Artist, gardener, animal lover seeking calm, happy, house-sit

About this sitter

Hello, I am an artist who usually lives and works on a farm by the sea on Bruny Island, Australia.

I bring a calm, happy, creative spirit backed up by solid experiences caring for animals and maintaining gardens and homes. I have travelled solo extensively throughout the world. I am married to a musician and we have wonderful grown daughters and a beloved dog called Suki, a 6-year old Lab/poodle.

When I travel I am interested in art, architecture, walking around cities, exploring the countryside/coast, local mythology, healthy food and a calm and beautiful place to stay.

I don't smoke or drink and I eat a vegan diet and value a peaceful and beautiful living environment. I am usually tucked up in bed with a book by 10pm and up with the sun. Love to spend my days writing, walking and exploring. Even better if I can do this with furry friends at my side.

Why they want to house sit

I love my remote farm on a tiny Island but also crave connection to the wider world and get this by travelling each northern Summer. I can think of no better way to immerse my self in a new place than living in a real home and caring for an animal/garden.

Having recently retired from University teaching, and with my adult children no longer at home, I am free to explore the world for longer periods of time. I have a year long writing research project that I can work on remotely, I have been on many Artist residencies around the world, I miss the companionship of animals and the sanctuary of a home. Moreover I am keen to escape Southern Hemisphere winter and head somewhere hot. My partner is still a lecturer so he is bound to stay home with our dogs while I can come and look after your pets as if they were my own :).

Their experience

Along with caring for my own dogs and cats I have sat for : a 3 legged cat, 2 Burmese cats, a 20 year old cat!, a lop rabbit, a Bennet's Wallaby, a tree frog, 30 Guardian Finches, 2 Mini Dachshunds, a Border Collie, a Standard Poodle, various chickens, 2 tortoises and am part of our Island dolphin rescue.

I am also a keen gardener, living on an isolated Island I grow most of my own vegetables, maintain our watering system(rain water-tanks/pumps/and dams), tend our olive grove and fruit trees and try and keep our 150 acre property free from invasive weeds. I also love house plants and have way too many inside and value and care for them :)

What can they bring to the assignment

I bring with me a calm, happy, creative spirit backed up by solid experiences caring for animals and maintaining gardens and homes. I have travelled solo extensively throughout the world and thoroughly enjoy the challenges and wonder of experiencing new ways of living. I am very happy to have a video meet up and to answer any questions you may have for me.