Mark

hello
I'd be pleased to look after your home, animals and garden.
I work (remotely) as a social work consultant. This means I can often be around during the day to keep animals company - or organise my day to work in with the familiar routines of your pets.

Although I've now lived in cities for a number of years I grew up working on my uncles' farm driving tractors, feeding cattle and sheep and all the things that go with a working farm - like moving stock (cattle and sheep), checking the water and looking after farm dogs. I'd often be asked to look after the farm if my uncle was away. When my grandma was alive I used to look after her pet dog (Jack Russell) and cat.

I also grew up with my own pets. First there was Nippy from when I was aged 3. He lived a long 16 years. Then there was Lass (Kelpie x Collie). A farm dog who didn't measure up as a sheep / cattle dog but was a beautiful pet.

More recently I've looked after a number of pets and gardens as a house sitter in Australia and New Zealand. I've stayed in a number of Airbnb's and can provide a copy of the reviews. All 5 star and all comment on how clean I leave their homes.

People seem to appreciate the care I've taken of their properties.
I'm a keen gardener. I've mostly grown vegetables and fruit trees and more recently some indoor plants. I've been a vegetarian for many years and have a particular interest in organic gardening. I enjoy cooking, reading, bike riding and have been trying preserving and fermenting - things like making kimchi, kombucha, yogurt, sauerkraut, sourdough and passata.
I'm a non-smoker and non-drinker.

If it would help I'd be pleased to provide regular updates and photos/videos of your home, pets and garden via text, WhatsApp or which ever message service you use.

I'd welcome any questions you might have or can provide more information.

My preference at the moment is longer house sits of a month or more but shorter sits in a good location are also possible..

A couple of previous reviews I've received from an australian house sitting website I use. I also have reviews from time I recently spent in New Zealand / Aotearoa. Available in the reviews section.

"Mark housesat for us for a second time for a weekend. Both Buddy and Bella were happy to see him again- Buddy immediately went for the frisbee for a play. It was a great comfort to know my dogs were familiar with the sitter and happy to be left with him again. Mark's quiet and casual nature meant that he had loads of time to dedicate to the care of B & B, in addition he left the house sparkling clean, washed sheets, floors done and even toilet cleaned.
I have no hesitation recommending Mark as a housesitter. Thanks Mark!"

"Hi, we were very grateful to have Mark stay in our home whilst away for a quick break. Bentley was happy when we left and probably a little sad when we arrived home! Mark sent us a video and pics of Bents, took care of some birds I neglected to talk about in our profile and took great care of our home. I did read one review about someone's home perhaps being in better condition from their departure and I actually felt the same way - did I leave our home so tidy - probably not!!"