Summer fun with Twix on California's Central Coast

About this assignment

I'm off with a friend to Disneyland - haven't been there in decades. My pup, Twix, doesn't like dizzying rides, so he won't be coming, and I need a loving companion for him. Twix is 10, going on 3, a mini-Pinscher whom I've had for 5 years. He loves going places, concerts, cafes, walks, runs on the beach, or just cuddling beside you.

My outdoor plants might need supplemental water if it's hot. The person needs to be gentle and like to take Twix places. Twix is a low-maintenance dog - healthy and no meds or special needs, but he has arthritis (like me!) and needs some TLC.

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

When you wake up, take Twix out to pee, and before you go to bed (even if you have to wake him up haha). He sleeps in the bedroom with you - I put his bed on top of my bed and he usually sleeps soundly through the night. He's also used to sleeping on the floor in his crate.

Take him out 2-3 times a day on his leash. Mornings usually a short walk around the block, and afternoon to the dog beach for a longer time. (He will love going out much more, but that's the minimum).

He can be left in the laundry room (doggie door to outside side yard) for a couple of hours while you're out (no more than 4hrs, and not every day), and not overnight.

You can put kibble in his dish in the morning, but he may not eat it until the afternoon. Feed him his big meal (about 1 cup) in the late afternoon.

On sunny days, supplement the plant watering on the deck so that the plants don't die (the ones in the front are on a drip system, but might need a splash with the hose).

What are the good features of the property and location

It feels like I'm on vacation every day! Quiet, gated community in central California about a mile from the beach with hiking trails and wildlife.
It is a mild climate (mostly highs in the mid 70s and lows mid 50s in the June/July time period. Avila is a lovely small community, and I usually leave my car for you to get around (if you have a clear driving record). I walk to the small town in 35 minutes, where there are cafes, great pizza, and ice cream. I usually drive to the dog beach in the afternoon.
There are lovely beaches and piers, kayaking, lighthouse tours, and whale watching that is spectacular.
The house is well cared for and clean. 5G Wifi, smart TV, garage, laundry, whole-house fan/AC. Two bedrooms on two levels and an office with a printer. Decks on both levels. I just remodeled my kitchen, and special care needs to be taken for the new stone counter, induction cooktop, and pans not to scratch them.
Friendly neighbors will help with anything you need.

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

You will need to spend the night here and not leave Twix more than a few hours infrequently.

No smokers - even if smoking outside (I'm allergic to smoke).

Please respect the house and have it as clean when you leave as when you arrived.

Tell me if something broke. I've had one awful sit - the man (who had rave reviews) ate all (I mean all, not just some!) of my food, spices, gourmet stuff, broke my toilet, stained a woven rug, didn't flush the toilet for 3 weeks, and left coffee grounds and brewed coffee puddled in my cabinets. And didn't tell me anything before he left. So, I'm a bit wary and want to be clear about things up-front.

Twix now has arthritis and shouldn't be picked up from the ground - he will jump onto the couch, bed, or into the car without being lifted. Sitters need to be gentle with him.

The house has two floors, and the stairs are steep (they do have rails). I can't allow young children due to the danger of falling.

I have had some major issues with single men, so I will only respond to women and couples.

Can I bring my own pets?

No, sorry.

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