Larissa

Hi, I'm Larissa!

I'm a single, non-smoking, non-drinking, reliable 40-something animal lover. I do winters in the north and summers in the south, working as a freelance writer and editor, and loving many furbabies along the way.

CURRENT PLANS
Now until August-ish > Northern Queensland
October-ish until March-ish 2025 - Melbourne or surrounds

Note: I need the warmth, and I never do winters in the southern states!

ABOUT ME
In 2018, I decided to put my psychotherapy practice on hold and upgrade my life with a psychology degree. Rather than stay in Melbourne and struggle with a work, money, cold winters, expensive rent, AND my uni commitments, I hit the road to study online. I finished my honours year in 2021, but I still like spending summers in the south and winters in the north. I now work remotely as a freelance writer and editor, and play fitness-based virtual reality games in my free time.

MY EXPERIENCE & SKILLS
I grew up in a family of animal lovers with a multitude of pets. I have saved more strays than I can count in this lifetime, have had my own cat, dog and ferret, and prefer life with a furry companion or six. Unfortunately, my nomadic and changing lifestyle means I can't commit to my own pets right now, so I have a whole lot of love to give yours. I've been house sitting since 2018 and have completed more than 30 sits in that time.

I have a lot of experience with different types of pets, and some basic knowledge of animal psychology and dog training techniques. I'm good at relaxing skittish cats and understanding anxious misbehaving dogs.

MY SERVICE TO YOU
Your pets' needs are my priority and will always come first to me.

RELIABILITY & INTEGRITY: Once I accept your sit, I stop looking at what is available during that period, and I will never dump you because I found something better. I understand you need a sitter you can count on. Life sometimes throws us curveballs but I will inform you immediately of any problems that come up.

HIGH AVAILABILITY: I work and study from home, am happily without a partner or children, and lead a fairly quiet lifestyle. This means I'm around to give your pets plenty of companionship and attention, while providing more security for your home.

DOG WALKING & GAMES: I'll take your dogs on their daily walk, I have a good throwing arm for ball-obsessed pups, and I'm strong enough to walk large breeds.

CO-SLEEPING & CUDDLES: I'm happy to let your pets sleep on my bed if that's what they're accustomed to, and will pet them and cuddle them to whatever standard you've established (and possibly beyond)!

MEDICAL TREATMENT: I'm happy to provide topical or oral medication, or prepare specialised meals. I've applied lotion to all sorts of wounds, rashes and growths, successfully navigated probiotic paste into the mouths of cranky cats, delivered meds hidden carefully in food, and even administered a few suppositories in my time.

DOG TRAINING: I've made a point of learning about basic dog psychology and training techniques.

GROSS STUFF: If your pets have issues with incontinence, peeing or pooping inside, tummy problems, vomiting, or diarrhea, I am happy to deal with these things, but please let me know upon booking me if I should be expecting this.

TOTAL CARE: I don't just ensure your pets' basic needs are met. I lavish love, care, fun, entertainment, discipline, companionship, healthcare, cuddles, and exercise on them, just as you would.

CUTE PHOTOS & COMMUNICATION: I am an excellent communicator, and will be in touch regularly unless you don't want me to. I usually send photos and updates a couple of times a week, and will ask you any questions as they arise to make sure I understand everything, and that I'm giving your pets the best possible care.

HOME MAINTENANCE: I am highly conscientious, and you will return to a lovely clean home and maintained garden, just the way you left it. I weed, water gardens, mow lawns, and take care of pools and spas. Just show me what needs doing and how it's done, and provide written instructions if necessary.

My number one service is your complete...
PEACE OF MIND!


MY EXPECTATIONS
If you have any specific rules, I'd LOVE it if you could communicate them upon booking me! Open, clear communication is key to a mutually satisfying house sitting exchange.

I really appreciate you making sure you have an account set up with your vet, so that if I do need to take your pet there, payment is organised.

Please let me know when you book me if your dogs suffer from separation anxiety or are likely to run off with my shoes or chew holes in things, so I can prepare accordingly ;-)

I will love your pets and care for your home and garden as though they were my own. I would never bring a stranger into your home or put your house at risk in any way, but if a trusted friend or family member is in town, I would like to be able to invite them over as my guest. I'd like you to be comfortable with me feeling comfortable in your home.

Final note: Please, please don't gift me chocolate or alcohol. I don't drink, and I don't need that kind of sugar in my life!

If you have any questions or would like to get to know me better, I'd be more than happy to tee up a chat by phone or Zoom.

Looking forward to hearing from you!
Larissa