About me: Experienced homeowner who understands homeowner concerns about privacy, safety (frozen pipes, wildfires, etc), cleanliness, and maintenance. Experienced pet owner who understands concerns about travelling without your child.
Have a masters in psychology and special education teacher certification. Very patient, very quiet, enjoy using behavioral modification training techniques.
Occupation: Been working from home about 12 years and can work anywhere with high speed internet. Currently administer annoying software that says "this call may be monitored or recorded for training purposes" for major health insurer.
Why I want to house sit: Because I love both animals and traveling. Staying in a home with pets is so much better then staying in a sterile hotel, and walking dogs around the block is the best way to explore a new neighborhood.
Experience: Past ownership experience with horses, cows, goat, rabbits, chickens, dogs, cats, fish, hamster, and birds. Have also cared for pet rats. Experienced with giving oral and subcutaneous medications, not squeamish about body fluids though NOT actively seeking them out! Have not sat for a service before but have done so for family, friends, and neighbors.
Special skills: Given my psych background I always adopt or inherit my pets and invariably end up with what my friends call "social worker" dogs/cats. You know the ones - very shy or timid, won't make eye contact, afraid of any noise/change/shadows. I have lots of experience with them and older/blind/hard of hearing pets. It's amazing how adaptable they are once you learn their language!
Age: 55
Travelling: Single but for long stays may ask if okay to invite my 70 year old friend for company. To catch a show or tour a local museum ?
Other skills: I love outdoor gardening, especially vegetables! I can also care for indoor plants and complete basic home maintenance (change the ac filter, bring in/out the trash cans, start the car every week, etc.)
My requirements: high speed internet so I can work, accessible by normal minivan during sit (can't do 4x4 roads), Verizon cell phone service, excellent communication of expectations and requirements before the sit. (I don't scare easily but I do expect to know what I'm getting into). Ideally would like to come and stay the day before you leave so I can get to know you, your property, and your pets so they feel comfortable with me when you leave.