Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

About this house sitting position in Canberra

House sitter is requested to provide companionship to non-shedding dog, low shedding cat and turtle. Cat (silver Bengal) will largely ignore you but remind you his bowl is empty, or litter tray has lumps. Dog (mini-Schnauzer) will smother you with his love and make you his new best friend. Twice daily feeding for both (or on call for the cat), litter tray cleaning, once-a-day walks (morning preferably and twice if you can, but dog will love you regardless). Cat is happy to be left alone but may choose to allow you to pat him. Depending on his mood. He does not like to snuggle and will expect you to simply remain in awe of his presence if he just stays in the same room. He is an inside only cat (unless you have him out in the yard on a harness) but he will try to convince you otherwise. His pleading however will never, ever extend to accepting affection in return for the possibility of being released into the wild and after a few minutes he will give up and hold you in comtempt. Do not give in. Dog can be left up to about 8 hours in the house with no issues (so long as he gets his walk first) so day trips or work commitments are fine. Although he would definitely prefer it if you spend your whole day lavishing him with attention, this is not required. You do not have to give in to this puppy dog eyes. The yard is secure so he can remain outside on nice, sunny days but he is used to the couch. He is not a street dog, despite his bravado with the neighbouring dogs, and would never survive outside at night and will probably wonder if you have abandoned him after about eight hours absence. He is used to sleeping in one of our beds but will follow orders and retreat to the couch (or empty bed) for a house-sitter. Cheese cubes are his kryptonite and he will obey every command in return for this treat. Turtle will just need occasional time in the sun or walking around house. Lives in tank most of the time and will only required feeding every few days. Lots and lots of indoor plants that will need watering. They are low maintenance however, just monitor for wilting. The yard will be fine for duration of stay, outside potted plants just need water depending on the temperature. Wild birds have also come to expect daily offerings of seed from the feeder out on the back deck. Our home is a 4 bed, 2.5 bathroom, with kitchen and laundry facilities, in a suburb only 15 mins out of Canberra CBD. Short walk to supermarkets, cafes, take away and pub and nature walks. Driveway parking available, possibility of a garage for small car only. There is space to park a caravan if required (preferred if house sitters stay in house with animal however). Read more...

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