** 15 years house/pet sitting experience with multiple (enthusiastic! )references
**Friendly, down to earth, & conscientious, I've been told I put people (and animals) at ease.
**PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR INFO I ASK ALL OWNERS TO PROVIDE MY REPLY MESSAGE FIRST, PRIOR TO SCHEDULING A PHONE CALL.** Thanks!
**My animal friends know/love/remember me, and vice/versa (I have many repeat pet/housesitting jobs over the many years I've been doing this) Check out some of their pictures in my photo gallery!
**I have owned a home as a single woman for 17 years, & care for yours not as mine, but as YOURS -- as you request and with the extra special care and concern I believe one should give when responsible for other people's property
** Fifteen years teaching and social work background = many passed background checks throughout
** Responsible, professional, service oriented - until recently, I run an online resume writing business as well, with a background in social work, training/supervisor, and customer service (currently I work from home, thus I can travel, but am home a lot when I do!)
** Non-smoker, no drugs (of course!), (no problem if you prefer no drinking)
** Clean, neat, detail oriented - all will be in order as you left it, or better, when you return, this is my standard (*I offer to do special projects while you are away - ask me about this extra option!)
** Plant/yard/pool care (etc.) also fine and included, just ask
I would be honored to care for your castle & critters in the same manner you would.
NOTE: I use 3-4 sitter sites at any given time, so recommendations from former sits are spread across them - you'll see screen shots of some in References section here, as well as older references here in Word files, from before any of the sites were set up to have owners review sitters directly on the sites.
I have a questionnaire/checklist I use to gather vital info and instructions when I house/petsit, and of course welcome your specific input and needs.
Happy to answer any questions, of course.
WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR:
I love the mutual benefit/exchange of house sitting and approach it in that partnership spirit of shared care/consideration.
I value (and provide) clear, timely communication as well. I’ve met some wonderful home owners with a similar style, for many years now (with very rare exception).
***QUESTIONS FOR YOU ---- IN YOUR REPLY PLEASE TELL ME (if not already in your ad) **
**I need these details *prior* to scheduling a phone call - thank you!
1) A bit about your pet(s) personality and needs such as (these are important):
**Their habits, schedules (are their feeding times are set? or flexible, or are their auto feeders, etc.?) Please be specific vs. general ("7am" not "in the morning", if they have a set schedule)
**Where do they sleep? (and if that is set or flexible?)
**How often they need to go out, be walked if applicable, etc. (or are their pet doors?)
Do note: I work late and am not a good sleeper: if your pets MUST sleep in the bed with me and/or MUST be fed or let out really early and aren't adaptable to changes in that routine, I am probably not a good match.
I will say that MOST pets DO adapt just fine in my experience.
I mention this all because I just want everyone to be happy - them, you, and me, too!
2) What time you'll leave the home and return on the dates listed here
3) Pictures of the living areas/guest room (best if in your ad) to give me an idea of your space. Requests without any pictures will not be considered (you'll see I've included lots of my own in this spirit) It's always nice to see YOU, too!
4) Anything else you'd like to share to help us all get to know each other!
Many thanks - Shannon
PS I have profiles on 4 sitter sites, so my recommendations are spread out across them. I have many more references I can share with you on request.