Non-smoking, healthy, active retiree, now in my 6th year as a full-time house and pet sitter... Ivy League grad (Columbia University), former hospital RN (10 years), and veteran (Army nurse).
TOP REASONS I’m the house and pet sitter for you:
1. Companionship: I'm a sitter who tends to be "home" more than out and about. I am there *not* as a tourist but rather to provide real companionship for your pets.
2. Sensitivity: I do not leave pets alone for the first day or two—longer, if they need it—so that they have a chance to adjust to your absence (and my presence) without undue stress or anxiety.
For the same reason, I believe it's important to their well-being that familiar rituals and routines are maintained. Feeding times, first and foremost, but also... used to sleeping with you? They're welcome to sleep with me! Dogs used to an interesting walk every day? Me, too—in fact, I count on them as my fitness buddies (within any limitations they may have, of course)!
3. Experience: I've been a full-time house and pet sitter since December of 2013, with wide-ranging experience in over 40 different homes—all but 3 with canines or felines (sometimes both) and, occasionally, other species.
Besides basic dog obedience and crate training, I have knowledge and skills in caring for elderly / disabled cats and dogs and in giving medications (pills, ear and eye drops, insulin injections). I understand the importance of maintaining prescribed diet and restricted activity, as well as giving medications on time.
I also understand the special needs that rescue pets might have, as most of the dogs and many of the cats I've cared for—as well as my own pets in times past—have been rescues.
Many homeowners, upon their return, have expressed pleasure in finding their pet noticeably calm and content. This, I believe, stems from my ability to attune to the pet's personality and to relate to cats and dogs on their own terms, with no unrealistic or unfair expectations of them.
I also relate well to house plants and flower gardens and get along with most lawn mowers. You can count on me to sort mail, relay messages, and assist with other household affairs, as needed.
4. Commitment: I take commitments very seriously; if there were any doubt about my ability to care for your home/pets or about my availability for the entire period of time, I would decline the assignment. Once I commit, I don't quit!
5. Communication: I communicate with you as often as you like while you're away and keep a journal for you to read when you return.
6. Respect: You'll come home to a clean house and fresh bed linens—and find everything just as you left it. I don’t rearrange or reorganize your stuff but simply live “on top of” or “around” it.