Cozy Comfortable Flagstaff home near NAU and walks in the woods

About this assignment

Clean, communicative, outdoorsy, modest-home-accepting, non-smoker. No other pets permitted.

Clean/tidy --- the kind of person who cleans up from a meal that same day, doesn't leave crumbs on the couch, and at the end of the week, wipes down whatever surfaces they've used. I'm not a perfectly clean person but when I'm in someone else's home I know to step it up a notch and leave it as good or better than I found it.

Communicative--- can't find the clean linens? Don't complain about it, call us! Is there an actual maintenance problem? Call us.

Loves the outdoors --- we don't have a ginormous TV or a all-night gaming console. We have dark skies to view stars at night from the driveway, we have morning views of the mountains, we have access to open forest land 1 block away. You don't need to be a paragliding, downhill mountain biking, heli-skier. If you appreciate pretty views and fresh air you will be happy here.

Is more interested in cozy and comfortable than fancy---housing costs are very high in our town so what we can afford is a comfortable place that we have put lots of care into decorating as our own. The couch is comfortable. The guest bed is a full-size mattress with soft sheets. We love the light that comes in the mornings and the smell of woodsmoke in the neighborhood. We don't have fancy countertops, remodeled bathrooms, or thousands of square feet. We think of our home as a home, not a mansion.

No smoking of any substance in the house or on the property. This is due to 1. one of us has allergies sometimes to cigarette smell, 2. high fire danger in our community, 3. our preference. Thank you!

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

Walk our dog for about 20 minutes every morning and evening in a leashed setting. Spend some time with her each day. (Before Covid, She was used to us being gone 8-9 hours a day for work, and then home most but not all evenings). We provide all materials including safety equipment for walking in the dark. Feed her twice a day. Open the door for her to pee as soon as you arrive back home. She is about 8 years old, really likes to cuddle, and also likes to lay/squirm on her back for belly rubs. She is great with humans, including most children. She is reactive to other dogs (lunges and barks and is strong and requires attention). We have been doing training and a few treats or kibble in your pocket during a walk does wonders at distracting her from other dogs. However, we ask please do not bring any other pets with you.

Clean up after yourself. If you are energy and water-conscious that is helpful.

As is the practice on this website, there is no payment for house/petsitting. Similarly, we do not expect any payment from you for staying in our home. We fully expect that you will use our spices, oil, pots and pans, and other helpful common ingredients if you cook in our kitchen. If you use something up completely, please let us know and/or replace it.

What are the good features of the property and location

1.5 hours drive from the Grand Canyon
Nice Views of the mountains during the day and the stars at night
Cozy feel home with modern but not fancy decor
Flagstaff has 80,00 residents and a bustling downtown with 4+ local breweries, many restaurants, many art and music venues, and the amenities of a college-ski town
10 minute drive/20 minute walk to NAU
20 minute walk to Walmart, Buffalo Wild Wings, Bashas, and several other stores
5 minute drive to more forest trails for walking, biking, and more
30 minutes to Arizona Snowbowl Road

What does the house sitter need to consider before applying for this assignment

Not allergic to short-haired dogs - we have a 45 pound pointer/pit/boxer mix. She barely has any hair on her belly and the rest is very short.

Not have pets of your own---it takes our dog 15 minutes and 2-3 meetings to accept another pet. She has been attacked and she acts like she would attack another animal, but never has. No other pets allowed (she does have 3 dog friends but they won't be around when you are here)

No smoking of any kind on the premises. No illegal activity on the premises.

If mutually agreed, you can arrive before or after we depart and we will share the home for that time.

We have two cameras: a ring at the front door, and a camera in the dining room that faces the back door.

Can I bring my own pets?

No, sorry.

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