Somerset farmhouse with old cocker spaniels

Introduction

David and I have recently retired and have looked forward to travelling more. We have 2 elderly cocker spaniels, Hector and Olly, that are now too old for the kennels we have used throughout their lives. We want them to be able to have their routines at home while we are away.

Home & location

We live in a large Somerset farmhouse in a hamlet. There are lovely walks from the house, or along the Parrett River from Langport. We have a large field behind the house where the dogs have their walks, off-lead, which also has a public footpath running through it. We have a cider apple orchard and a small orchard of eating apples and quince. You will stay in the guest bedroom and have use of the large family bathroom next to it. There are lovely views of sunrises from one side of the house and sunsets from the other. Our neighbours are friendly and helpful. Langport has a small Tesco, a good baker and butcher. The vet and a good GP practice is also in Langport.

Responsibilities

We would like the sitter(s) to feed the dogs twice daily and give them their meds (on the food). Make sure they have clean water available all the time. They have a walk around the field once a day and they will scratch at the back door to be let into the yard. As they get older, Olly is less reliable at asking to go out, so it's useful to keep an eye on him. The dogs live in the kitchen and the TV room. We will try to organise cleaners while we are away, so we'd ask that you let them in and make them a coffee. We ask that you pile the post on a table in the kitchen. We would like you to put out the rubbish and recycle food, plastics, paper and cardboard and glass to the curbside weekly. Vegetables can go on the compost pile outside. All the recyclables have their own containers. Ensure that the house is locked up and the alarm is set when you leave to go out, and when you go to bed. (Instructions for the alarm will be left.) Just keep the place reasonably tidy.