I am a very neat quiet woman approaching 50 who loves to travel and explore new places. I especially love the peace and beauty of the outdoors, and enjoy going for walks and hikes. New cities are also fascinating to explore, and I enjoy parks, cafes, and museums. I have traveled a good deal, and lived/studied abroad in Europe. I am both artistic and intellectual, currently pursuing outdoor photography and some other digital art. Traveling to new places helps to inspire my creativity as well as providing the opportunity to photograph new locales. While I get excited to visit and learn about new places, I also have a quiet contemplative personality - which others have remarked is calming to be around - and I enjoy quiet times at home...so when housesitting, I like to spend some time exploring the area and also some time relaxing in the home, pursuing such activities as reading, writing, or editing my photos.
I have much experience house/farm/pet/garden sitting, and am deeply respectful of others' space and property. In the past I have over the years done periodic house and pet sits in different parts of the country by word of mouth; more recently I have been connecting regularly with homeowners through this site for the past year. I am honored when someone entrusts their home and animals to my care, and strive to do my utmost to reward their trust with excellent and responsible caretaking. I have owned pets myself, and currently - when at home! - help my housemate with several belonging to her. I love animals deeply and connect well with them, often receiving the curiosity and friendship of timid creatures who are generally afraid of strangers, at times surprising their owners in this. I am very gentle and affectionate with all animals, and sensitive to their unique needs and personalities. I will enjoy walking, playing and cuddling with them as they desire (and may even sing little songs to them), or can respect their need for space if that's what they prefer. I am experienced in administering oral medications, injections and subcutaneous fluids. Animals I have cared for - for others - include dogs, cats, sheep, goats, horses, chickens, and fish. I also grew up with a menagerie of beasts in our family home - dogs, cats, fish, birds, snakes, rabbits, mice and rats, hamsters, guinea pigs...I have lived rurally by myself, including while working on a large sheep farm in Wisconsin for 1.5 yrs, which I caretook in the owners' frequent absence.
I don't smoke (and rarely drink), am very conscientious, and strive to leave another's home immaculately clean. I will be happy to send you updates if you desire while away, or to be in contact however you prefer.
At present, I live in the state of Washington and am mostly thinking of housesitting in various parts of the Northwest, but am open to considering other locations as well. While continuing at present to offer my services free of charge, as a struggling artist, I greatly appreciate any payment or tips!
I look forward to discussing your needs with you.
Thank you - and Blessings!