Smudge & Ruby - dates can be flexible!
Introduction
We live in a lovely village called Breedon on the Hill which is on the border of North West Leicestershire and Derbyshire. We live in a little house with some lovely neighbours and a beautiful view looking over the countryside out the back, with Breedon Church out the front. We are looking for a house sitter for when we are away to look after our dogs Smudge and Ruby. Smudge is a rescue pup and is mostly well behaved but does have some quirks. He is completely deaf but very affectionate and loving. He loves to get messy, run around the garden and absolutely adores his walks although he can never be let off the lead. He is great with kids although I've always supervised him and he generally gets on well with other dogs although age is making him a little grumpy towards excitable ones. Ruby is a beautiful girl who loves nothing more than attention and affection. She joined the gang in October 2022 and has settled in well. She has a special diet which she can't deviate from no matter how beautiful she makes herself look. She walks wonderfully on a lead but does tend to pull towards people and dogs, she just loves to say hello. We have recently bought the house and have updated all but the bathroom … it is a work in progress but fully functional, just very dated! I like to send What's App videos before people accept just so you know what Smudges quirks are like ... he's amazing but ... unique :) Smudge must be harnessed when walked and the two of them together can be a handful if they play up on a walk but generally they are well behaved. Ideally, a strong set person or couple would ideally be suited for the duo. We tend to put the date of arrival on the listing as the day before we are leaving so you can meet the dogs with us around. We always leave at 8am the next day.
Show more...Home & location
We have a lovely little house in the village of Breedon on the Hill which has a Post Office inside a small shop and two amazing pubs as well as a chip van that visits on a Wednesday. It has easy road links to Leicester, Derby and Nottingham with the nearest towns of Ashby de la Zouch and Coalville only 5-10 minutes away. It has good motorway access, not too far from East Midlands Airport and is in the National Forest. There are plenty of local walks from the house across fields and through woods, and it's not too far to drive to the Peak District. We are right on the cloud trail for those less muddy walks with some great circular walks in the area. The house is a 3 bedroomed semi detached with enclosed gardens. There are two double bedrooms and a single bedroom, with one bathroom that is a little dated. The house has a parking area at the front of the house and good WiFi.
Show more...Responsibilities
- To feed Smudge and Ruby twice daily. They are both raw fed so would mean giving them raw mince meat of different varieties as well as treats such as ears (with fur) and chicken feet, etc. - To walk them as much as you like! They generally have 2 walks but will be happy with one big one if you want. They will go as long as you want too but they are a pain to walk in the wet. - Treat the house as your own just note becareful with the log burner - Smudge and Ruby can be left for a few hours if you wanted to explore the local area, and if you want to go away for the day without them somewhere, let me know and I can arrange my dog walker to come in. - Smudge when in his den, must not be touched as that is his area to chill and get away. If you want his attention, tap the floor outside and he will emerge. If he is asleep anywhere, tap near him as he can startle. - ALL FOOD must be in the fridge or cupboard as Ruby can get on the work surfaces and steals things that make her poorly. - Please close the windows if you head out and if you do open windows, can you open the upper ones please as we have an escape artist that likes to jump out.
Show more...Meet the pets
Smudge
11 years
Ruby
7 years
Sitter Reviews (34)
Homeowner Reviews (1)
None
A review was not left by the sitter.
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Victoria was super friendly, available when the need arose, and gracious in the midst of her ongoing home makeovers. Her dogs Ruby and Smudge enjoyed their morning walks, as did we in the woods surrounding her little neighborhood. Ruby was the get on with everyone and everything type of dog. Smudge, probably due to being deaf, found it more challenging to adjust to nearby vehicles and other dogs. He could get a bit barky in the house too, but got on with us fine. Thanks for choosing us Victoria!! :)
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Smudge and Ruby are amazing dogs. They are up for anything you’re doing and will only ask for love, company (and some treats) in return. They’re both incredibly affectionate and will cuddle next to you if you’re relaxing on the couch. Victoria and Steve were great hosts and made me feel right at home in their house. They even offered to take me to my bus stop home. 100% would recommend this sit!
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A review was not left by the sitter.
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We took care of Smudge for nine days. He's such a special dog. You will fall in love with him! Victoria said the house was between renovations, but we had everything we needed there, even a full fridge for the first couple of days. The bed is very comfortable; we slept very well. Smudge slept all night and didn't wake us up. He only wakes up after us. You have to know that he is a little needy and demands some attention. We usually took him for a walk twice a day, one in the morning (a longer walk) and one around 5 pm. He loves to play and has a lot of energy. If we couldn't go on a walk or play when he asked, he would get frustrated and bark for some time. But it was not a problem for us. We had time to give him the attention he needed. Also, he's very kind and not aggressive at all. We already miss him! Victoria was too kind. She picked us up at the train station the first day and took us there the last day. Thanks so much for everything, it was really special!
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Victoria
Scottie is an absolute delight to have look after your dogs. Mine are a right handful, especially when you are on your own but she just got stuck right in and embraced each one for their own personalities and characters. She is very thorough and organised, making sure that she had everything in place for the sit and kept us updated with the pups as our long weekend trip went on. Our house was cleaner and tidier than when we left it and she even brought treats for the dogs - which they are missing intensely!!! I would welcome Scottie back anytime to look after our animals and me in fact :) A genuine, honest, caring person who's love of animals is evident from the moment you meet her. Thank you for choosing us.
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Victoria
