Since 2011, when my ex-husband and I sold our four-bedroom house in Broomfield, Colorado, and embarked on our first set of travels, I have done housesitting for one couple through this site and two friends (one to three weeks each) and have stayed in short-term rentals and several Air-B-n-B properties while traveling, most recently in Hawi, Hawaii, this year.
As someone who prefers not to own a car, I love to walk and hike and can exercise your dog as needed, or even a cat (who seem to be more skittish than dogs on the leash). Walking also gives me a chance to watch birds and meet the neighborhood cats.
I grew up with a beagle named Snoopy who was constantly looking for a chance to escape her leash and explore the neighborhood. Besides her, I have taken care of a Portuguese water dog and a friend's large rescue dog (Greyhound mix) that had been bullied or abused, would hide in the closet when new people came over, and disliked having anyone watch her eat. I took her on walks every day, and other than her pulling on the lead, we got along fine.
My gardening experience includes restoring part of my yard in Broomfield to a buffalograss meadow, with mixed success (it looked nice, as long as I pulled up all the dandelions and salsify), and growing vegetables. I'm just starting to relearn Missouri plants but have been having a great time watching monarch butterfly caterpillars chow down on the milkweed.
For work I edit books, write the occasional blog post, and take pictures of plants and whatever city I happen to be in.
I love to travel and meet new people and have been to sixteen countries, including several in Asia. I am conscientious and will take good care of your house and pets and garden. I don't smoke, though I do like a glass of wine now and then.
Wifi in the house is necessary so I can do my freelance work—photography and editing.
Right now I am living in Kansas City, but next year I plan to move to the Denver-Boulder area of Colorado.