About this house sitting position in Jamberoo
We’re seeking well experienced house and dog sitters (a couple preferred but experienced individuals considered), with sound references, to look after our Maremma sheepdog, Abbie, and our home in this very beautiful and temperate part of Australia from about Monday 30 July to Thursday 4 October 2018.
The house sitting will be the easiest part. There’s no use glossing over the fact that caring for Abbie will be by far the biggest challenge. Maremmas are a 2000-year-old species of guardian dogs, brought to Australia from Italy to be left alone in the fields to bond with and to guard flocks of sheep and poultry and herds of cattle against foxes and wild dogs. Maremmas are therefore very independent and single minded. Abbie, who has easily administered daily medication, is bonded to us – we are her pack – and it takes a day or two for her to accept guests. She’s big (38kg) and strong but when she gets to know and respect you, she responds lovingly to firm and fair handling. (Our last house sitter, a mature age woman, unavailable this time, loves her and the feeling is mutual. Abbie responds very well to mature age women.) Abbie also understands a large English vocabulary which is helpful in her everyday life with us and with her adult human friends. Our guess is that you will need to be quite experienced in handling medium size to large dogs to do this house and dog sit successfully and enjoy it thoroughly. It is also why we need to have you here with us for a least a week before we leave so we can all get to know you and you can learn the ropes.
We’re in a very quiet, hidden valley not far from Jamberoo village, about 10km inland from beachfront Kiama on the NSW south coast, surrounded by rare native forest on one side and sweeping green dairy pastures on the other. We have one of the mildest climates in Australia and only very rarely get winter frosts. The nearest neighbours, dairy farmers who are very friendly and helpful, are out of sight about 200 metres away. We have a modern house on a landscaped acreage, with large enclosed vegetable garden which you’d be welcome to plant and harvest. We rely on rainwater for all purposes from our three large tanks but you won’t run short of water.
Accommodation is either in the house or in a spacious, very comfortable self-contained unit with outdoor area and BBQ facilities, in a lovely setting, downstairs.
If you wanted to bring your own accommodation, there’s a flat paved area for a caravan or motorhome (neither longer than about 7m) close to the house upstairs and with power and water connections available. And despite the fact that we’re in the country, we have WiFi internet and mobile phone range (Telstra). If this sounds like a place you’d like to live in peace, quiet, comfort and with nature in springtime in what’s known as Australia’s Riviera, and you’d like to become a friend/s of Abbie’s, we’ll very much welcome your inquiry.
If at all possible, we will also seek to meet and talk with you before making our final decision.
Graham and Ann Read more...