Seeking Dog Lover for Summer 2025 in Boston

About this assignment

Would you like a place to call your summer home in Boston? We have a private bedroom available in our two-family house in one of Boston's best residential neighborhoods (the regular-people kind of neighborhood, not the super-fancy kind). Dates are flexible, but ideally you would be available for all or most of the time from June 20 to August 8.

During those 8 weeks, my kids will be away and I would like to find someone to take care of our dogs, so that I had the flexibility to travel. I would come in and out, but you would have the upstairs apartment largely to yourself. You would be welcome to arrive a little earlier or depart a little later, depending on your needs, and when I am home, I love to cook.

We have a somewhat non-traditional living situation: the two apartments in our house are occupied by my kids, their dad, and me. He will be home, in the downstairs apartment, for much of the summer, but doesn't know his exact plans yet. He would be available in case of emergency, but otherwise would not come into the upstairs apartment.

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

-Feed two dogs and refill water bowls morning and night (timing is flexible)
-Open the back doors to let the dogs into the backyard first thing in the morning, at some point in the early afternoon, and at night before going to sleep (again, the timing is pretty flexible, but they generally expect to go out around 7 AM and 9 or 10 PM). The dogs generally don't go on regular walks around the neighborhood but you would be welcome to walk them if you wanted and we discussed in greater detail.
-Watering houseplants.

What are the good features of the property and location

Our home is modern and well-maintained with a comfortable TV room, an office space, and beautiful front and back porches. From the house, you can walk to lots cafes, restaurants, a community center with a gym and an indoor pool, two libraries, several parks, the path along the river, several small grocery stores, and multiple bus lines. We are 4.5 miles from downtown Boston (20 minutes on the express bus), 3.5 miles from Boston University (30 minutes on the regular bus), and 3 miles from Harvard Square. We can offer parking in the driveway, as well as the use of a (somewhat older) bicycle.

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

Maybe the strangest thing about this situation is that I and at least one of my kids will be at the house for parts of the time. It could be fun (we're friendly!) but definitely a factor to consider. More photos are available on request!

Can I bring my own pets?

Yes
Restrictions: Dog(s) could work, let's talk.

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