Maria

I've been an animal lover my entire life, growing up with dogs, cats and fish to look after and ultimately a horse as well. My boy, Rasta, passed away in 2016 and, although I'm not ready to have another fur-kid of my own, I miss the cuddles and silliness that various species of furries gives us so have found pet-sitting to be the perfect compromise :-) I've worked professionally with dogs since 1993 as a dog trainer and behavioural therapist and from 2000-2007 I also had a dog walking and pet sitting business called Mutts About. We walked dogs on a daily basis and also provided
'Home Holiday Care', accessing our client's houses to visit pets, walking, feeding, grooming, as well as caring for gardens, etc. We serviced the Inner West and Eastern Suburbs of Sydney where we cared for various dogs and cats, fish, birds and a ferret called Leroy.

I'm a non-smoker and keeping things clean and tidy is a habit for me (it helps when running a business anyway). Being self employed also means that I can be flexible with my routine and I spend more time at home than the average worker (since it's also my office). I'm generally a home-body - a Friday or Saturday night will, more likely than not, see me sprawled on the couch with a good book (with or without a dog or cat, depending on circumstance) rather than out and partying. I'm also physically active and usually walk every day - the company of a dog would be welcome :-) Rasta was almost 19 when he passed away - as a creaky, blind, deaf old man with arthritis, he taught me alot about reading pain/comfort levels and how to modify everything that we did, sometimes on a daily basis, so I hope you can feel confident with me caring for your older boy or girl too..

I'm familiar and confident with rescued dogs, behavioural issues, older dogs and giving medication to dogs and cats (I'm also available to help with behavioural issues however this has a cost involved so best to chat to me about your needs).

What I offer:
Unfortunately, due to people taking advantage (understandably) of my dog behaviour experience (and with some owners wanting a ridiculous amount of care for their fur-friends) I've had to introduce rates for 'Extras'. A housesit generally involves watering plants, clearing the letterbox, taking in any deliveries and ensuring that, by the property being occupied, it's much safer from those with ill intent. I'm also willing to liaise with tradespeople if work is required during your absence (within reason).

The main benefit of having a housesitter is actually when pet sitting is also involved. Having our fur-friends stay in their own home is much less stressful for them (aside from a potentially massive expense being saved!) Feeding a cat, dog or small number of birds or other animals once or twice a day, cleaning up after them and giving a well-behaved dog a stroll every day or 2 is something that I'm happy to include with no charge. When I have the time and the Fuzzy is receptive, I'm also happy to brush both cats and dogs, however I'm not a groomer and this shouldn't be expected.

Extra charges MAY apply for the following:
- Multiple cats and dogs - the more fuzzies I'm caring for, the more maintenance is needed to keep the house presentable and in order, and the more it eats into my personal time. Cleaning multiple litter trays, or cleaning up a yard where multiple dogs live takes time, and needs to be done on a daily basis.
-Walking multiple dogs, multiple daily walks, or if your dog is difficult to walk for any reason - if a rate needs to be applied, it will still be cheaper than a dog walker would charge.
-Medicating
-Bathing, or taking your fur-friends to the groomer, vet (for routine treatment, not in case of emergency), etc
-Hand-feeding - sorry, this WON'T happen
-Cleaning up after pets who aren't properly toilet trained/will soil inappropriately or are destructive, etc
-Maintaining an 'excessive' number of plants
-Mowing/weeding (I'm happy to liaise with a garden maintenance person during your absence)
-Hanging/bringing in your laundry
-Cleaning - I always clean up after myself and will clean up after pets, however if you want your house sparkling and looking unlived-in on your return, especially if you have pets, then I'm happy to liaise with your cleaner on my day of departure.
All of these, and any other needs that you may have, are open to discussion and negotiation.

Thank you for your understanding.

My pics:

Me with car - just so you have a reasonable pic of me. Not my car, sadly (so gorgeous!! An MG A, I believe - sigh...)

My Fuzzies. Schatzi (German Shepherd 20/4/92-5/12/2004) and Rasta (Hungarian Puli 23/10/97-25/8/2016) was her little brother - yes, he was almost 19 when he passed away. I miss them both terribly but have so many wonderful memories ;-)

Rasta's very first attempt at paddle-boarding - I still feel honoured by the trust that he showed me that day.


Please don't be shy to ask any questions. I look forward to hearing from you :-)
Maria