Balmain NSW

Looking for someone ( a couple ideally) to take care of Rafi for these few days over the crazy Christmas period 2024 . It is very quiet in this area over this time so most enjoyable:) I have a beautiful home in a fantastic location in Balmain- 3 minute walk to Balmain ferry ( 10 minutes ride to city); 5 minute walk to Darling street- the main shop/cafe/ street and close to foreshore parks.

Ideally, I would like an on- going arrangement with a couple /someone who gets to really know Rafi, loves the house and enjoys staying here.

So if you would like a holiday in a special home that feels like a "garden retreat".. in a special place in Balmain... and have experience looking after middle size dogs who need two walks a day and love human contact , ( and understand and love those independent Irish terriers!) then keep reading:)

RAFI
I have a lovely Irish terrier- Rafi- who needs an active person/couple to walk him a couple of times a day, and generally be here to "hang out with" at other times. Rafi is 7 years old, and has a very "Zen" character.... he is used to daily exercise:...1 hour in the morning, and a another slower/stop/look/watch walk in afternoon...,( 45-60 minutes) and is used to being around people alot. So those who will not be home much - day and night- will not be suitable.

Rafi has had arthritis in his elbows ( and probably elsewhere! ) but he is now back to "normal" activity...you will need to watch out for any limping though and if it happens, ease off on exercise.

Rafi sleeps alot of the day and doesn't like walking in the heat of the day in Summer... he's fine to leave alone during the day for 3-4 hours or so . But if its really hot, then he will stay inside.

Rafi is generally an easy going, "Zen" character but does show abit of "spice" if he sees some un-desexed dogs:)... (some say a "philosopher" in past life, and others here call him the "ball detector!) . He'll make angry noises but has never injured another dog.:)

He sleeps inside or outside at night... but is an outside loving dog. Very friendly, loves humans/children, loves walking, playing with other dogs, sitting at a cafe, observing life/people, playing "hide and seek" with a toy, chasing balls... He does need intellectual stimulation...and in the afternoon he loves slow walks along streets, sniffing, sniffing.... stopping, chatting to people etc .Morning walks are different-- walking quicker, with keenness:) and strong sense of direction.. I obviously let him off lead to play in areas, but do not want others to do that, unless the area is fully fenced as is the small park near our house.

ABOUT YOU:)

You will have quite alot of experience with middle to large size dogs- not cats:(and be a non smoker) -- and someone not used to "controlling" a dog. Irish terriers are independent but lovable, but definitely not like kelpies, collies etc.

My house is my "sanctuary, so I'd like a couple/someone who will take good care of the house and leave the house as tidy and clean as it is when you arrive. Someone who will water the small garden/ pots ... and feed the fish every day)... and rake the Casuarina needles from the deck and rear garden weekly and put them in the green fodo bin.

MY ABODE
We are close to an off lead park , 3 houses to the harbour /small park and to foreshore parks.

As you can see I have a lovely house, with lots of natural light and open relationships to the garden...( I am a landscape architect). You will feel like you are on holidays here, lots of green, green walls, fish pond, etc. So if you are someone who will look after the place well and keep it clean and well kept I'd love to hear from you.

Outdoor terraces- ground level court with gas BBQ, decking space with large outdoor table setting/ umbrella and upper porch and an air purifier! The house is architect designed with natural air flow and ventilation, and all windows have screens:)

In summary, dog walking, feeding, patting, brushing ..., feeding fish every day, and watering garden , sweeping leaves off deck etc,... it's low maintenance. All mod cons in house, dishwasher, etc!!

No additional pets ( or people) and no parties or large gatherings allowed! thank you!!