Farm in the heart of the Pennsylvania Amish country.
Introduction
Hello. I am a semi-retired Child & Family therapist who specializes in play therapy for traumatized children. I teach play therapy internationally which requires frequent travel. Since my youngest just started college, I am in need of pet care for our dog and two cats when I have to be away.
Show more...Home & location
Our home is a turn of the century farmhouse, surrounded by acres of farmland in the heart of the Pennsylvania Amish country. Neighbors to the north, south, and east are Amish and in the morning you can see the Amish children walking to school along the field road bordering the back yard. The home has undergone numerous renovations, the most recent in 2000 when I undertook a "period sympathetic" renovation to bring back some of the character it had when my grandparents lived here. (I am the 5th generation of my family to live here on the farm, my daughters the 6th!) It's peaceful and quiet here, like a perennial retreat. About 2 miles south you'll find Vox Vineti Winery and a bit further, say 45 minutes or so, the charming town of Kennett Square known as the mushroom capital of the world, as well as the world-renowned Longwood and Winterthur Botanical Gardens. About 25 miles to the north is the city of Lancaster known for its art galleries, upscale restaurants, Central Market which is the oldest indoor farmer's market in the US, and the exquisitely restored Fulton Theater. This is what I like about it - within 35-40 minutes you can find shopping, nice restaurants, theater, music, but then come home to restful peace and quiet.
Show more...Responsibilities
Feed the dog and cats twice a day; morning and evening. They have to be separated, as Jessie likes to try to sneak in and eat the cat food. Make sure the dog and cats have fresh water every day. Scoop or sift the cat box at least every other day. We use Pretty Litter, so it's easy to sift. Bring in the mail and put it in a bin. Water a few houseplants once a week. Give Jessie lots of attention and snuggles. Gardening is completely voluntary, but there's plenty to do if you like working outdoors. Nothing clears my head like an afternoon of weeding, my form of meditation. But like I said, completely optional.
Show more...Meet the pets
Jessie, short for Jessica.
12 years
Twinkle
16 years
Snowey
16 years
Sitter Reviews (1)
Homeowner Reviews (1)
None
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Betty's lovely farmhouse (loved the pine floors!) in the serene countryside in the heart of Amish farmland. Every time I looked out the front window it seems I saw an Amish buggy clip-clopping down the road, and the sunsets from the kitchen window were gorgeous! Her pets are well-behaved and a pleasure to care for. They were friendly and I enjoyed having Twinkle snuggle up to me in bed each night. I am looking forward to other opportunities to sit for Betty in the future.
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Betty
It is hard for me to imagine a better house and pet-sitter than Eric. He was friendly and easy to communicate before the sit, careful and thorough in making arrangements as my trip approached. Historically, my skittish cats run and hide from strangers, so imagine my surprise when he sent me a picture the first morning of my cat contentedly curled up with him on the couch! I had left in somewhat of a rush, forgetting to tell him that the garbage disposal was not working. Eric managed to get it working temporarily, then diagnosed the problem, and left me a detailed message about the required repair. And finally, when I contacted him about a maintenance issue with my flight that would delay my return until the next morning, he immediately volunteered to stay an extra night, truly above and beyond expectations. I came home to happy pets and to a neat and tidy home. I couldn't have asked for a better home and pet sitter than Eric and would unequivocally recommend him!
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Betty
