Dog Sitting in Hotham

Gregory

Due to a family emergency, I had to leave the country earlier than I had planned, and needed a sitter to fill in the gap between my departure and another sitter. Michele responded within minutes of my posting the sit, and then we spoke and confirmed the sit within hours. Her husband, Israel, was coming from Mexico to France, while she and her kids were to come from Sweden. When Michele’s travel plans changed, and she wouldn’t be able to come with her children, she assured me that Israel would still come to look after the house and dogs. To do this, for a stay of only five days, he flew to Paris, and then to the south of France, where he rented a car and drove the rest of the way to my place. As I was already traveling, the previous sitters filled him in on the various things that needed to be tended to: caring for two dogs, tending to hens, watering 90 young olive trees daily, as well as other things. The place is big and it took me 3-4 weeks when I first moved in to figure out where things were and what to do. Israel mastered everything upon his arrival, sent me daily updates with photos of my two VERY happy dogs. In addition to all the upkeep, he managed to hike with the dogs daily. I arrived home to find everything perfectly maintained, two fit and and Israel’s guest house cleaner than it was when he arrived. Immaculate. I cannot even express my gratitude for to both Michele and Israel for such a sacrifice and commitment to do that for me. It was a very difficult time, as I was dealing with the loss of both my son and my mother. I did not worry for one second while my dogs and home were in Israel’s hands. Thank you both, so, so much. You’re welcome back anytime, with the entire family, even just for a visit, maybe just a well-deserved holiday, with no dog- or house- sitting!

Steve

Natalie took great care of it dog and cats! She was clean, organized, conscientious, and communicative. Our dog had a small cut on his foot and Natalie took great care to help him heal. 

I would highly recommend Natalie as a house sitter and pet sitter!

Nathalia

I was very happy with the love and affection that was very apparent when Travis and Shannon met the pups. I received one picture on my trip and was happy to see Shannon cuddled under a doggie pile. Nothing like seeing your dogs being loved by others as their own. Every thing was in its place when I return which was nice. I also received a welcome home gift handmade by them which was very lovely and made my day.  I highly recommend them as trustworthy and reliable pet sitters to anyone.

Natalie

Kelly was an excellent sitter for us. She communicated well, before the sit and during the sit. When we got home, the dogs and our guinea pig were happy and well. Kelly was dependable and showed up exactly on time. The house was well maintained and clean when we arrived home. We would definitely host Kelly again.

Thomas

Marlen was such a blessing. We had another sitter cancel just a week before our vacation date so I was so relieved that she was able to step in at such short notice. She came to meet our pups a few days in advance so they would recognize her.  While we were away,  Marlen sent picture updates and made sure the dogs were cared for. So glad to have found someone like her to help us out.

Wendy & Rob

Joe and Casey were very easy going and reliable. We organised the sit way in advance with a video chat and we had adequate communication leading up to the sit. We handed over the house and animals after a fairly swift explanation of everything. Being experienced sitters Joe and Casey didn't need us to over explain anything (hopefully they felt the same) and we could see very quickly that they were animal lovers. They asked us how much communication we needed whilst away and we said "no news is good news". So we received just the right amount of updates along with the most adorable photos and reassuring words about all the animals. It was clear that they quickly understood the character of each of the animals. We forgot to mention that Tipper likes to dig dirt beds around the garden which creates quite a mess and it was obvious that these were kept under control. The garden and pool were well cared for. We enjoyed a relaxing couple of weeks away knowing that the animals were being loved and the dogs definitely looked for Joe and Casey when we arrived home. Our pets, home and garden were well respected and cared for and we would not hesitate to invite Joe and Casey to sit for us again.

Jacqueline

If we could give 10 out of 5 stars for Candace, Brian, and Chris, we would!  They were amazing house and dog sitters for Brown Dog and Scout. They were so accommodating with our timeline and had read our welcome guide to a tee!  It was so reassuring being gone for 2 weeks and knowing our pups were in amazing hands. They sent us daily updates and pictures and it was clear the dogs were so well cared for!  They left the house very clean and even had all of our bedding and towels washed for us when we arrived home. Would absolutely recommend them for a sit and would love to have them back again any time!

Mary

Joanna and David were absolutely perfect!!!! This was my first actual time using a sitter and they went above and beyond what I expected.  I have a 1 year old Bully Breed that I adopted 6 weeks ago, so if you know dogs you know what they had to deal with :)) They sent pics daily and kept me updated.  We were not able to meet before I left but they were nice enough to stay to meet me when I returned.  My house was cleaner than when I left, all bedding and towels washed.  Charley, my dog, was happy to see me for a minute when I got home but immediately went back to play with David, so I am thinking she had a blast while I was gone.  I am totally sold with this process after having Joanna and David here.  If you have the chance to book them for your trip, you will not be sorry.  I am hoping to use them again when they return to Florida.

Cassandra

Jim sat for my extremely shy rescue pup and new kitten for two weeks -- my pup struggles with new people, and is very fearful of men in particular. And yet, Jim was more successful with her than any sitter I've ever had: I can't recommend him highly enough. He has wonderful patience, a calm energy, and is a great communicator. He consistently updated me with photos and videos of my sweet girls enjoying the world with him, taking my dog on hikes and adventures to her favorite streams. He went above and beyond both for her (in meeting her needs and taking the time to get to know her personality), and also in caring for my home. I returned to such a cozy environment, a repaired wood stove, an organized wood pile and an at-peace dog and cat. Choosing Jim as a sitter is ensuring that your pets and home are getting the best of care, and his actions exemplify his kindness, generosity and thought taken in consideration of others. I hope to have him return many times in the future; the experience was a privilege both for myself and my pets.

Sidney & Larry

Oh my Goodness!  Where to begin.  Linda was the perfect house sitter for us and the perfect pet sitter for Olivia!  She is one of the nicest people you will ever meet.  When we returned from out two week vacation all our plants were alive, the garden was alive, the birds and fish had been fed regularly, and the dog was alive and happy!  What more can you ask for, right?  Well with Linda you get all that and more.  Updates as you request - even videos of her morning walks with Olivia.  The house as spotless as we left it, maybe even better! Even the porches were clean!  Linda is a genuine treasure and our recommendation would be 10 stars if there were that many!!