Dog and cat sitting in mountains of Bulgaria

About this assignment

I have lived in Bulgaria for 8 years now and have gathered together a little band of 13 street dogs and 2 cats. I am looking for two energetic, dynamic people or a couple who are true animal lovers. They will have plenty of multiple dog care experience and will be conscientious about keeping my home and grounds in good working order. Although most of the dogs live in outside accommodation close to the house, 5 of them live in and are house trained. Formerly all street dogs, they have been together for several years now and are a happy family who live and play harmoniously together. However I do need the experience of doggie people who will be kind and loving but firm and be able to step up to be pack leaders and follow instructions regarding their care. There is plenty of free time throughout the day with good internet so online workers are welcome. I myself work 3-5 hours a day online.

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

This sit is not just about looking after my pets. You will be asked to keep the house and outside areas as clean and tidy as you find them. This includes sweeping outside patio areas, garden maintenance and mowing during the summer months so a keen gardener would be very beneficial. All the dogs have a 30 minute walk every morning in groups of 3 or 4 with regular grooming which everybody enjoys immensely. A small enclosed garden requires maintenance and watering during warmer months as I grow herbs and vegetables here. There is also grass cutting g to be done during certain months. Feeding of the dogs and cats is only once daily and takes about 25 minutes. It is well organised and all food will be in stock. There are no other real stipulations other than to give the dogs plenty of love. They have all come off the street and many have had a very poor start in life.

What are the good features of the property and location

I have a lovely two bedroom modern villa style house in a beautiful rural location with superb views of the Stara Planina mountains. It has a modern heating system run from a wood burning petchka and is warm and cozy. There is on tap running water and an excellent internet connection. There is a small village approx I km away and the local town of Yablanitsa is a short 10 minute drive for supplies. The capital Sofia is a very easy 50 minute drive for culture, sightseeing and great food. A car (old but in good working order) will be available for the duration of the sit. It is taxed and insured but the prospective sitters will be expected to bring a valid driving licence and fuel it themselves and pay any fines or other expenses incurred. A driving licence is essential for this sit as there are no shops within walking distance. There are plenty of lovely walks close at hand and several local places of interest to visit. There is a very nice 5* hotel 30 minutes away which has great indoor and outdoor pool facilities a gym and a spa. If your bag is to curl up in front of the TV I have a subscription to British TV abroad where iPlayer is available and also Netflix. But I the summer evenings nothing is nicer than a glass of wine on the patio or balcony.

What does the house sitter need to consider before applying for this assignment

This assignment is only open to prospective sitters who have plenty of multiple dog sitting experience and experience in taking care of a smallholding. You will be expected to keep my home and grounds in good condition as well as taking care and giving a lot of love to my dogs and cats. It is necessary to be able handle 3 dogs on lead. There are several that are also off lead. The assignment is not a paid position but accommodation is free as is unlimited internet use, British tv and Netflix and utilities.
Although this may sound like a great deal of work, the dogs tend to spend their days chilling. They have 2 large paddocked areas with barns and yard. Although they love human contact they can also be very self contained as they play very happily together so if you want to take time out it is no problem. They can be left for several hours at a time.

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