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More information about this house sitter

After being very busy with the House Swap community we are now faced with four of our five children finishing school and being employed. So with never a time when the house is empty of young adults, we have found it just too hard to make house swapping work.

Mind you we have enjoyed wonderful house swaps with the last being to Canberra last July, giving us the opportunity to enjoy winter. For a family from Cairns, that was amazing, the minus 6 wasn't!

We have house swapped to a remote Island called Scotland Island in Pittwater in Northern Sydney, no cars, boats only. We cared for chooks (that slept in the trees?) a cat and some beautiful rabbits - which for our family was a very special time as we Queenslanders aren't allowed to own these little furry critters.

So this is our next adventure and with only one child in tow possibly a little more enjoyable - just kidding!

A little about ourselves, we have five children They are
31 yr, 22 yr, 20 yr and 18 yr and the youngest 15 years. We have owned and lived in our own beautiful old Queenslander for 24 years. We are about 10 km from Cairns hence the popularity in the whole House swap side of our lives!

Our home has been constantly renovated over the years with the last being a new verandah and stairs my very handy husband Damian has completed. We are very house proud and our tropical home with a beautiful garden is why we like having friends and family over for all to enjoy. If you would like to have a look at one of the home swap sites we are still listed on then go to Homeforexchange website and our property id is 59478 and also have a listing with a nice appraisal on the Happy House Sitters website as well as on the Aussie House Sitters website and more recently on the international pet sitting site Trusted House Sitters.

About us:
I have been employed as groundstaff with Qantas for 25 years and still love my job! I have through my job had ASIC and Interpol checks done yearly and will also be able to provide a police check.
Damian has just clocked up 25 years with Main Roads where he is a Service coordinator managing the RoadTek workshop. He is a qualified mechanic and diesel mechanic and a very capable handyman, hence all the work he does around home. Unfortunately, Damian does not have the flexibility I do with work and most times will not be joining our son and I. I am a Job Sharer and can work days and weeks that I want. Perfect!

Damian is a fantastic gardener, backyard fixer and has painted our home inside and out over a five-week holiday! Basically, he refuses to pay anyone if he can do it himself and will attempt anything! I have coined a phrase for my darling husband, If you can't fix it ..... get a bigger hammer!

I grew up on a farm in West Australia and had to look after poddy calves, horses, chooks, ducks...... you name it we had it! Now our life has just two budgies and a little fox terrier that we rescued from the pound. We look after friends and families animals when they go away so are very used to the concept of bonding with a new friend!

We are both non-smokers and are really keen on making this another alternative to house swapping with us being able to look after your home and love your animals just as much as you and your family do. My son who will travel with us (15 years old) has such an affinity with animals and is very excited about this concept as well.

The photos we have posted are of us on holidays in South Africa last year. With working for Qantas we have had some amazing holidays with our children to Hong Kong, Bali, Kruger National Park, Thailand, Vietnam and Europe.

The other photos are of our little black dog who is our baby "Travis" as well as the beautiful Mack from Frankston and the gentle giant Lunar from our wonderful sit near Hobart.

We have had thirty amazing pet sits (including three overseas!) and they have all seen us having such fun....
Some of our fabulous pet sits were to a beautiful part of the world called Cabbage Tree Point down from Brisbane. We had the best time with two gorgeous Schnauzer s who we still miss.
The previous sit was a stay in Townsville looking after a beautiful Koolie girl who is the fastest dog we have ever seen. Go, Tilly! Then we stayed local near our home in Cairns and looked after Izzy another gentle Koolie at her home at Little Mulgrave.
Christmas has seen us pet sitting in Point Cook, Victoria where we had a fabulous sit with the energetic Paris, a Collie that was so affectionate with us.
November saw us travel to Port Sorell, Tasmania looking after three beautiful dogs who loved nothing but running on the nearby beach and a good scratch!

October saw us visiting the relaxed Westie called Duncan at Glenelg Beach, South Aus.
We then went to the beautiful Sunshine Coast looking after two energetic babes Bozley and Pippi who loved nothing more than chasing tennis balls on the families tennis court.
Gorgeous dogs to spoil!
We have excellent referrals from all our sits and really appreciate the use of the families car which we have had for nearly ever sit ( Glenelg Beach was an example of not needing a car!)
Our pet sits to Little Bay in Sydney was our first sit of so many different pets. Even though we didn't meet the family we had the use of their car to run local errands and to take Ramsey for a run in some amazing dog parks. The family have given us an excellent reference and the marvellous opportunity to live like a local while enjoying their beautiful 'family'.

We have also doggie/puss and birds sat in beautiful Ellenbrook a suburb of Perth and were close enough to enjoy the beach with a very enthusiastic German Sheppard hence the use of a vehicle makes for a fabulous time for the pets.
Another fabulous pet sit was over the Easter period in Frankston, Victoria and last year had Boxing day in Halls Head West Aus, as well as a memorable pet, sit to the beautiful city of Hobart where we looked after 2 beautiful Pyrenees Mountain dogs (picture small polar bear cubs!) on 15 acres along with chooks and ducks. We had the use of the couple's car which was fabulous and explored Hobart over the 10 days we were there.
Seven more wonderful sits followed ( we now have over 23 excellent references available) and we are keen for our next adventure.

We have also been very busy on an International pet sitting site and have since last year been to Bangkok (looking after a gorgeous Corgi) and this year to Hong Kong (a beautiful ginger cat) and two months ago to South Korea (two lovely kitty's on the 21st floor) We have definitely had some amazing times travelling.

I am sharing some of the referrals from the Aussie House Sitter's and the International site Trusted House Sitters so we have the opportunity to have more fun pet sitting!

Grace - Incheon, South Korea
21 - 30 Sep 2018
Judy and her husband and two youngest children (both teenagers) spent a wonderful week with Papi and Tessie. I was kept well updated with photos and updates on both cats. They quickly communicated with me when there was a problem in the house that they could not solve (no electricity) and responded appropriately. I came home to find a meal for me in the fridge, an adorable cat mug on the kitchen table, freshly picked daisies on the counter, some new cat toys for the fur babies, and two very happy kitties!
Received | Oct 1, 2018

Fiona - Sai Kung, Hong Kong
30 Jun - 15 Jul 2018
Judy and her children were a wonderful choice! They are well travelled, responsible and kind all of which made me feel at ease when I was on holiday for 2 weeks. Judy and her family nurtured my 9-year-old rescue cat Hobbes, who had only recently become confident again being around new people. They care and gentle approach with him has helped him to become much more sociable and I know that was down to the company and care they provided him while I was away. My home was left clean and tidy and Judy had been so kind in preparing a lovely meal for me to return home to. They were also flexible with travel dates as I ended up returning from my holiday earlier than planned and Judy showed a great understanding of the change in plans. Thanks again, Judy. It was lovely to know that Hobbes and my home was being looked after so well!
Received | Aug 3, 2018

Daniel - Bangkok, Thailand
8 - 16 Jul 2017
Wonderful house sitting family! Judy and her family took great care of our home and our dog Toby. We returned to a house that was cleaner than we left it, and a very contented dog. The daily updates on his antics were much appreciated! Would definitely recommend, or have them sit again for us.
Received | Jul 19, 2017


Hello Judy and Family,
Thank you for looking after our precious dog and our home.
It made our break so much more enjoyable to know that she was being looked after, indeed pampered, so well and not having to worry about our home.
We were also pampered as we came home to a lovely tidy and clean house with an extra sparkle thanks to you all.
A special thank you for recording and forwarding our correspondence.

Regards,

Peter, Laurelle and Izzy.

ANJI & TONY - TOWNSVILLE QLD
SIT DATE: Feb 2017
THEIR ENDORSEMENT OF YOU:
On meeting Judy at the airport the morning we departed for our holiday we knew she would do a great job of looking after both Tilly, our dog and our home. Judy is obviously a pet lover and sent us daily photos and updates about Tilly. When we returned the house was spotless and Tilly content. We would recommend Judy and her family to everyone, as they exceeded our expectations on nearly every front.


Anne - Point Cook, VIC, Australia
25 Dec 2016 - 3 Jan 2017
View listing | View conversation
This was our first experience with having a house sitter and what a great experience it was. Judy and her family stayed over and her courtesy of sending photos and updates every day was beyond expectation. We came back and the house looked cleaner than when we left. They are such beautiful people and you can be assured that your pet and house will be looked after really well. Judy, thank you so much.

Organised
Reliable
Self-sufficient
Tidy
Pet care
Received | Jan 8, 2017


GLENYS - GLENELG SA
SIT DATE: Oct 2016
THEIR ENDORSEMENT OF YOU:
Judy, Damien and Eden were absolutely wonderful as Housesitters. The care and attention they gave our little dog Duncan were above and beyond my expectations. They bought little treats for him, daily walks and even bathed him while we were on a holiday break. Judy kept in touch every day with cute photos of a very happy Duncan for our peace of mind. Upon our return, our apartment was spotlessly clean and tidy (Judy even washed and replaced her linen!). Most of all, Duncan looked very happy and cared for. I would most certainly recommend Judy and her family to other Owners


LYNDEE - PORT SORELL TAS
SIT DATE: Nov 2016
THEIR ENDORSEMENT OF YOU:
Well, what a great family, loved our dogs so much and our little spot we live in. My house is so tidy and clean and also left treats for our fur babies. Thank you SO MUCH Damion Judy and Eden. My dogs are missing you already and they also smell so nice after there baths. Thanks for cleaning the car/ house/dogs. Would have you back any day xxoo


AMANDA - LITTLE BAY NSW
SIT DATE: Aug 2016
THEIR ENDORSEMENT OF YOU:
Judy, Damian & Eden did an amazing job housesitting for us recently. Even though we didn't get to meet them before we left for our holiday we felt very comfortable in our decision in having them housesit for us. We have plenty of pets (1 dog, 2 cats, 4 chooks & 1 budgie) and Judy was keen to know the details of their daily routine so they would be comfortable during our absence. We received daily updates and photos which was extremely reassuring to know our pets were happy and in good care while we were away. Our pets all received plenty of TLC, attention and exercise during their stay. Judy went above and beyond in the care of our pets - even walking our dog Ramsey in the rain one day!! I cannot thank Judy and family enough and I would not hesitate to ask them to housesit for us again in the future and also highly recommend them to anyone else who may be looking for the perfect housesitter.


ALEXIS - GLENROY VIC
SIT DATE: Dec 2015
THEIR ENDORSEMENT OF YOU:
"Hi Judy, Damian and family, Thank you so much for house sitting our place whilst we were away on holidays. You have done an exceptional job looking after Rusty, regularly walking him as well as giving him a bath. Rusty loved the time you have spent with him and loved the cuddles from the kids. I loved receiving the daily text messages with photos on how Rusty was going, he was one very happy boy. Thank you for also maintaining and watering the veggie garden especially over the very hot days. Richard was thrilled with the job you did and how much they had grown whilst we were away. This is the first time I have used Aussie House Sitters so was unsure what to expect. The way you looked after our place was above and beyond my expectations. AS a busy working mum I don't always get the chance to do the extra tidying and cleaning so greatly appreciated how you re-stacked the bookshelf and cleaned the oven and microwave oven as well as my car. I am forever grateful for you all going out of your way to help. I could not recommend you all more highly and wish you all the best for your future house sits, and of course, I would have you back to our place in a heart beat. Rusty misses you all very much. Warmest Regards Alexis"

LAURA - MANDURAH WA
SIT DATE: Dec 2015
THEIR ENDORSEMENT OF YOU:
"Judy, Sienna and Eden did a fantastic job of looking after our two dogs Bella and Theo. The dogs were loved, exercised and given plenty of attention. I don't think they even noticed we were gone. Judy sent us regular phone texts and photos which was reassuring. It was good to know our pets and home were cared for while we were away. Regards, Laura and Anthony"

JILL WRIGHT - SAN REMO VIC
SIT DATE: Apr 2016
THEIR ENDORSEMENT OF YOU:
"Dear Judy, Peter & I want to sincerely thankyou for doing our recent house sit and looking after our two little dogs with such love and care. Your concern for our dog's wellbeing was wonderful. The daily updates and photos you sent us gave us a great sense of comfort and ease of mind being able to see our dogs happy & healthy which was reassuring. It was also terrific to come home to a very clean and tidy house. All the extra cleaning & tidying you did was so appreciated. Thankyou also for the soup you made & left for us, it was a treat & really delicious. We truly appreciated you Judy and Eden sitting for us and we would happily have you back to sit for our pets and home again in the future. Peter and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend you as a trustworthy, honest, reliable and caring house and pet sitter. We look forward to catching up with you both when we come to Cairns. All the best Cheers Jill and Peter"

"Judy looked after our house and golden retriever Mack during the long Easter weekend in 2015. Mack is a friendly dog that loves exercise, playtime and cuddles, and Judy and her daughter were able to please him as we returned to a very happy dog.
Judy
- Took our dog to the beach every day, just as we requested
- Updated us daily with pictures and texts, so we were sure he was in good hands.
- Was very flexible with the arrangements, she changed her plans when we wanted to come home a night earlier than expected. They left our home clean and tidy and even did some washing for us. Amazing!
- She left us and Mack a little gift. How nice is that!
So if you are in need of a great dog/house sitter? We recommend Judy!"
Rob van der Wardt
Freelance journalist
Melbourne, Australia
+61 (0)4 37146357
robvdwardt.nl/portfolio


Ideally, we will be looking for school holiday periods but will be open to chat with you about your ideas.


Thanks and be sure to check out our house swap page as we have previous families we swapped with who have given us some lovely recommendations!


Judy and Damian and Eden Read more...