Solo, home, unit, farm/let pet sitter

More information about this house sitter

Hello, I’m Dave

I’m an active, self-funded retiree based in Dickson, Canberra. I’m respectful, clean, tidy and reliable. I’m a non-smoker and a non-drinker, although I do enjoy the occasional glass of a good red!

I love to travel, both domestically in my caravan and overseas, and house sitting has become a wonderful way to combine travel with my love of animals, gardens and caring for other people’s homes.

I enjoy a real variety of sits — from houses, apartments and penthouses to farms and small-acreage properties, as well as pet and plant sits. I particularly enjoy experiencing different homes and lifestyles and making sure that, while owners are away, everything is well cared for and running smoothly.

A little about me…

My beautiful wife, Jackie, and I started house sitting in 2022. We began with our first sit in Canberra to see whether house sitting suited us. Sadly, later that year, Jackie succumbed to cancer and passed away. I have continued house sitting as a solo sitter, carrying on something we both enjoyed.

I have three adult children and seven grandchildren, and family remains a very important part of my life. I’m actively involved in their lives and always make sure they know I’m there when they need me.

I live a busy but quiet lifestyle and take genuine pride in looking after homes, gardens and animals with respect, consistency and attention to detail. I understand how important it is for owners to feel completely comfortable leaving their home and beloved pets in someone else’s care.

My love of animals…

Animals have always been a big part of my life.

Over the years, our family has had cats, including a British Blue named George and a moggie named Puzzy; dogs including Maltese Shih Tzus and a Jack Russell; cockatiels, guinea pigs, chickens, fish, alpacas, Boer goats and bees.

I grew up on a 2,500-acre farm in central NSW, so I’m very familiar with animal husbandry and the everyday care that comes with having animals around you. We had sheep, cattle, pigs, horses, chickens, ducks, geese, sheepdogs, cats, birds and guinea pigs, along with our much-loved companions — Corgis and Fox Terriers.

I’m particularly passionate about caring for pets that enjoy company and those that require regular medication or additional attention. I understand how important routine and consistency are for animals, and I’ll care for your pets with the same patience, affection and respect I would give my own.

I’m also an avid walker and am very happy to take dogs for walks if that is part of their normal routine. And if your cat enjoys a stroll, I’m happy to accommodate that too!

Farm, garden and property experience…

Jackie and I owned a seven-acre hobby farm at Bowning, NSW, for six years. We spent a lot of time there during the week and on weekends and thoroughly enjoyed the lifestyle.

We had alpacas, Boer goats, mixed poultry and a 100-tree mixed fruit orchard, which we planted, maintained and grafted. We also kept bees in hives for orchard pollination and honey production.

I’m proficient with ride-on mowers and can also operate a tractor with a slasher to keep lawns, paddocks and larger areas maintained where required.

I’m a keen and active gardener and vegetable grower, as well as a bonsai enthusiast. I enjoy getting my hands dirty and am more than happy to keep gardens watered, plants maintained and gardens looking cared for while you’re away.

Life outside house sitting…

I enjoy walking, reading and bike riding, and I’m a bit of a Sudoku and crossword fanatic!

I’m a quiet and respectful person but certainly enjoy a good chat. I’m very comfortable in my own company and am equally happy spending time with people, pets or simply enjoying a peaceful environment.

Most importantly, I understand that house sitting is about trust. Your home is your sanctuary and your pets are part of your family. My aim is to give you complete peace of mind while you’re away, knowing that your home, animals, garden and belongings are being looked after with care and respect.

References and checks…

I can provide a current police check and personal references, and I hold a current WWVP card.

You’re also welcome to read the feedback from my previous house sits on this site.

Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. I’d love the opportunity to care for your home and pets and to give you the peace of mind that everything is in good hands while you’re away.

Thanks,
Dave Read more...