Beautiful Ashland, Or.. Easy Dog, Sweet House, Walk to All, Shakespeare Festival

About this assignment

I need a conscientious, dog lover to care for my sweet mellow Daisy. (When I sit, I do not charge, and am looking for a free sitter here). There's a big back yard, and on lovely days I open the door so Daisy can come and go while I go play Pickleball in the morning. I like a sitter with maturity, good practical sense, and experience with dogs is a must. Someone who keeps a clean home and body. No smoking of any kind, no vaping indoors, no drugs.

I will be here on the 22nd, so I can show you the ropes. I think it would be best for one person, because the house is small, but if you are a couple, or even two friends, it could work. I have a twin airbed set up that might be okay for a second person...my 10 year old granddaughter loves it. I've not slept on it myself.

(I have actually been a mind my house user for at least a decade +. There was a lapse in use, and I've lost any reviews from San Miguel, where I used sitters every year while I traveled.)

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

Daisy gets two or three relatively short walks with me each day, and two meals. She is let into the backyard when I first get up, and I take her for her first walk sometime between 7am-10:30. She gets another walk between 5-7pm. I don't take her out after dark because deer can be dangerous, and it's hard to see them. The third walk is optional, and is between the morning and late afternoon walk. There are several house/front porch houseplants to water. No gardening is necessary, but go ahead, if you like! Leave the house clean and tidy. No guests staying or parties.

What are the good features of the property and location

Ashland Oregon is a beautiful little town in southern Oregon, with a university, a wonderful Shakespeare Festival, music, restaurants, and a gorgeous park running through town (Lithia Park), with trails, pickleball courts, wild life, and majestic trees. In 2025 the Shakespeare Festival begins in May and ends October 26th. There is an International Airport a 22 minute drive away in Medford, Or.

The house has 2 small bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The sitter has only the guest bedroom, as I need a place to store all my things in my room, and there are not many closets.

One bathroom has a shower and one has a claw foot tub and no shower. There is a fenced back yard with a picnic table and a glorious huge walnut tree and a deck. You can walk to almost everything in Ashland from the house, which is located in the old town center in the neighborhood called the railroad district.

You can walk to all the theaters, symphony, library, university, and the whole town center with all the lovely shops, coffee houses, Food Coop. Most everything is within 2-8 blocks, including Lithia Park. These are not City type blocks, they're shorter.

If flying, I can pick you up if you arrive before dark, and I can take you back to the airport during daylight hours also. (I don't feel comfortable driving at night anymore). There is an airport shuttle called Cascade Shuttle for after dark arrivals and take-offs, plus taxi service and Uber.

The house has lots of natural light, is well insulated, and has a great central heater/air conditioner. The gas range is nearly new, there's a microwave oven and a dishwasher and a laundry room with washer and dryer.
The Internet is terrific, and has never given me a moment of trouble.

Daisy is not allowed on the furniture and has a deluxe bed of her own in the living room. If a bedroom door is left open while people are out, however...she gets on the bed!
The sitter (s) bedroom has a queen bed. You will have a few empty drawers in the dresser, and a small bit of room to hang things.

There is off street parking, if you prefer, but I think you will prefer the more convenient spot in front of the house on the street.

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

When walking with Daisy, look around for deer, and walk away from them. She will pretend not to see the deer, and does not want to chase, but the deer can be a bit aggressive towards dogs, especially if they have fawns! The most sensitive times are from mid June until end of August. Also, Daisy is almost 12, and she needs gentle walks rather than fast, power walks. I let her sniff all she wants, and even though we usually don't walk more than a mile at a time, it can take 30 minutes easily.

Can I bring my own pets?

No, sorry.

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