Stay in a stunning resort-style home with the world's cuddliest Cavaliers!
Introduction
Hi! I'm Kate. My fiance, Todd, and I both work virtually (we're both Tech Execs; I'm also a writer and painter) and love to travel. We have two beloved dogs: Murphy, a 3-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (DOB: 5/15/21), and Lila, a Cavalier pup (DOB: 1/25/24). They go with us all around town and on road trips, but but Murph is slightly too big to be carried on in the cabin when we fly, thus our interest in Trusted Housesitters. We love to create warm and welcoming environments (I was a longtime 5-star AirBnB Superhost and my Mom owns a 5-star luxury inn), so this platform is right up our alley!
Show more...Home & location
We live in the coastal community of Solana Beach in North County San Diego. We have a lovely Tuscan villa-style home with all the feels (chef's kitchen with top of the line appliances; fast wifi; smart TVs; a dedicated office with sofa, bookshelves and desk + a newly constructed second office ADU w/desk and killer views which you are also welcome to use); upgraded everything and beautifully designer decorated; lush gardens with fountains, 17 fruit trees, organic raised bed vegetable gardens, a rose garden and dining patio, wildflower meadow, and fully fenced yard (half an acre); outdoor living areas and walking paths, a porch swing under an arbor, fountains, always-on Jacuzzi, grill, etc.). Our sitter will be invited to stay in our well-appointed dedicated guest bedroom w/luxury linens and enjoy the highly upgraded guest bathroom. About the area: Anchored by historic Highway 101, this stretch of California coastline has some of the best surfing anywhere in the world and a laid-back, SoCal vibe all its own. Here you'll find plenty of dining options and shopping opportunities including the Cedros Avenue Design District, the Carlsbad Premium Outlets, several upscale malls and unique, local boutiques. North County has everything from five-star fare at Addison to authentic traditional Mexican food, along with craft brew tasting rooms, urban wineries, and seaside watering holes. If you're looking for outdoor adventures in San Diego, the north region has plenty. From hiking in Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve and stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking in Carlsbad Lagoon, to biking along the coast, or sport fishing, whale watching or surfing, from La Jolla to Oceanside outdoor enthusiasts are sure to be entertained. The North County Coastal region is also home to some of San Diego's top attractions, including LEGOLAND California, SeaLife Aquarium and Legoland Water Park, the Flower Fields at Carlsbad, and the Del Mar Fairgrounds, host to the Del Mar Fair from mid-June to early July, followed by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Racing season. There's also the San Diego Botanic Garden for a look at native flora and fauna. At the Eastern border of North County, you'll find the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Las Vegas style Indian Casino Gaming and plenty of great wineries and local breweries. There is a Ring at the entrances, but there are no internal cameras or recording devices.
Show more...Responsibilities
Murphy & Lila are delightful, easy dogs. Murphy eats 2x day; Lila eats 3x day + fresh water at all times. Treats and chews at your discretion; chewable vitamins in the morning with breakfast. No medication. They love to play with toys and go for walks and to the nearby dog-friendly beaches as well as be your cafe or shopping buddies. They are super friendly and social and love everyone they met (they are quite the attention magnets—you'll make new BFFs everywhere you go!). They've slept on our bed with us since day one, so we would ask that you allow them to sleep on the bed with you. They'll just snuggle up and go right to sleep. :) NOTE: Murphy and Lila are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels who are known as "Velcro" dogs. They love people and will do best with someone who is either home most of the time and/or will pop them in the car and take them on fun excursions (they're wonderful at cafes, shopping, beach, trails, etc.). While they are fine staying at home alone for reasonable periods of time (no more than 4 hours at the most for Murphy; no more than 2 - 3 hours at the *most* for Lila as she is still a puppy); they CANNOT be left alone all day. On longer stays, the outside gardens are on a watering system, but there are several exterior potted plants + inside plants that need watering 1x week. We'll ask you to add more water to the fountains 1x week (from a convenient nearby hose). We'd also appreciate it if you brought in the mail and any packages. Lastly, we're big on communication (and respond in kind!). We appreciate reasonably prompt replies and very much appreciate daily updates/photos. We'd prefer to find a regular sitter within driving distance so as to build continuity if it's a fit on both sides. :)
Show more...Meet the pets

Murphy
3 years

Lila
Sitter Reviews (11)
Homeowner Reviews (0)
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Murphy is literally an Angel inside of a dogs body. After spending a week with him we cried when we left, not only did we love the snuggles, the playtime, and the beach days… but the basic moments of life were made more beautiful with him around. Kate and Todd are lovely people and it was a pleasure to get to know them along with Murphy. The Ladies were also wonderful, they free ranged without problem and were some of the most beautiful chickens we’ve ever met:) this was a great stay, with an amazing dog in a lovely home for sincerely kind and interesting humans. We will forever be Auntie amber and Uncle Brad to me. Murphy. ❤️.
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Kate has unattainable expectations of those around her. She’s a perfectionist and expects the same from others. She was dominating and bullying in her communications. Not a pleasant experience.
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Kate and Todd were excellent and communicative hosts! I had a wonderful stay at their home in Solana Beach taking care of Murphy and their hens. It's in a beautiful area with close access to the beach, and their home is lovely, and overlooks a golf course. Murphy is the sweetest little guy, he cuddled with me on my pillow every night! He was the perfect companion to bring on the many adventures we went on. The hens were also very sweet and easy to take care of! I would love to come back!
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What a pleasure it was to stay in Katherine's home and to care for Murphy. Her home was beautiful, with a guest room and guest bathroom for me to use, an amazing garden with fountains, a jacuzzi, a swinging bench to relax on while watching the birds use the fountains, and looking out on the beautiful view. Murphy was such a delightful and loving dog. He was wonderful to spend time with, walking, snuggling, and just all around sharing his home with me. Murphy is very well behaved and rarely even barks, being so content with his life. Murphy and I walked by the beach, which is only a few minutes away by car. I hope to see Murphy and Katherine again and I highly recommend them to potential house sitters!
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