The coast of Maine, minutes from Portland. (Plus two fun, friendly cockapoos.)

Introduction

We're empty nesters, but for our two cockapoos —Juno (11) and Hobbes (9). We've lived in our home for 20+ years, raised our kids here and have enjoyed all that our seaside community affords. In the past, our kids (or their friends) would watch the house and dogs while we were away, but between jobs and other commitments, their availability isn't what it used to be. We've tried boarding the dogs, but they're much happier at home. And we feel better, too, knowing someone's not just keeping an eye on them, but regularly engaging them, whether that's a belly rub, game of fetch or just some snuggle time. (Good luck watching TV without one or both wanting to sit beside you on the couch!) The dogs are sweet and loving, but don't get along so well with other dogs in the house. For that reason, we're unfortunately unable to host sitters bringing their own pets.

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Home & location

Our Cape Cod-style home sits on a one acre lot, a five minute walk to the beach, local market, bus stop and a ten minute car (or Uber) ride into downtown Portland. For our home/pet sitter, we have a primary bedroom on the main floor (with en suite bath), living room, den, recently remodeled kitchen and sitting area. Private backyard patio with fire pit is a three-season oasis. We also have an electric perimeter fence for the dogs.

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Responsibilities

Both dogs are on the same schedule -- for the most part -- which makes things pretty easy. They wake at around 7:00 and make a quick trip outside to take care of business. When they come back in, Hobbes needs to take a pill with a piece of cheese. Usually, they'll go back to sleep until you're ready to get up. At some point mid-morning, we take them for a walk. They're free to run around the yard in the afternoon. (You'll see they're happiest being wherever you are.) We'll give them a few treats throughout the day -- baby carrots, banana, or dog biscuits. Meal time is typically around noon with a heavy snack around 5:00. (We give them a combo of dry food and food we make for them, freezing individual portions.) They'll snuggle up for the night at around 9:00, or whenever you turn in. They both like sleeping at the foot of the bed, or nearby. Hobbes will probably want to cuddle. Juno will likely be happiest on the couch, awaiting our return. We have two plants that need watering every 4-5 days.

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Meet the pets

Photo of Hobbes

Hobbes

10 years

Photo of Juno

Juno

12 years

Sitter Reviews (7)

Homeowner Reviews (0)

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Jim and Jenny were very considerate in making me feel comfortable during my stay in their gorgeous, coastal Maine home. They were communicative, easy to reach, and very detailed in their care instructions. Their property is on a main road, conveniently located less than a 10-minute drive from the highway and center of Falmouth. Both of their adorable dogs are friendly, energetic, and love being outside. Hobbes could spend the entire day playing fetch with his little tennis ball, while Juno would prefer to sit in the front yard where she can watch cars go by. Hobbes tends to be wherever you are, while Juno sometimes wanders off to do her own thing. They were both content napping beside me whenever I had remote work to do. Overall, I enjoyed this sit. I would welcome the opportunity to care for Hobbes and Juno again in the future.

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Stayed: 11 Mar 2024 - 13 Apr 2024
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Jim and Jenny were such gracious hosts and great communicators. Their home is beautiful and comfortable and perfectly located near the coast and Portland. By far, the best part of the whole sit is the sweet puppies! Hobbes and Juno are so loving and very easy to care for. Spending a week with them was such a treat. The hardest part of the whole sit was leaving those two! Would HIGHLY recommend this stay!

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Stayed: 28 Jan 2024 - 05 Feb 2024
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This was a wonderful sit! Jim and Jenny were so welcoming and Hobbes and Juno were bundles of joy. I loved the house and the area. Jim provided lots of great local recommendations and the dogs were the best company.

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Stayed: 03 Oct 2023 - 09 Oct 2023
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We were invited to Jim and Jenny’s beautiful home in Falmouth for the weekend to take care of the sweetest puppies, Juno and Hobbs. Hobbs is super friendly, energetic, playful, and a real cuddle bug. He loves his tennis balls and will stay close to wherever you are, and is ready to cuddle up with you when you’re ready for bed. Juno is so sweet and gentle. Much more introverted. She seemed to like gentle patting and a soft voice. Always excited for her walks with Hobbs. She takes a little more time for potty breaks but is happy to follow you around the yard with some gentle coaxing. Their home is beautiful and sits on a quiet corner lot in a very friendly neighbourhood. The guest bedroom has a very comfortable queen bed and pillows, and a private bathroom and shower. We had the best two nights sleep! Jim and Jenny were so welcoming and kind. I’m so happy that we got to meet before they headed out. Could not ask for a better house and pet sitting experience! Thank you, Jim and Jenny for trusting us with your home and Juno and Hobbs. I hope we can have the opportunity to return soon! Jacki and Greg

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Stayed: 23 Aug 2023 - 25 Aug 2023
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Communication with James was great and timely. The dogs were sweethearts and cuddle bugs and no trouble at all! The house was beautiful, comfortable and sparkling clean. James found out I would be celebrating a birthday during my housesit and went out and bought me a delicious mini cake and a split of Proseco to celebrate. A lovely surprise and much appreciated! Lovely landscaped back yard with hot tub to enjoy or comfortable covered front porch to stay out of the sun. I highly recommend this sit for relaxation or a short trip to Portland for restaurants and shopping.

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Stayed: 18 Jul 2023 - 20 Jul 2023

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Jim
Last time sitter needed: 6 months 16 days ago