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Dog and cat sitting in mountains of Bulgaria

Bulgaria, Yablanitsa, Lovech

Pets

  • Dog(s)
  • Cat(s)

The dogs ages range from 6 to 11 years.

Duration

  • Period available: 2 months, 3 weeks
  • Starts: 3 June 2024
  • Ends: 25 August 2024

Testimonials

They have 2 testimonial s (view below)

Facilities

They have WIFI

About this assignment

I have lived in Bulgaria for 9 years now and have gathered together a little band of 12 street dogs and 2 cats. I am looking for one or two energetic, people or a couple who are real animal lovers. They will have lots of dog care experience and will be respectful and conscientious about keeping my home and surroundings clean and tidy. I am looking for a pack leader who will maintain our easy and well organised routines which takes only a little time out of the day.

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

Your most important job will be to give love to my family and feed them once daily. Feeding takes about 40 minutes including preparation. Keeping my home and outside areas clean and tidy is also important to me. This includes some sweeping of patio areas, minimal garden maintenance, some watering and mowing during the summer months, so being able to use a petrol mower would be helpful. When I’m here I walk the dogs every morning for 20 minutes in groups of 4 but this is not essential as they have lots of their own outside space. We have well organised and easy routines which takes very little time out of the day. 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. There is ample time for your own online projects/work and exploring the locality if desired.

What are the good features of the property and location

I have a lovely two bedroom modern villa style house with balcony in a beautiful rural secluded location with superb views of the Stara Planina mountains. There is a modern heating system that runs from a wood burning petchka which is warm and cozy in the winter months. There is running water and we have 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 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. In the summer evenings there is nothing nicer than a glass of wine or a cool beer on the patio taking in the tranquility and the view and with no light pollution this is the perfect place for stargazing.

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

This assignment is open to prospective sitters who have multiple dog sitting experience and are able to follow a pre established routine. Experience in taking taking care of someone’s home to a high standard including outside space is also important. At certain times there will be a need to cut grass using a petrol lawnmower.The assignment is not a paid position but accommodation is free as is unlimited internet use and utilities.
The dogs love human company so be prepared to offer some love and attention.
A driving licence is essential due to the rural nature of my home.

Can I bring my own pets?

No, sorry.

Last updated: 25 April 2024
21 sitters have applied for this assignment

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Testimonials

A Friendly Pack in Bulgaria

I was at Sarah's house for eighty days caring for her friendly pack of nine dogs and two cats. Hearing about that many animals might leave you feeling a bit overwhelmed but the daily routine is efficient, and, once you get the hang of it, takes a smaller amount of time than you might think. The animals generally get along well together and are friendly with the exception of Gruber who just needs a little more time to adjust but is your best friend when he decides you are alright. Sarah has a binder available with all kinds of useful information in it that she obviously spent a lot of time putting together. There is also a friendly, English speaking community that quickly helped out when I needed assistance. One of my favorite parts of the sit was to have my morning coffee out on her patio overlooking the fields and mountains that are all part of an awesome view. The house is in a quiet location but close to the small town of Yablanitsa, is one hour from the capital of Sofia, and near several natural attractions the area is famous for. I would say this sit would be more suitable for a couple, splitting the daily duties, but I did fine by myself. You just need to know the animals require (and deserve) a lot of love and attention so if you can't spend some time with them, maybe this isn't the best sit for you. If you do go, please look deeply into Bertie's big brown eyes, and as you take his chin in your hands, and tell him Robin misses him. Tell him our love affair will stay in my heart forever.

Robin, United States, 06 September, 2019

  • Friendly
  • Reliable
  • Tidy
  • Organised
  • Helpful with problems
  • Kept in contact
  • Gave good instructions

Beautiful location in Bulgaria

We looked after Sarah's house and her dogs and cat for a period of three months. The house is in a beautiful location with views of the mountains and sunsets to die for!! The house is cosy and was warm even when we had 8 inches of snow. Internet is fast and reliable. The dogs are all friendly and loving and I could easily have sneaked a couple of them to take with me when I left. The dogs respond well to their regular routine of walks, cleaning of the sleeping area and dinner time. They certainly know when their food is being prepared. Any issues with the house and dogs were quickly responded to by Sarah and she does have a good network of friends who live reasonably locally who will help in emergencies. The downsides? The location is quite a distance from the sights and cities of Bulgaria so relaxing on the porch watching spectacular sunsets needs to be high on your agenda!

Pamela, 23 March, 2019

  • Friendly
  • Reliable
  • Tidy
  • Organised
  • Helpful with problems
  • Kept in contact
  • Gave good instructions

About this home owner

MindMyHouse member since September 2017