a helpful hand

More information about this house sitter

Hi, My name is Derek. I'm 68, single and this is my eighth year house sitting. Currently at a repeat sit in Melbourne until mid June. Unfortunately no pets for company but a luxuriant garden to tend and home to keep secure. The homeowners here are OK with me doing 'mini sits' for up to 7 days away from their home in the Melbourne region. This gives me some pawed company and helps people going away for a short period.

I thought house sitting would be a great way to get to see and know more of Australia and Australians. The home owners, pets, locals, culture and geography I'm meeting continue to supply a wealth of positive experiences. It's also a pleasure to be able to help people get away in the knowledge their homes and pets are in safe, committed hands.

Then covid arrived. Good fortune presented an 18 month house sit in Melbourne via a couple stranded in Florida. Now travel is becoming less complicated it's time to think about moving around again.

Skills under my belt include gardening and house maintenance as well as pool care. I have owned, as well as looked after many pets; being experienced with dogs, cats, birds, chooks, ducks, horses, guinea pigs, alpacas, a Shetland pony, poddy calves, fish, an aquarium snail and bees (a former orchard interest). I am reliable and would keep your pet's established routines as close to normal as possible.

I understand how important peace of mind is with respect to the well being of pets. As such, I keep in regular email contact with home owners regarding pets and always attach pics of their escapades. I also spend the majority of my time around the house and therefore, with your pet/s.

I am also responsible with the care and security necessary to keep a house safe and sound. I drive but don't have a car (environmental); public transport does the job. I live simply via a connection with Buddhist philosophy and practice. I don't drink or smoke.

I would consider any location in Australia - city, country town or rural. Longer sits are preferable; 4 weeks plus - but always consider shorter periods depending on location and bookings.

If you think I could be suitable and dates fit I'll forward references and referee contacts when applying for your position. Thank you for your consideration. Read more...