Wendy

Hi, I am professional lady, who adores animals especially dogs and horses. I will be moving out of my current house at start July 2024, and then lodging with family until my new house purchase goes through, which may be many months as process is only just beginning .... Much as I love my relatives, I know I will really appreciate having the odd week or two away and caring for someone else's house and getting a bit of 'me time' . I love walking and running, and walk my own little (very well mannered) miniature poodle twice a day (he is nearly 3 years old, and neutered). I would need to bring him along. He is used to being with other dogs and loves to play.
I work from home/remotely so a good internet connection will be needed for me to do that. I get considerable flexibility in the day, so can work around the weather to get the dog walks in. I generally do a few games and tricks with my own dog to keep his mind alert, so can incorporate whatever your dog likes to do into the mix as well.

I would want a pre-meeting and lots of information about the dog or other animals to be cared for. What habits he/she has, what's normal and so not to worry about, and what I should be concerned about if it happens. How secure the garden is. Also, all the vet contact information in case of any unexpected emergency, as well as a way of reaching you if there is a real emergency. Knowing if the dog goes off the lead or not, and if so, how well trained they are to return to someone they don't know. Otherwise, I will be keeping everyone on leads at all times.

Regarding horses, I have had my own at home in the past, so understand all elements of care, feeding, rugging, getting them in and out of fields etc. I ride regularly at a friend's house where my old horse now lives. I can exercise the horse, and am fine at all gaits, with a low level jumping. I'm 9 stones and have written horses of all sizes. I have confident control of any well behaved horse, but wouldn't want responsibility for anything too unpredictable or unresponsive.

Given that I am working from home remotely, there will be only limited equine related chores that I could cover off - these can be very time-consuming animals if mucking out is required as well as exercising etc. But we can discuss your needs if you have horses (or other animals!).