NSW: Central Coast, North Coast, Regional NSW, South Coast QLD: ALL
Coddiwomplers
60's, Qualified Dog Trainer
60's, Retired Chef
Happily married, and still in love after many years of working together 24/7, we decided to retire early and take the time and opportunity to explore this great Southern land. With our four-legged child, a fourteen year old Poodle/Maltese X, we like to spend periods of time in places that please us. We've met fabulous folk and seen wonderful sights on our journey. Now we'd love to learn more about the area in which you live!
In our former life we were kitchenware wholesalers and retailers, with a cooking school - where Ace taught many culinary classes. He is passionate about real food and good nutrition, and continues to cook up a storm on the road!
Dolly is a qualified dog trainer. A Certified Training Partner of the, internationally recognised, Karen Pryor Academy she works with private clients and also volunteers at RSPCA centres. Caring for your pets is an absolutely joy for her - and she'll happily train any problem behaviours you may be experiencing ... or just teach your fur baby a few neat tricks in your absence! All just part and parcel of the house sitting service! With Dolly in residence, your pets will enjoy the time out and holiday just as much as you will!
We also have experience with a variety of farm animals, and can administer needles and medications as required. We enjoy the outdoor life enormously!
We're mature - AND we still know how to have fun! We're energetic, active and interested in everything. Walking every day is important to us, and keeps us all fit. Other than that, we're quite content to stay @ home and enjoy the ambience. Pottering in the garden is always a pleasure - never a chore.
We're non-smokers, and we need a completely smoke free environment. We keep a clean and tidy caravan, and will treat your house with due care and respect. We're responsible, reliable and trustworthy.
As former home owners, we understand that you want the peace of mind that comes with the right people caring for your critter-kids and castle. We are those people, and would love hear from you.
Links to Dolly's professional training qualifications, and other relevant information is available on request. (This site will not permit us to include them in our profile).
There's also a video here, for your viewing pleasure, to give you an idea of what we're about ... and what we can do for your beloved pets.
Character references also available on request.
Reviews (20)
Dolly &Ace we’re wonderful house sitters. We had great communication with them on our 2 month holiday. The garden was looked after beautifully. Dolly and Ace weeded and mowed to keep it looking lovely. The chooks were nurtured not just feed. They were let out everyday and put to bed every night. The house was spotless on our return. Thank you Dolly and Ace. I would definitely recommend Dolly &Ace for any house sitting position.
IAN &JENNY (Swan Hill VIC, May 2023 - 2 months)
Dolly and Ace looked after our house but more importantly our beloved dog as if she were their own and even went the extra mile and trained our girl to fetch. We were sent regular video updates of her which we thoroughly enjoyed watching.
We came home to a clean house and a happy dog.
We have no hesitation in recommending them as sitters.
PAUL (Dixons Creek VIC, Apr 2023 - 2 weeks)
We had the pleasure of Dolly and Ace (aka Michele and John) and pup Dylan look after our place, and more importantly our precious pup, for almost seven weeks over Dec-Jan 2022-23. And we would have them back any time!!
We were very reassured by their experience and commitment to dog care, and while we missed our pup while away we knew she was in very good hands - absolute gold to know we didn't have to worry about a thing. Our pup learnt some new tricks, got lots of cuddles, and was expertly ... MOREWe had the pleasure of Dolly and Ace (aka Michele and John) and pup Dylan look after our place, and more importantly our precious pup, for almost seven weeks over Dec-Jan 2022-23. And we would have them back any time!!
We were very reassured by their experience and commitment to dog care, and while we missed our pup while away we knew she was in very good hands - absolute gold to know we didn't have to worry about a thing. Our pup learnt some new tricks, got lots of cuddles, and was expertly cared for when she had a small accident of her own making. We were kept abreast of everything through beautiful messages, pics and videos that were most welcome.
Oh and they looked after the house excellently too!
Lovely people, full of integrity and some interesting life stories as well. RECOMMEND!
JOSEPHENE (Healesville VIC, Dec 2022 - 7 weeks)
Michele and John looked after our property for 5 months February - July 2022. We are happy to report that everything looked great on our return. Communication between both parties went smoothly. Looking forward to our next adventure!
LAURICE (Kurrimine Beach QLD, Feb 2022 - 5 months)
John and Michele took good care of my yard and plants. Lovely people.
SUE (Black River QLD, Apr 2021 - Just over 7 weeks)
John and Michele gave us complete piece of mind during our recent interstate holiday. They kept us updated by sending daily messages, photos and videos of our beloved fur kids. It was evident they invested a lot of time and care to look after them. In addition, the house was kept in an immaculate condition upon our return.
We hope they enjoyed their time at our abode. We highly recommend John and Michele and look forward to welcoming them back for future holidays.
KIM (HOPPERS CROSSING VIC, Jan 2021 - Two weeks)
We feel so blessed to have had Michele & John come and house sit for us while we were away. They looked after our chickens & ducks and did a remarkable job ensuring they were happy and fed! We got regular feather updates with pictures and videos which helped put my mind at ease as they are very special members of our family!
Michele was very helpful in showing us 'clicker training' for our 9 month old lab which will come in very handy!
Thank you so much once again Michele, John & Dylan!
ANDEE (Miners Rest VIC, Dec 2020 - 11 days)
We were extremely happy with Michele & John.
Michele sent regular updates and photo's of my flowers and orchids.
On arrival back home it was clearly evident that our house and yard were looked after if it was their own.
I would not hesitate in recommending Michele & John and hope that in the future they are able to house sit for us again.
JANELLE (Cranbrook QLD, Jul 2020 - 6 weeks)
Ace and Dolly most certainly went above and beyond for us in all aspects of this sit. They looked after the place in very trying circumstances during covid but kept excellent communication and assurances as well as extra special care for the gardens yard house shed and large pool. Can't thank you both enough and am happy to highly recommend them both!
ALEX (Kurrimine Beach QLD, Oct 2019 - 6 montgs)
Ace and Dolly minded our house while we went south for a fortnight's holiday. In the short time we had with them before we left we had no doubt our house and fur kids would be well looked after. We received regular updates with lots of photos while travelling and could see that Gemi and Mig were getting the royal treatment. It was a pleasure to come back and see that minders and minded both had a good time. A bonus was some cooking lessons from Ace and two snuffle mats for the dogs (...and if ... MOREAce and Dolly minded our house while we went south for a fortnight's holiday. In the short time we had with them before we left we had no doubt our house and fur kids would be well looked after. We received regular updates with lots of photos while travelling and could see that Gemi and Mig were getting the royal treatment. It was a pleasure to come back and see that minders and minded both had a good time. A bonus was some cooking lessons from Ace and two snuffle mats for the dogs (...and if you want to know what that is then you will have to get Dolly to show you). They were great company for both us and our furry family members and we would gladly have them back.
LISA AND MARK (Speewah QLD, Jan 2019 - 2 weeks 1 day)
Michele, John and Dylan were a blessing. They looked after my home, pets and plants to perfection. I was concerned my animals (dogs and birds) would want to leave with them when they left :-). Thankyou so much guys
SONIA (Atherton QLD, Oct 2018 - 3 weeks)
Hello Michele and John
We are very thankful for the 6 weeks you spent at our home with our beloved Daisy May and Rufus. They have obviously enjoyed your company and you all settle do well. Thanks for looking after our house and garden and we hope to catch up again soon when you are next in our area. Next time we are planning an extended holiday we will certainly get in touch with you both. Thanks again for all you have done. All the best. David and Jan
DAVID (HERBERTON QLD, Jul 2018 - 1 month 1 week)
John and Michele looked after our house and our dog Zoe for 4 weeks while we were traveling overseas. We received regular updates with photos and little clips of Zoe. Which was nice. We came home to a very happy & healthy dog, that's for sure. The house and garden was looked after and John even prepared a delicious dinner for us when we returned. Michele is also a dog-trainer and worked with Zoe.
Thanks again !
ALEXANDER (Cooktown QLD, Apr 2018 - 4 weeks)
We Could not recommend Michelle & Jonn highly enough. Leaving our home however mostly our animals when on holidays is always a bit daunting but Their care for my 2 dogs, the daily picture updates of them having a great time and the value added nutritional information they provided for my dogs was second to none. We came home to very happy & healthy dogs that's for sure. Our home and garden was kept perfectly and our pool & spa sparkling. Book them in, you won't regret it.
KAREN (Townsville QLD, Apr 2018 - 1 week 1 day)
Michele & John looked after our house, garden and dogs like they were their own and the house was cleaner when we returned than when we left! They were easy to contact and kept us updated with pictures and videos of our fur-children while we were away, which gave us great peace of mind. We'd have Michele and John house-sit again in a heartbeat, with the knowledge that our property and pets were in great hands.
JASMINE & PAUL. (Bingil Bay QLD, Feb 2018)
Thank you so very much Michele and John.
Your care of our home and garden was impeccable. Under your care our Garden survived and thrived despite the extreme heat it experienced while we were away and our Kitchen positively sparkles. We highly recommend you as house sitters with integrity and attention to detail who care for the home as if their own. Please come and house sit for us again sometime!!!
MARCELA (Bangalee QLD, Jan 2018 - 1 month 2 weeks)
Michele and John (aka Dolly & Ace) looked after my home and my beloved pets for 2 months whilst I was overseas in October/November this year. It was my first experience with house sitters, and these two proved to be absolute winners! From the outset, it was obvious that they were experienced and confident with all aspects of routine home care, and that they both had great affinity with animals
I received regular communication, updates and photos and was never concerned or worried about how ... MOREMichele and John (aka Dolly & Ace) looked after my home and my beloved pets for 2 months whilst I was overseas in October/November this year. It was my first experience with house sitters, and these two proved to be absolute winners! From the outset, it was obvious that they were experienced and confident with all aspects of routine home care, and that they both had great affinity with animals
I received regular communication, updates and photos and was never concerned or worried about how things were going at home. I was able to fully relax and really enjoy my time away.
The house was spic and span. Even my kitchen knives had been professionally sharpened by Ace.
I found Dolly and Ace to be genuine, down to earth people. They are honest, thoughtful and caring. I can highly recommend them as people and as house sitters - and I will definitely be asking them to mind my dream home, my pups and my property again.
COLIN (El Arish / Maria Creeks QLD, Oct 2017 - 2 months)
Chris and l have used house sitters a number of times over the years. For the most part they have been fine. However this time we had far more animals than before, including goats, ducks, chooks, turkeys, guinea fowl and quail as well as 2 large boisterous dogs. So we knew we would need somebody pretty special to look after our mob while we were away for 3 weeks. And boy - did we hit the jackpot with Michele and John!!!!!!!!!!
From the minute they arrived we could tell that they were very ... MOREChris and l have used house sitters a number of times over the years. For the most part they have been fine. However this time we had far more animals than before, including goats, ducks, chooks, turkeys, guinea fowl and quail as well as 2 large boisterous dogs. So we knew we would need somebody pretty special to look after our mob while we were away for 3 weeks. And boy - did we hit the jackpot with Michele and John!!!!!!!!!!
From the minute they arrived we could tell that they were very switched on people and knew a lot about dogs.That reassured us immediately.They openly admitted that they had little experience with other livestock but were willing and happy to learn.They did a MARVELLOUS job with all of the animals here. Not only did they do a fantastic job with every 4 and 2 legged creature - they turned into midwives as well. 3 of our goats gave birth to kids while we were away which was totally unexpected( and had me in a state of panic l can tell you ). So as well as helping with the delivery of 4 babies (including 1 set of twins ) Michele and John had to hand rear the set of twins by bottle feeding them 4 times a day. I have done it myself with 1 baby goat and it can be challenging to say the least. They did it all with 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
They also saw that one of the other girls was having problems associated with kidding.They liased with the Vet, gave Ellie injections and learned how to milk her as well. And that is not an easy thing to learn. It took me several weeks. I think it took Michele about 10 minutes!
Our home was immaculate, our beloved pets were extremely well cared for and we managed to have a stress free holiday and came home refreshed and relaxed. I don't think any of that would have been possible if we hadn't had Michele and John here. We just can't thank them enough for all they did for us while we were away.They are the best house sitters we have EVER had and l now regard the both as firm friends too!!!
If you need a couple of house sitters who are smart, resourceful and just plain GOOD people - these 2 are the people you want :)
Please don't hesitate to contact either me ( Julie ) or Chris and we will be very happy to speak to you. We are also looking forward to when the happy wanderers head past our way again as we would dearly love for them to stay with us for as long as they would like to.
Hope to see you again very soon guys and once again thank you for everything you did for us while we were away.You did far far more than we had a right to expect of you and we are so grateful that we have met you both!!
Julie and chris
Michele and John looked after our house and (big) dog Boofy for 4 weeks while we were travelling overseas. We couldn't have been happier with our choice. We received regular updates with pictures and videos of our fur-baby, the house was well looked after and John even prepared dinner for us upon our return. Michele is also a certified dog-trainer and worked with Mr. Boofy. I can highly recommend the two and will definitely book them again. Thanks again guys !
MANDY (Noosaville QLD, Jun 2017 - 1 month)
Michele & John made it so easy for us to have our recent trip to Broome & Darwin. They looked after our 3 spoiled cats, pet lorikeet and 3 old chooks. The cats were so relaxed when we returned I don't think they had noticed we had gone. My orchids were looked great. The house was immaculate.
Thanks again guys, your little pics and texts kept us in touch during the trip. We would highly recommend Michele and John to any one looking for house sitters and we would love to have them back again ... MOREMichele & John made it so easy for us to have our recent trip to Broome & Darwin. They looked after our 3 spoiled cats, pet lorikeet and 3 old chooks. The cats were so relaxed when we returned I don't think they had noticed we had gone. My orchids were looked great. The house was immaculate.
Thanks again guys, your little pics and texts kept us in touch during the trip. We would highly recommend Michele and John to any one looking for house sitters and we would love to have them back again next year for our next adventure.
HELEN & JAMES (Innisfail QLD, Apr 2017 - 1 month 3 weeks)
Green garden!
Make sure the garden and pot plants are thriving when you get back - get a house sitter.
Couple
Dolly &Ace we’re wonderful house sitters. We had great communication with them on our 2 month holiday. The garden was looked after beautifully. Dolly and Ace weeded and mowed to keep it looking lovely. The chooks were nurtured not just feed. They were let out everyday and put to bed every night. The house was spotless on our return. Thank you Dolly and Ace. I would definitely recommend Dolly &Ace for any house sitting position.
John and Michele took good care of my yard and plants. Lovely people.
