New Mexico Property with Dogs

About this assignment

**Dates are not completely set yet - we'll be traveling over Christmas for sure but may leave earlier or later in November and return earlier or later in January***

I am looking for a reliable, caring pet-lover who can also look after houseplants and the dogs. The garden (when planted) is watered by timed irrigation and only needs checking periodically to see that it is working, but the dogs need food and water every day. The houseplants need water at least once each week.
I also feed a large local population of hummingbirds during the summer months, and the feeders need to be filled every few days when they are around.
Our house is somewhat isolated, so you need to enjoy the quiet and out-of-doors. The dogs have dog doors and can come and go as they please, but they love human company on their walks. Ideally the sitter would take the dogs for walks once or twice per day.

We have a couple of travel trailers parked on the property and are open to a sitter living there whether we are away or not, but when we are traveling, we'd prefer the sitter to stay in the house with the dogs.

The oldest dog is still in good health but has lost his hearing, so extra care needs to be taken when going for walks or when coming and going by vehicle. The two smallest dogs also prefer to sleep on the bed with people, so you must love dogs!

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

Feed and water five dogs. Daily walks desired.
Fill hummingbird feeders and make more nectar as needed in the summer.
Water houseplants
Check on garden irrigation (in summer)

We heat our house with a wood stove in winter. The sitter will need to be comfortable using the stove, but it is easy to learn. Firewood is usually plentiful, but the sitter needs to be able to carry it into the house. He or she can also split wood if they are comfortable doing so.

What are the good features of the property and location

We live on five acres, but the nearest neighbor is 1/2 mile away, so you will have plenty of space to enjoy.
There is a sunroom on the house with great views to the west (where most of the houseplants are located) and there is also a steam shower that is easily operated by an electric switch.
The sunsets in the evening can be quite stunning, and the mostly clear skies also afford great views of the stars and Milky Way at night.
We have five dogs who love a good walk, and the area is a bit hilly so you can have a good hike anytime.
In the house, we have satellite wireless internet and satellite television with premium channels, as well as PS3, PS4, Wii, and Nintendo 64 game systems. There is a television and DVD player in one of the trailers and the internet does reach that far if you have a device for streaming.
We are close to Gallup, New Mexico. This area provides quite a few cultural experiences. Many of our neighbors are Navajo, and during the summer there are nightly Indian Dances in Gallup. The Grand Canyon is a 4-hour drive away and there are many other beautiful places in the Southwest within driving distance.

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

We provide a comfortable camper with basic utilities for long-term stay, with access to laundry machines in the house. When we travel away, the sitter can stay in the house to be company for the dogs.

The house is remote and the driveway can be sketchy in bad weather (the mud gets quite bad during periods of heavy rain).

We are a non-smoking household, but guests can smoke outside.

Can I bring my own pets?

Yes
Restrictions: Dogs are welcome. Our dogs are quite accustomed to other dogs, but are aggressive towards cats.

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