NW Washington Home on Nooksack River

About this assignment

Our dates are somewhat soft. If it helps, you can arrive a few days before we leave and stick around a few days after we return. We have a guesthouse next door on a couple of acres and you'd be welcome to stay there for a few days at the beginning or the end.

The plan is to return to Mexico for a couple of weeks or so. We seek a responsible person or couple who generally enjoys staying home and is in a position to watch our 2 dogs and property. While I am inclined to think that would mean older folks beyond the temptations of youth and irresponsibility, we'd certainly consider anyone who matched our needs. And, of course, someone who enjoys pets, in this case our two rescues: Mia, a chihuahua mix from Oaxaca, and Baillie, a border collie from eastern Washington. It seems that we just have an affection for rescues. And sorry, but you have to maintain a no-tobacco and no-overnight-guest policy. Pretend you are in a monastery or convent, perhaps, but with a glass of wine in your hand as you look at the river.

We live on a dead-end country road in the woods on the Nooksack River's Middle Fork. If you are attracted to tranquil forest settings, are inclined to curl up with a good book or glass of wine, you will probably find that it's pretty nice here. You may end up feeling like a park ranger; at least we do. We've been here 44 years and have the company of good, helpful neighbors. That just sweetens our existence.

Clearly our sitter will have to favor this kind of setting. We want someone who is willing to stick around, notwithstanding shopping or a stroll on the road. You'll need a car. The fall weather is mild, highs likely in the mid 60s and lows in the mid 40s. And maybe rain, maybe snow, maybe not.

There are nice local spots (a dandy pub and restaurant a few miles north, others a few miles south) and a full grocery store 8 miles west toward Bellingham. And a wonderful local library in the metropolis of Deming, about 5 miles down the road. In fact, we're on the library board and we--the community--actually own it. It's a pleasant, slow existence and stands in sharp contrast urban settings.

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

Your task is to keep the dogs alive and happy. And to get a bit of reading or writing in. If the power goes out, an unlikely event, you'll need to remember our instructions on the generator. You may need to take the trash and recycling out but it's not difficult, just necessary. And you'll need to say hello periodically to our dear neighbor, Arv. Otherwise, just take care of the house as you would your own. There is ample outdoor adventure here. And there is a wood stove you can park yourself next to while you open that book you have always meant to read.

What are the good features of the property and location

Truthfully, the setting is gorgeous if you like nature: deer pass through, beaver occasionally swim up the river, bear have strolled by occasion (even a cougar), eagles perch in the trees and salmon spawn in season. And it's quiet. Of course there may be some amount of rain, probably not snow, we just don't know when.

Our neighbors are wonders. To the east is the home of dear friend of over 44 years, a retired Los Angeles police officer, so you can feel secure. To the west a blueberry field recently purchased by a delightful sister and brother from Bellingham. And the road has little traffic as it's dead end. You don't have to go far to find someone with whom you can share a cup of coffee.

There are places to walk, with the dogs and without. A hike up the Van Zandt Dike starts nearly from the front door. The river is there to be explored, even fishing in season. A couple of camp chairs can be planted along the river and a bit of wine or a fine pint go a long ways toward calming your soul.

We even have bikes you can ride when the weather allows, high speed internet (DSL, so not Seattle high speed but good enough to stream), large screen tv, the usual accouterments, and cell phone coverage.

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

And how we go about our dog care will no doubt matter to you. They sleep on our bed, but we understand that that doesn’t work for everyone so we are migrating them to the floor. The truth is, we are softies in this area and largely put up with the inconvenience…but we understand you may not want to. Baillie lives to chase a ball out in the yard...or more conveniently in the house. Be ready to spend time satisfying her thirst for it. Mia lives to sleep, but enjoys tug of war for her play time. They can be inside or outside as they choose. It's all fenced and pretty secure. The truth is, it is generally a quiet, relaxing home environment and we love being here. We hope that's your experience, too.

Can I bring my own pets?

Yes
Restrictions: Another dog is fine.

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