Dependable & friendly pet lover

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More information about this house sitter

(Booked until 3 Sept, then looking for house sits in Melbourne)

My name is Sam and I am a half Dutch, half British independent, outgoing and mature 28-year-old looking for house sitting opportunities in Australia while I'm in the country for a year. I spend a lot of time working behind the laptop at home, ideal for pets who enjoy company!

I grew up in the Netherlands and have since lived in China for a year and a half, completed a bachelor's degree in Archaeology at Cambridge, followed by a master's in Archaeology and Museum Studies in the Netherlands; all this interspersed with (cycling) trips throughout Europe.

This time abroad has left me with a flexible attitude to life and the ability to keep a level head in unexpected or stressful situations. Also, having worked as a secretary and PA means I am a well-organised person – all in all well equipped to deal with anything that may come up while looking after a home!

I am an avid cyclist and also enjoy exploring new areas on foot, usually accompanied by my camera. Of course walks are made even better with the company of a dog! Curling up on a couch with a cat to watch a movie is equally a perfect way to spend an evening.

In addition to housesitting fulltime since 2014, I have frequently looked after my parents' house while they were away, and have shared flats with others in China, lived in shared accommodation while at university and more recently rented my own flat, all with minimal problems.

I am quite house proud and like to keep my space tidy and clean (I am that person who apologises for the mess even when others think it's more than tidy enough!), and take extra care when it comes to shared spaces and other people's possessions. I also don't mind helping others out at all and have been known to do the dishes for them while their back was turned... Rest assured that you will return to a tidy home!

In addition I am a rather creative person and have tried my hand at various types of arts and crafts (though lately it has mainly been photography and sewing), which also means I am handy at DIY chores such as painting walls, mending curtains, repairing leaky taps, wobbly door handles and the like. I am familiar with basic garden maintenance (watering, weeding, deadheading, mowing the lawn etc.).

As an animal lover I have always enjoyed looking after pets. I have had fish for most of my life, though that was mostly by accident. My parents (as frequent travellers) were understandably reluctant to have the added responsibility of pets, but nobody expected George (who did indeed turn out to be a George and not a Georgina) to reach the respectable 15 years of age as he did! I also often walked dogs for neighbours, family and friends; from my uncle's Chihuahua to a friend's White Shepherd. We looked after that Chihuahua whenever his owners went on holiday as well.

Though I love dogs, cats are my favourite and they tend to like me too – even ones that are usually shy. While in China I helped look after an adorable Siamese whose owner was away for a while, and more recently I have spent quite a bit of time with friends who have cats (the Norwegian Forest Cat in the photo is quite a personality!). I have also helped with some emergency trips to the vet; if such a situation happens to arise, it will not be an unfamiliar experience.

I do not smoke or drink, and am vegetarian. I keep a regular schedule. While you are away I would be happy to keep you up to date on how your home and pets are doing, and since photography is a hobby of mine this would likely include pictures!

References:

Having a stranger in my house was so out of my normal comfort zone but from the moment Sam contacted me & we met, I knew I'd made the right choice. Sam came a day or two prior to us leaving to give our old cat time to adjust to our 5 week absence. She kept in contact while we were away with updates on our cat. Upon our return The house was tidy, the garden still green & the cat very relaxed. I would highly recommend Sam & wouldn't hesitate to use her again.
- Sandy (Perth, WA, Australia)

Sam looked after our dogs and house whilst we were away for a week. When we got home, the house was clean and tidy, and the dogs were happy and well cared for. She'd even left homemade carrot soup in the fridge, which was very thoughtful as our flight got in late and we have small children . We would highly recommend her for house and pet sitting. She was good at communicating with us prior to the house sitting commencing and updated as with pictures and texts of the dogs whilst we were away. Sam was reliable and trustworthy and I would have no hesitation in recommending her to others.
- Toni (Perth, WA, Australia)

Sam came to look after our dog whilst we went on a break for our wedding anniversary. Unfortunately we hadn't even been away a day before Dougy had an emergency and went blind Sam was amazing. She noticed this so quickly, contacted the vets and Dougy was referred for emergency treatment within a few hours. Things could have been so different if this wasn't picked up so quickly . Thanks to her quick thinking Dougy is now able to see.
Once Dougy returned home after about 4 days the rest of her house sitting was how it should be (thank goodness)
I would not have any hesitation in recommending Sam to look after your animal. I feel it would be difficult to get anyone better.
Thank you again Sam xxxx
- Debbie & Ian (UK) Read more...