December 2012 / January 2013
We were now back in New Zealand and as our home was rented out over the holiday period we looked for a house sitting assignment to cover this period. As soon as we registered with the NZ site we were offered a number of positions and agreed to house sit for a couple who were travelling to the UK for a few weeks. Their home in a rural area of Te-Puke suited us fine and we agreed to look after their aging black Labrador, Gizzie. 
The home was set in a lovely garden with a kiwi fruit orchard on three sides of us. It was opposite a rural school and we were left a key to access the swimming pool and could use the tennis courts and other outdoor equipment which was available for community use. The school grounds was Gizzie's favourite walk which we did each day before it got too hot, although his favourite activity was definitely sleeping on the rug in the lounge. We stayed for two weeks and loved the relaxing time. The owners returned home from the UK and promptly telephoned us and asked if we could sit again for them - unfortunately the dates did not fit for us so we had to refuse.March 2013
We enjoy rural environment so when the opportunity to house sit near Katikati on a livestyle property was advertised we applied and were fortunate to be successful. This home was set on ten acres and we were responsible for the care of a one year old Huntaway pup (cattle dog) who just happened to be on 
outside lounge area enjoying the sunshine and the view we entertained and exercised Meg throwing the ball. In addition we were able to enjoy leisurely walks along the country roads with Meg accompanying us on her lead. The ducks were easy to care for as they only needed regular
This assignment gave us an opportunity to visit parts of New Zealand that we haven't been too for a long time - a day visit to Whangamata, stopping in at Waihi to explore the old shopping area, cafes in Katikati, the bird garden, the local hot pools and lunch at the beachside area of Omokoroa. Just wonderful!
We recently received a request from these home owners to house and pet sit for them in September 2013. However we will still be in Australia at that stage so have had to decline this offer. Perhaps there will be another time in the future that suits both parties.
May 2013
On our arrival back in Melbourne we had the privilege of house and pet sitting for Helen and her young family. We stayed for a short time in their home in Malvern East and looked after Angus who is a lively little dog. He so enjoyed jumping through the autumn leaves as we walked along the streets admiring the many beautiful homes in the area. We never met Helen, we talked briefly on the telephone to make the necessary arrangements and again on her return. It always amazes us how trusting people are to leave their prized possessions both in materials and pets in our care trusting that we will do the right thing. Honesty is what it comes down to.May 2013
Early in the year we responded to a request for house and pet sitters in Kensington which is an inner west suburb of Melbourne and arrangements were made. On arrival in Melbourne we met with the lovely young couple who were heading off to Fiji for a relaxing holiday leaving their home and two dogs in our care for sixteen nights. Lennox is an English staffie and Kostya is a Foxie cross Chihuahua. They are two of the most well trained dogs we have ever met and have been a delight to care for. The townhouse we stayed in was built in an historic part of Kensington and is one of many built along lane ways and walk ways. It has been a new experience for us and we have been amazed at how quiet the area is. We were in close walking distance to the tram and train station and enjoyed being so close to the city and markets - a very enjoyable stay.June - July 2013
We have now completed a five week assignment in Townsville caring for the home of a family who holidayed in the USA and looked after their pet Dalmation, Jessie. We very briefly met the couple on the day before their departure and received their consent for our young grandsons
We had previously stayed in Townsville during our trip around Australia but this stay allowed us to really get to know the area. There were lots of places to visit and we enjoyed regular visits to the Strand as well as going again to Magnetic Island for a day. Of course, with the warmth of the Far North Queensland rather than winter in New Zealand or Victoria it was very pleasant. We would happily house sit again in this area.
July to September 2013
After five weeks in Townsville we travelled south down the East Coast taking ten days to arrive at The Gap in Brisbane where our next assignment was. We had agreed to arrive the afternoon before the owners left on their overseas trip and they were able to show Peter the required pool maintenance and introduce us to Toby, the Golden Retriever. This was the first time we have actually stayed in a home while the owners were still there and it worked well for both parties.
We took the owners (who now felt like friends) to the airport next morning as they departed for nearly seven weeks in Europe. They had entrusted their beautiful home and pool and most importantly their loved pet in our care.
Toby is a very large Golden Retriever and I nicknamed him "Toby the big golden boy" as he reminded me of the children's story of Clifford the big red dog. He is a most delightful dog with a great personality and became almost like a shadow. 
He is extremely well behaved and during his two walks a day walked off lead to the park and back, carried the newspaper back up the hill in the mornings, did not wander if the doors were left open, happily stayed home when we were away from the house, slept inside at night and was a great companion. We just loved looking after Toby.Toby had his regular bath on two occasions while we were looking after him. He doesn't really enjoy getting into the bath (and needed a bit of help to persuade him to get him) but once in stood well but certainly didn't like the large drier anywhere near his head!
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| Bath Time |
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| Outdoor area |
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| View from family area |
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| Peter sitting outside |
The home was a lovely place and we really enjoyed staying there. It is situated high up a private driveway and the view from the outside living area was lovely. It was a very pleasant area to sit and enjoy the surroundings and we were always accompanied by our companion, Toby.
September 2013
We accepted a short thirteen day assignment in Port Macquarie as we were travelling down the East Coast of Australia. This assignment was to care for Penny, a Kelpie and Cleo, the family cat. The family had left the home early in the day to meet a flight to Port Douglas and we had advised we could not arrive until around 7 p.m. as we had to drive from our last assignment in Brisbane without a days break. We had the key posted to us however a family friend did meet with us. Shortly after arrival we fed the animals so that they knew we were "friends".
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| Penny and Cleo |
The home was in the midst of extensive renovations but that was of no concern to us. There were two street frontages - one to a busy road and the second a much quieter road. The home owners were in the process of altering the layout of the home to face the quieter street and have the advantage of the beautiful sea views.
There was a lovely deck where we were able to enjoy our meals, with the advantage of an electric awning. During our time at the home Peter mowed the lawns and we ensured that all mail was collected, rubbish and recycling bins attended too and generally the home was kept very tidy.
Penny loved going for a ride in the car and particularly loved walking on the beach. She loved a game on the sand and was able to use up a lot of energy. We were able to take Penny along the popular coastal walks and generally took her most places we went.
As for Cleo, she was a home girl who loved her food and demanded it at all times of the day as she clearly forgot when she had last been fed. She loved to sleep outside in the sunshine during the day and always came running to meet us when we returned to the house.
For sometime now I have been suggesting to Peter that we purchase a Weber Q BBQ for our home and he has been reluctant. However our time at Port Macquarie gave us an opportunity to use one and Peter was impressed - so impressed that we used it every day. Guess there will be one on our shopping list now!
We thoroughly enjoyed our couple of weeks in Port Macquarie as this gave us ample time to explore the area. It is a great holiday area and the weather was just great and we were so grateful to have been given the opportunity to care for a home and pets in that area. We will return!
September 2013
Early in 2013 we received an email from homeowners in Stanhope Gardens, NSW asking if we would be available to do a second house sitting assignment for them as they planned a holiday in Hawaii. We quickly agreed and basically planned other assignments around the dates provided. So with just one day between completing the assignment in Port Macquarie and the owners departure date we made our way to Sydney. We arrived just half an hour before the owners left for the airport and we had a quick handover.
This year we caught the bus to connect with the train at Blacktown to go into the city. This was a very easy connection and saved the hassle of finding a car park at the busy station. We also visited Rouse Hill shopping centre and the Parklea Markets which were both conveniently close by.
Cleo is much more agile than Patra and could easily climb on to the lounge suite regardless of whether we were in the family room or the lounge. She loved to sort out the cushions and have comfort where she lay.
October 2013
We enjoyed a leisurely trip down to Melbourne, made very easy by the four lane Hume Highway. The home owners were leaving on a very late flight so after dinner we arrived at Glen Waverley. It was good to spend an hour or so with the home owners going over the last minute instructions before they left for the airport. They were looking forward to their four week holiday initially to Kuala Lumpur and then on to Singapore before joining a three week cruise to Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and several ports in northern Australia.
As for us, we enjoyed a wonderful four weeks in their home and caring for Nessie who is an eight year old white bundle and a gorgeous pet. She is so well behaved that we found her amazing. Although the size of most lap dogs, she didn't climb on any furniture or beds, didn't sit constantly on your lap and was very obedient. She loved to follow us everywhere. Her most demanding times were when she thought it was breakfast time and we should be out of bed, and keeping very watchful eyes on us when it was time to go walking.
Nessie loved two walks a day, which were never difficult although the Melbourne weather this spring did not always oblige with good weather. It was really windy a lot of the time and we had more rain than we can remember in springtime Melbourne. However, Nessie wasn't put off by the rain and when it was raining we kept to the streets (to keep her out of the long grass and getting too wet) and we still walked.
A favourite place for Nessie was the oval which is a leash free sports ground very close. There she was able to be freed from her leash and run to her desire. Any bird on the oval meant a good run and she enjoyed running with other dogs, never mind how big they were. Two or three laps of the oval were about right and she was happy to either walk home without the leash, or with it. She is very obedient and always came when called. Nessie had friends at the park - a regular group of dog walkers would meet at the oval most days around 4 p.m. and Nessie knew who had treats in their pocket and made herself available! She enjoyed playing with the other dogs.
Being white, and with lots of wet weather, Nessie soon got grubby so a dip into the bath tub was necessary. We bathed her each week, standing up in the laundry tub, then standing on the lid of the washing machine for the hair drying. It was not necessarily her favourite time in the week, but she was very well behaved and only covered me with water from shaking a couple of times. However, it didn't matter how beautifully she looked after her blow dry she still had to roll on the carpet and then the grass as soon as she could.
The garden and lawns were easy to maintain - especially the front lawn which was artificial turf. The roses came out over the month we stayed and were beautiful. At the rear of the house there was a beautiful covered deck with outdoor seating which was lovely to enjoy when the wind died down. The hanging baskets in this area took a bit of a beating in the wind but regular watering helped them along.
We enjoyed the home and particularly enjoyed the lovely family room at the back of the house with its full size pool table, comfy seating, gas heating and large flat screen television. It was so good we never used the lounge area.
So again we were fortunate to enjoy another lovely home and we are always grateful that homeowners have faith in us to care for their homes and pets. Peter was able to undertake a few home maintenance tasks which I am sure were helpful. Unfortunately we did need to call an electrician during our stay, and of course it was the week-end. There was an electrical fault in the power box that could not be identified and needed expert attention. This was arranged after contact was made with two of the contact people on the list provided by the homeowners and consent obtained.
We really enjoyed our stay, and as it is very close to a lot of friends and family we have in Melbourne it was a great opportunity to meet up and have friends for a meal with us. We were really happy to have the opportunity to house sit here. Nessie is a great pet and we do miss her!
November 2013
A repeat house sit of three weeks looking after a friends home in Wheelers Hill in Melbourne. We maintained the property but did not have any animals to care for.
Finding Assignments
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