can they bring to the assignment

I bring a combination of reliability, practical experience, common sense, adaptability, and genuine care for the places and animals entrusted to me.

I'm a hands-on person and a natural problem-solver. I grew up helping my father in the garage and my grandparents on their farm, learning everything from basic equipment maintenance and woodworking to using tools and helping with mechanical projects.

I also helped build my former home from the foundation up, participating in framing, electrical and plumbing work, insulation, drywall, painting, cabinetry, finish carpentry, siding, and roofing. Over the years, I've handled various household repairs and maintenance projects, and I even built and wired a backyard shed.

My earlier education includes an associate degree in Electronic Engineering Technology, and my work background spans administration, customer service, business ownership, and practical hands-on roles.

Although I have a wide range of experience, I don't claim to be an expert in everything. I know when a situation is within my abilities and when it's wiser to contact the homeowner or a qualified professional.

I'm observant, organized, conscientious, and respectful of instructions. I understand the importance of keeping homeowners informed, following established routines, and addressing concerns before they become bigger problems.

I'm comfortable with animals, particularly dogs, and enjoy giving them attention, companionship, exercise, and consistent care.

I'm also a capable cook, enjoy keeping a clean and welcoming home, and am happy to handle normal household upkeep, watering plants, collecting mail, and other mutually agreed-upon responsibilities.

I love horses, goats, and cats as well as dogs, but unfortunately, I have an allergy to cats. I love to pet them but have to wash my hands shortly thereafter. I wish I could cuddle with them. I may be able to consider homes with cats if the sleeping quarters are reliably cat-free and the arrangements are suitable. I'm happy to discuss individual circumstances.

Most importantly, I understand that house-sitting is built on trust. My goal is for homeowners to enjoy their time away knowing their home and animals are in caring, capable hands.