Tag Archives: Housesitting

Frederick with Tino

(Click here for more photographs.)

Valerie’s sister asked if we would be interested in pet sitting for a friend of hers in Frederick, MD.  Even though it had been a while since we had done any pet sitting, we welcomed the opportunity.  Her friend has a small dog named Tino, that was a little more than one year old at the time.  He is a playful and very enjoyable little dog.

Tino

Looking after Tino gave us the opportunity to explore Frederick which is about 25 miles north of Germantown.  Although it was particularly hot during our time there, we were able to get out to see some of the town, like Carroll Creek Park which runs for more than a mile through the heart of downtown Frederick.

Rancho Cucamonga With Simba

Over the Memorial Day weekend (May 22 through May 27, 2014) we had the opportunity to house sit in Rancho Cucamonga with a super nice cat named Simba.  Our hosts took a trip to the Portand, OR, area in order to attend a photography workshop and visit with family.

Simba

Simba

 

They adopted Simba from someone in their neighborhood who wasn’t providing very good care for him.  His new owners provide a very nice home for him and he seems very happy to be there.  He spends most of his day out visiting and exploring his territory.

We’ve enjoyed looking after Simba and having the opportunity to visit this part of San Bernardino County.

 

 

 

In Torrance With Yorkies and a Canary

We’re back house sitting in Torrance with three Yorkies and a Canary.  This is our third opportunity to house sit for these guys.  It’s a beautiful home with a large lovely back yard.  The Yorkies are great fun and enjoy hanging out in the yard, especially if you’re willing to throw one of their toys.

We’re here from March 15, 2014 until April 2, 2014.

Back in Hermosa With Hunter

Once again, we had the opportunity to house sit for Hunter in Hermosa Beach, CA.  We always enjoy our time here.  It’s a beautiful place near the beach with a super view of the ocean and a really fun dog with whom we get to spend time.  Like most dogs, Hunter enjoys taking a car ride.  He is a well behaved passenger, just enjoying the view and the fresh air.

 

Out for a ride

Out for a ride

We were here from August 23, 2013 until September 4, 2013, and we look forward to our next opportunity to house sit for Hunter.

Sitting in Torrance, CA

For two weeks we’re here in Torrance, CA, house and pet sitting with three Yorkies and a lovely little song bird.  It’s a very comfortable home at the very southern edge of Torrance on the border with Palos Verdes (or is it Rolling Hills?).  At any rate, the home is quite nice with a beautiful sactuary like back yard.

Needless to say, the Yorkies are very easy to care for and lots of fun.  We’re here from March 6 until March 21, 2013.

Sitting in Truckee, CA

We’re back in Truckee to house and pet sit for 2 weeks.  This time we’re looking after a very agreeable dog named Jack and a typically self sufficient cat named Foxy.

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The dog is a lab mix that readily accepted us in our role as his care takers.  He has very well defined feeding times and gently lets us know when the time comes.  Foxy has her own spots to hang out during the day so we rarely see her but she’s a strictly inside dweller during this time of year.

Here in Truckee we’re conveniently close to the Northstar ski resort.  We’ve never skied at Northstar and look forward to checking it out.  We have a little new snow today and according to the weather forecast we should be getting more over the next few days.

We’ll be here in Truckee until March 3 when we will be heading to Southern California to house sit for our friends who will be departing for a great trip to Costa Rica for 2 weeks.

Why Use a House Sitter?

You’re going to be leaving your home for a vacation or for a work related trip.  In addition, perhaps you have a pet or pets.  What are you available options?

  1. Leave your pet(s) with a boarding facility.  Most commonly used for dogs, kennels, veterinary offices and “pet hotels” offer boarding.  At the kennel, your pet will generally be housed in an individual pen, fed according to your instructions and possibly allowed out to get some exercise.  The cost for boarding will typically run from $15 to $50 or more per day.  But more than the cost, boarding will generally be very upsetting for our pet.  They will be left with strangers in an unfamiliar environment.  There will be other pets there that will also be disoriented so the experience can be very stressful.  Also, depending upon the hours of operation for the boarding facility, you may have to drop off your pet the day before you leave for your trip and return the day after you get back.  If you need to be away from home for more than a few days, this may not be a viable option.  Also, if you have fish, birds, reptiles or other types of pets this option is not available.
  2. Have a neighbor, friend or family member come to your home daily to feed and check on your pet.  Generally this person will come to your home once or maybe twice daily.  Perhaps they will have enough time to take your pet for a walk.  This option has the advantage of allowing your pet to remain in your home but they will still be left alone for most of the day and night.  Sometimes this helper can forget to come by or they get busy with their job or kids or something else distracts them from taking care of your pet.
  3. Have a house sitter stay in your home and take care of your pet while you’re away.  This is your best solution for your pet(s).  They get to stay at home in their familiar surroundings with someone to be with them during the day and night.  The house sitter can walk them, feed them, give them medication and provide other care according to your instructions.  In addition, there will be someone in your home which provides a greater degree of safety and security allowing you to feel more relaxed while you are away.  The house sitter can also collect your mail, water your plants, put out the trash for collection and other routine household tasks.  If you like, the house sitter can provide you with periodic updates so you know all is well at home.
So the next time you are going to be away from home, check out the options for finding a reliable and dependable house sitter for your home and pets.  You may find these websites useful.