Feline Obesity, a Danger to Your Cat

The growing epidemic of obesity in the United States isn't restricted to the human population alone, an increasing number of house cats are now mirroring their owners indulgent behaviours.

Read Full article - Feline Obesity, a Danger to Your Cat

twodogsandme Says - Too Easy!

Hi,
Too easy! In very short time found a lovely lady who is looking forward to staying with my dogs and enjoying my property while I am away.

The only difficulty was making a choice from so many obviously suitable people.

Thanks for the great service! (twodogsandme)

2 months housesit Woodbridge Tasmania (south of Hobart )

I am planning to visit my daughter who is currently living in England – exciting, except that my two mates, Lora ( a Rhodesian Ridgeback X) and Hannah (a Staffy X) can’t come along… so am hoping to find someone to keep them company for May and June, 2008.

Our home is on 15 acres in a beautiful coastal rural region of southern Tasmania with Hobart about a 45 k drive away. There is a general store, Post Office and Petrol Station in Woodbridge which is 4k from house. The house is somewhat unconventional ( straw bale and post & beam construction), has solar power (with good efficient battery charger and generator as back up).

All mod cons and slow combustion wood heating so clean, warm and comfortable living. The main house has only one bedroom and some internal steps. Adjacent is a small cabin which is used as guest room (has own shower & toilet). There is plenty of parking if you travel with a motorhome, caravan, etc.

Sited for the magnificent views and sunshine in a quiet private area, it is a place to relax, walk, enjoy the wildlife and scenery…………...and play with the dogs! I do have a garden (newly established) and you would be welcome to potter about in it but no hard work is necessary or expected. There are some chickens, but they are very low maintenance… just need to top up the feed bin and water as required and collect eggs.

My main concerns are the dogs … they are both very friendly, reasonably well trained (eg: no begging for for food is allowed!) and easy to get along with. They are used to going most places with me ( even prefer to sit in the car for hours rather than stay home). Lora is 11.5 years old and Hannah 10, so relatively mature and don’t need lots of exercise … just pats and company.

They have several ‘aunties and uncles’ in the community who are happy to take them in if you wish to take some short overnight trips. I would also be happy for you to use my car to take dogs for outings to beach, etc. There is a strong sense of community in the district so you would quickly be welcomed by my friends if you wish to socialise with the locals.

I would appreciate hearing only from folk who are prepared to stay the whole period I am away, preferably arriving a little earlier so that I can familiarise you with “the workings”. So, if you feel you would enjoy a holiday here, I look forward to hearing from you. Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions.

Brisbank homeonwer: "It takes the headache out of going away! "

Hi there,

I wanted to let you know we found a suitable couple to look after our house within a day through your site. Actually, there were several who sounded suitable.

Thanks for providing such a good service. Within a day we had had more than ten responses. It takes the headache out of going away!

Cheers,

Suzanna (Skywards)

Housesit 4 weeks March 2008 Brisbane Qld

Our comfortable house has a veranda, swimming pool and wireless internet, plus a huge library of books. There is an indoor Burmese cat, who is very affectionate, and a low maintenance Siamese fighting fish. We are looking for a responsible single person or a couple to house-sit.

The 1 Hot Travel Destination of 2008? Says Who?

United States citizens hankering to travel abroad will be disappointed in the Lonely Planet's top pick for hot travel destinations for 2008.

Read entire story - No 1 Top Travel Desitnations 2008

Sitters ibujenny leave French Mid Pyrenees Home in perfect order

Thank you for your very professional website. Our housesitters
'ibujenny' were everything we could have wished for - friendly,
experienced and charming - our home was left in perfect order.
.... Homeowers (ecurie)


View profile for sitters ibujenny

Housesit details for ecurie:

5 week Housesit Lauraet Midi Pyrenees Gers France

Require reliable house sitter to feed and care for our two cats and look after our lovely home for five weeks early October/November 2008. Large comfortable stone house (fully equipped), wood, lake, stunning views, peaceful countryside, and warm climate. We have lived here for eleven years. Interesting historical sites and bastide villages nearby. Pyrenees and Atlantic coast 2 hours drive. Nearest town with shops, markets and supermarkets 12 minutes drive. Age

Travelling Overseas - what about Vaccinations?

Your passport and visa may be sorted? But what about Vaccinations for your overseas trip? It is advisable to start planning this 6 months before your intended trip.

Read more below:
Vaccinations required for International Travel

Travelling Overseas - what about Vaccinations?

Your passport and visa may be sorted? But what about Vaccinations for your oversease trip? It is advisable to start planning this 6 months before your intended trip.

Read more below:
Vaccinations required for International Travel

Housesitting in UK France and Italy

Just a note to let you know that we think your Forum is wonderful! We have been sitting full time for a year now in UK France and Italy and are on our second year. We have written a book titled "Endless Holidays - A Guide to House and Pet Sitting" which we will self publish in February. We would love to advertise it with you then.

So the Forum is another big plus for Housecarers which has been a very valuable site for us. We are booked out for the next year until we go home to Australia for a break and our daughtert's wedding in November 08.

Many thanks for a wonderful initiative.
Cheers Lynne and Mike ... House sitters edm0nds

View profile for sitters edm0nds

Housesitters Community Forum is Open for discussion

We are excited to launch the Housecarers Sitters Community Forum.
This new facility has been included in your house sitter membership.

The forum provides free information exchange between house sitters, worldwide. We are confident it will grow as a valuable resource,and support for
house sitters everywhere.


Suggest a Poll, Start a discussion (topic), Chat to other house sitters, Subscribe to topics, Share resources, Contribute, Teach, Learn, Share, Grow ... its all happening at House Sitters Community.

Click the New Topic Link within each Forum Category to start a discussion topic, or reply to topics already posted.


House Sitters Community Forum

Aussies failing to guard homes

The AAMI says 33 per cent of residents have experienced a break-in at some time.

Mr Hughes said leaving some lights on, arranging a house sitter or asking someone to collect your mail and keep an eye on your home were some basic security measures.


Read full article . Aussies failing to guard homes The Sydney Morning Herald

5 month cottage sit in Rural Roydon State Essex England filled - everyone happy

"hi just to let you know we have found suitable house sitters and are very happy with them. They seem ideal for us and keep in touch."
regards James & Jean ( rainbow7)

Housesit 5 months Roydon State Essex England
Hi, Would you be interested in house & dog sitting for us while we visit Perth, Australia from 27th November 2007 to 30th April 2008? James is English and Jean is an Australian. We enjoy summers in Perth Australia and in Roydon UK. Jack is an 8 year old collie/spaniel cross, absolutely adorable and very well trained. We would prefer the applicant to have experience with a dog and are not in full time employment. The cottage has 2 bedrooms, living/dining, kitchen & bathroom plus a conservatory. Broadband is available. Roydon is a rural village in the Essex area about 40 minutes from Liverpool Street Station, London. There are some beautiful walks nearby as well as a post office & shop, doctor, pharmacy, hairdresser, pubs etc. A bus stop is over the road from the cottage and train station a 10 minute walk away. Please email as soon as possible if this opportunity appeals to you. Kind regards James & Jean

The Perks of Housesitting

We're leaving our snowy climate (got about ten inches of snow since yesterday) in a couple of weeks to spend Christmas in sunny California and we won't have to spend a dime on accommodations! That's because we'll be housesitting for a family while they're away. We'll be caring for their two sweet dogs for the fourth time since we discovered the joys of housesitting....

Read rest of report from housesitter:
Lake Mary Musings: The Perks of Housesitting

xmasbreak finds sitter to mind German Shepherd - Tuggeranong Canberra ACT

We would like to advise that we have found somebody suitable to house-sit.

This was our first time using your service and we found the service and the site very easy to use. We will certainly recommmend it to friends and use it again ourselves. Thank you.

Many Thanks (xmasbreak)

Housesit Tuggeranong ACT
We are seeking a person or couple to look after our home and four year old German Short-haired pointer over Christmas, New Year period. Our home is located on the edge of Canberra backing reserve with rural outlook. We would prefer someone able to stay prior to our departure to help form a relationship with our dog. We would also be happy for you to stay on short term after our return if more suitable

Blandine Winters in Lumby, British Columbia Canada

"Just to let you know that throughout your web site i found a great house to stay this winter, until March in Lumby, British Columbia. I met the owners, Bill and Karen, and they are now gone. When time comes, I will renew my membership.

Thank you again for providing me with this great service. It was private, efficient and very professional.

House sitter profile for Blandine

caring_carer lines up the housesits in New Zealand and Australia

"This is great. I have two housesits, one in Auckland and one in Wellington. I have just applied for one in Queensland as well. The service is wonderful from your end. Thank you. Will let you know how it goes."
Regards Colleen (caring_carer)

promogirl4 finds the perfect match twice for her dog Shayna and Chicago home

I strongly believe in this site and this organization...twice now I have used housecarers.com and it has worked out great! My dog has gotten along with the sitters, and the house has been left in the same condition, if not better, than how it was before my travels.

I have to thank ajbeebster for sitting November 9-13, 2007 and TrustworthyCarers for sitting back over Memorial Day weekend...both families took great care of Shayna and my house and I thank you both. I know that if I ever go on vacation again, I can turn to one of you for future assistance.

Thanks again and everyone have a happy holiday season! (promogirl14) Chicago Illinois

How To remove dog urine stains from your carpet

Some good tips for homeowners and housesitters.

How To remove dog urine stains from your carpet

Christmas sitter found for southwest France, on the edge of the very pleasant and historic city of Angoulême France

"I had a very good housesiteer last summer, and found someone to look after house and jack russell over Christmas in about 3 hours! Brilliant service - I'm recommending it everywhere I can!" Oliver's Mum

Housesit details:

I live in southwest France, in the last street on the edge of the very pleasant and historic city of Angoulême. The house (small, 3 bedrooms) has a biggish garden front and back, mostly grass and fruit trees. Cross the road, and you have immediate access to miles and miles of open country with footpaths. I have one friendly Jack Russell, Oliver, and two cats whom you may not see much of except at mealtimes. the bus stops outside my gate to go into Angoulême centre, where there are all the shops you could possibly want, and there's a hypermarket 5 mins away by car. Angoulême is handy for visiting Cognac, la Rochelle, Poitiers, the Dordogne, etc., and has an equestrian centre, aquacentre, canoeing/kayaking, and just behind my house (where children would be welcome if they're dog- trained) there's a park with kids' games, attainable on foot and wihout going on the road. Oh, and I have both British and French TV! I had a housesitter in the summer and we were both very satisfied with the arrangement, and I am now looking for someone to live here for 10 - 12 days over Christmas/New Year while I visit my daughters and new granson in England

Answer to prayer allows sitter MgR5768ssanz to be close to family for 18 months

"Thank you so very much. Just contracted for my first assignment
through your service. This literally was an answer to prayer - AND -
I get to spend 18 months with my brother."

Again, thank you so very much for this service.

Great news. Thanks for the udpate. It is always good to hear
stories like yours. Where is the housesit? Ian

"San Antonio, Texas. Absolute perfect. Dad suffered congestive heart failure this past week. The house sit is 5 miles from his home. He is doing very well as of this writing. Very excited about this aspect. " Martha-Gail.. (MgR5768ssanz)

House sitters profile for MgR5768ssanz

8 week Charters Towers sit filled Rural getaway near Townsville North Queensland Australia

Hello to the House Carers

I would like to inform you that I have been able to acquire a suitable house sitter and would like to say many thanks to your wonderful service. I was very impressed with all the applicants and it made choosing relatively difficult.

Am I able to stay as a member or do I have to suspend my member ship?

Thanking You
Username: margarinef

HI Margarinef

Thanks very much for the feedback and update - much appreciated. You can certainly stay a member after suspending. Just login at any time to activate and post an update to your ad in the future You can also still communica through messages while suspended if you need to.

regards
Ian

Housesit details:
approx 8 weeks AvailFromDate = 2008-05-07
Looking for a reliable housesitter approx from the 7th May 2008 to the end of June 2008 or longer if they are happy to do so. Block home on small acreage about 15km from Charters Towers. Charters Towers is about 130km from Townsville. Partly bitumen & gravel road to residence. No pool but garden consists of mainly lawn to look after. Also checking of troughs and tank for few head of stock. No other pets. On rural power - television & also internet availability. A very comfortable home. Lots to see and do around the area and in the May through to September period the weather is good. With Townsville only an hour & half away - it is an added attraction. Someone with some knowledge of pumps & troughs would be of an advantage - however not necessary as not hard to learn the ropes!!!!!