Scruff, his 2 sisters plus the 2 horses seek house sitters in S.W France

About this assignment

Hello

My name is Scruff and I'm a 13 year old French scent hound. I may be small in size but as the head boy in the family I take great pride in looking after my 2 sisters - Karla (11 years) and Noja (5 years old). although the baby in the family, being an Irish Wolfhound, she is the biggest. Karla is a Border Colley x griffon she IS the boss. She's also the brains in the family.

So being the oldest its up to me to find our house sitters.

We live with mum (Milena) and dad (Brian) in a large farmhouse in South West France (1 hour from Toulouse). During the winter months it's heated by log fires and electric radiators. It's a big affair with 5 bedrooms on 3 floors. Guests tend to take the top floor with their own bathroom/toilet. Being in the Ariège, you can actually see the Pyrénées from the garden. And when I say live with mum and dad, I mean we have our own studio which is attached to the main house. This is where we sleep and spend time when left on our own. The rest of the time we loll about in the farmhouse and we even have our own sofa in the lounge by the TV! Although we have a very big garden, we do love our walks, so mum takes Karla and Noja out every morning around the surrounding fields. As I have a touch of arthritis I get to go with them occasionally, otherwise I stay at home and look after the gaff whilst they're out.

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

Our daily routine is quite straightforward; breakfast around 8.00a.m followed by a walk. Lunch around midday followed by afternoon siesta. Dinner around 17h.00 followed by playtime or some grooming which we all love.

The horses need someone who is totally comfortable around horses. Preferably someone who is/was a rider or has had horses in the past. Although the 2 boys (Nestor 23 and Rally 19) are old, they are very well behaved their routine is as follows: feed/hay morning and evening. Paddock shelter to be mucked out and fresh straw put down. The paddock to be cleared daily. Water tub checked daily and washed/re-filled when needed. In hand walk to outside the paddock in the afternoons for 1/2 hour to eat grass. Weekly groom and hooves picked/greased. Depending on the severity of the Winter they may or may not be rugged and therefore would need regular checks.

We're looking for someone to love all of us and look after us when mum and dad go away in February for 5 weeks. I forgot to mention that you'd have to also look after the other 3 sub-humans, I think they are called cats. But like us, they have their own pad and live in the adjoining laundry room. I think they just need to be fed and watered twice a day. But anyhow we don't want you to love them more than us.
We'd need you to come a couple of days before mum and dad go so that we can show you the ropes with our routine, where to find things like the vet, the Dr's surgery, the shops etc as well as introduce you to some friends who'd be able to help you out in any emergency. And because the house is situated in a rural area mum and dad would leave you with the use of their car.

What are the good features of the property and location

If you're an outdoor type of person, we think you'd love it here. It's lovely and quiet with no immediate neighbours – other than the cows in the field next to us. But 5 minutes on (4 kms) and you can be in the centre of our local town where you'll find all the commodities, including shops, banks, bars and restaurants. Further afield there is plenty to discover. The house itself borders a ramblers' route which is ideal for walking or cycling – bliss!

The house itself is large and spacious. Fibre internet connection. Satellite TV. Heating throughout the property. A car at your disposal.

So if you think you'd be happy with us, please get in touch and I'd be happy to get mum to reply to you.
Luv Scruff

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

Because of the remoteness of the location it is absolutely imperative that you have a mobile phone with Whatsapp/Facetime/Skype as we do not have a landline here. But don't worry we do have wi-fi!

You will also need to be able to drive. We will leave you the use of a car during our absence.

The horse care really needs someone who is totally comfortable around horses. They are both very well behaved. The younger one can still be ridden for a gentle hack out (but not necessary).

As our dogs are rescue dogs, they have never been brought up with children so we won't be able to invite a family to sit. Nor can we entertain another dog as Karla is very protective of her home- sorry!

Basically this housesit would be ideal for someone or a couple who simply wants peace and quiet, to get away from it all and totally immerse themselves in the daily routine. Although the daily routine is a BIG ask the reward comes in the form of loving animals, a big, pretty farmhouse and an idyllic rural setting.

Can I bring my own pets?

No, sorry.

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