Enjoy Autumn on California's central coast

About this assignment

I had a lovely couple coming, but their elderly parents developed health issues and they are hesitant to be on the other side of the country for so long. I'm therefore reviving my ad for someone to care for my pup while I'm with friends on the beach in Hawaii. Twix hates the water and will stay behind. I need a loving companion for him, a 10-year-old mini-Pinscher whom I've had for 4 years. He loves going places, concerts, cafes, walks, runs on the beach, or just cuddling beside you. My outdoor plants might need supplemental water on hot days. 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.

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.
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 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 hot days, supplement the plant watering so that the plants don't die (they are on a drip system, but might need a splash with the hose).

What are the good features of the property and location

Quiet, gated community in central California about a mile from the beach with hiking trails and wildlife. It is a mild climate (mostly highs of 75 and lows of 57 in October). Avila is a lovely small community, and I usually leave my car for you to get around. I walk to the small town in 35 minutes, where there are cafes and great pizza and ice cream. I usually drive to the dog beach in the afternoon.
The house is well cared for and clean. 5G Wifi, smart TV, garage, laundry, whole-house fan. Two bedrooms on two levels and an office. 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.
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 am only responding to women and married couples.

Can I bring my own pets?

No, sorry.

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