Kind and Responsible

About this sitter

Hi there!

My name is Nicole Alexander (Canadian, from Toronto) and I will be house-sitting with my dear friend Anita Bedella (American, from Indiana). We are both animal and nature lovers, in the process of redefining our lives and having the best time doing it through road trips and exploring nature. With lots of informal house sits behind us (for family and friends), and as former pet owners, we thought what better way to spend time in each other's countries.

I am a retired school teacher who occasionally does supply work. But I also work online as a TA in the film department at York University in Toronto. My online job offers me the opportunity to work remotely in my field (I recently got an MFA in film) while also working on screenplays. I am one lucky duck! I am also responsible, friendly, and communicative. Maybe it's the teacher in me, but I can handle pretty much any situation that comes up.

I grew up with dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, and had my own horse as a young girl. I have been a cat sitter, dog sitter, and even amazon parrot sitter. In the future, I'd like to have my own goats. I think they're hilarious. I am comfortable and confident around animals, and firmly believe they can sense that in people.

Anita has adopted many rescue dogs and cats over the years and has loved every one of them to bits. She is very responsible, one of the kindest people I know, and always level-headed. She is a semi-retired real estate agent, eager to explore North America on her own terms and work on her nature photography. She is passionate about fishing and hiking or being anywhere near walking trails. As a former volunteer at a rescue animal shelter, she is also passionate about the well being of animals and the planet that sustains us all.

We both enjoy meditation and practice gratitude for life’s bounties, especially now as we find ourselves with the freedom and means to explore what the world has to offer, with few external obligations. Anita is an avid photographer, and I am always looking for inspiration for new script ideas, while I polish the ones I have. Our hobbies are fueled by new surroundings, animals, experiences, and nature, so this lifestyle is ideal.

I would like to add that our integrity is of the highest order. You can rest assured that your animals and property will be respected and well cared for while we are there.

Why they want to house sit

We both miss having animals around and thought house-sitting pets would be a great way to reconnect with that incredible feeling while also exploring both of our countries.

Your pets would not be disappointed to have us look after them. We are passionate about establishing a calm and serene environment as we think the world is a better place when kindness and love become a priority.

Their experience

We are both experienced house sitters (friends and family), and because we have both been avid pet owners. Between us, we are experienced with senior dogs, rescue animals, cats, dogs (all sizes), special needs dogs (such as blind), aquarium animals (salt water and fresh), turtles, birds. Anita is a knowledgeable gardener and is great at yard maintenance (her passion) and we don't mind mowing the lawn! Anita is also great at small house repairs, or projects that need finishing. She loves to be busy, while I love to cook!

What can they bring to the assignment

Integrity and respect for your home and animals.

It is not an overstatement to say that leaving your pets with someone can be stressful. Allowing the right people into your sacred space is an exercise in trust and intuition. Because Anita and I are like sisters, we bring a family element to your home that is devoid of drama and stress. This translates to the well-being of your animals, (who know instinctively when something is 'off'). We are calm, caring, and good communicators. You can enjoy your travels without worry, if we are taking care of your home and pets.