Calming influence
Hello, I'm Terry
Having taken early retirement after 30 years as a civil servant, I'm still looking to be useful but with a gentler structure to the day.
I am organised, trustworthy, discreet and patient. I have owned, cared for and made friends with all types/sizes of animals - furry, feathered or scaly.... but exercising anything larger than a Shetland pony takes a little longer as I get older! Special needs pose no problem. In addition to those requiring medication, I have cared for deaf or partially sighted cats and dogs and anxious, retired greyhounds.
I am self-reliant, adaptable and reasonably tech savvy. I can cope with almost any unforeseen issue should the need arise e.g. first-aid, fuses, leaks, pilot lights. At home I have tackled everything from basic decorating to replacing the belt on my washing machine to tiling my bathroom. My father was very egalitarian, believing both his children should be able to undertake DIY in addition to cooking and ironing. My brother is now the better baker. Dammit!
Professionally, I held a number of roles from casework and direct delivery of service to the public (incl. managing staff, building maintenance and security) to developing policy and law. Personally, I completed my long haul travel list when I was younger, now I am much happier exploring the UK and relaxing in a home environment with good food, books and music.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Regards, Terry
PS: Up-to-date with Covid and Flu jabs
Reviews (26)
Terry is such a lovely, genuine lady who looked after our two Pugs and our home as if they were her own. This was our first time meeting Terry in person. So, we were a little nervous about how things would go. As soon as Terry walked into our home, our Pugs took to her immediately. She was so good with them and knew exactly how to allow them to get to know her. We felt so lucky and grateful to have found such a wonderful and caring person to look after our kiddies. During our holiday, Terry ... MORETerry is such a lovely, genuine lady who looked after our two Pugs and our home as if they were her own. This was our first time meeting Terry in person. So, we were a little nervous about how things would go. As soon as Terry walked into our home, our Pugs took to her immediately. She was so good with them and knew exactly how to allow them to get to know her. We felt so lucky and grateful to have found such a wonderful and caring person to look after our kiddies. During our holiday, Terry kept us up to date with how they were doing as well as sent us photos daily of them. We were able to enjoy our holiday stress free knowing everything was in good hands. Our oldest Pug really cried when she left! Terry’s many positive reviews speak for themselves and she deserves nothing but praise.
TONY (Woodwalton , Dec 2024 - 2 nights)
Terry was a really lovely person who was the most friendly and helpful person that we could have asked for. She kept us updated along the way and took care of our cats so well that the cats looked even plumper than when we left them. She was very kind and even cleaned the whole house for us and bought us a few bits from the kindness of her heart. We would love for her to stay with us again in the future.
ROSE (Nottingham England, Nov 2024 - 3 weeks)
So Lovely to have Terry back. I would be delighted to have her to stay again in the future. The animals were happy and relaxed and loved having her around. She even showed me a trick for getting the cat to take it's medication. We definitely recommend her to others, so long as you don't book her when I need her.
CAROLINE (London England, May 2024 - 6 nights - 1 of 2 endorsements from this owner )
We were so pleased we had Terry to look after Oonagh our greyhound who, unfortunately, broke a toe the day before Terry arrived. We felt completely confidant leaving Oonagh with Terry and are very grateful for the way she coped with the unexpected circumstances. Terry managed Oonagh's care and medication after she came back from the vets, which was tricky as she was confined to one room and had a cast on her foot. Terry even stayed in the lounge with her one night to check on her.
We would ... MOREWe were so pleased we had Terry to look after Oonagh our greyhound who, unfortunately, broke a toe the day before Terry arrived. We felt completely confidant leaving Oonagh with Terry and are very grateful for the way she coped with the unexpected circumstances. Terry managed Oonagh's care and medication after she came back from the vets, which was tricky as she was confined to one room and had a cast on her foot. Terry even stayed in the lounge with her one night to check on her.
We would love to have Terry back to house sit and would recommend her to others. We would give 6 stars if we could!
GILLIAN (Pickering England, Jan 2024 - 1 week 1 night)
This was a great experience all round. We (I mean the animals and myself) would all be very happy to have Terry back again. Everything was clean and lovely when I got back from my trip away, apart from me, but I soon relaxed into the calm atmosphere of home. I would recommend Terry and will use her again when I can.
CAROLINE (London England, Nov 2023 - 5 nights - 2 of 2 endorsements from this owner )
Myself and my daughter met with Terry, before the sit ( with the lab pup ) Terry was lovely and very professional, I explained that the puppy was still abit of a handful but nothing worried Terry, at last minute I decided to leave the pug at home due to hot weather and once again Terry was great about it, I came home to a lovely clean home, happy animals food in the fridge and the shower fixed!!! After along drive it was nice to come home and know everything had been done. I would absolutely ... MOREMyself and my daughter met with Terry, before the sit ( with the lab pup ) Terry was lovely and very professional, I explained that the puppy was still abit of a handful but nothing worried Terry, at last minute I decided to leave the pug at home due to hot weather and once again Terry was great about it, I came home to a lovely clean home, happy animals food in the fridge and the shower fixed!!! After along drive it was nice to come home and know everything had been done. I would absolutely have Terry again ( if she would have us! ) and recommend onto others!
REBECCA (Eastleigh England, May 2023 - 4 days)
Terry was a brilliant housesitter. Communication was great from beginning to end, she took amazing care of our two boys, and the house was in perfect condition when we returned home. She was even kind enough to wash the bedding and remake the bed before she left. I wouldn't hesitate having her come back again, and would definitely recommend her to others as well. Thanks so much Terry!
ANGELA (South Croydon England, May 2023 - 4 days)
Came home to three very chilled dogs … so would recommend to anyone - communication was fab
DEBBIE (Bordon England, Apr 2023 - 1 week 1 day)
Friendly and approachable, with a low key zero fuss attitude, Terry made us feel completely at ease and almost completely unworried about leaving our pets for the first time. They were obviously really happy in her care, and we had a lovely holiday without worrying or constantly checking for updates. Definitely would recommend and rebook!
ASH (Cranwell England, Mar 2023 - 1 week 6 days)
This was the first time we have used this type of service for our 2 dogs so naturally was a little apprehensive, we needed not have worried, Terry was brilliant from the start, great communication, putting us at ease, sending pics of the dogs every couple of days, the dogs were very spoilt :) will definitely use terry again. Thank you Terry
PENNY (Ottery St. Mary England, Feb 2023 - 2 weeks)
Terry, the cat whisperer! She was absolutely fantastic and made everything so easy.
The cats loved her- even the little one, who is usually very frightened of new people, was cuddling in her lap within an hour!
After I got home, I found the cats waiting outside her bedroom door a couple of times - they clearly missed her.
Terry provided just the right level of updates & helped willingly with a couple of minor house matters that cropped up, so I was able to properly relax whilst away.
... MORETerry, the cat whisperer! She was absolutely fantastic and made everything so easy.
The cats loved her- even the little one, who is usually very frightened of new people, was cuddling in her lap within an hour!
After I got home, I found the cats waiting outside her bedroom door a couple of times - they clearly missed her.
Terry provided just the right level of updates & helped willingly with a couple of minor house matters that cropped up, so I was able to properly relax whilst away.
On my return, the house was immaculate, with bedding/towels washed & dried, and fridge restocked with dinner waiting!
It was an absolute pleasure to have Terry staying in our home & my mum has already booked her for a stay in the summer. I cannot recommend her highly enough.
Thank you Terry ❤️
LOUISA (Northampton England, Feb 2023 - 1 week 1 day)
I can't even begin to describe just how wonderful Terry has been. Our animals and our home have been cared for perfectly! It was a delight to know we had left everything in such capable hands. Terry is a wonderful lady, who I could have chatted with all night! I'd have no hesitation to book her again and I do hope she will return in the future! Thank you so much, from extremely grateful dogs, cats, fish, plants and humans!
JULIE (Eckington England, Jan 2023 - 1 week)
Great communication, including photos/videos of Charlie whilst we were away. Returned to a spotless house and a very happy cat. Would highly recommend Terry.
SARAH (St. Albans England, Jan 2023 - 1 week)
Terry is the fairy catmother personified! She arrived with minimal fuss and took charge calmly and organized giving us just the right level of updates. , We arrived home to a clean home and contented cat, laundry done and even a supper catered for. Sassy is looking forward to another visit as soon as possible!
ROSE (WESTCLIFF-ON-SEA England, Dec 2022 - 3 weeks)
Terry is a fabulous sitter, she showered my 2 girls with love and affection and there's nothing this Lady can't do, Terry is extremely reliable with great communication, I will definitely book Terry again.
MS LESLEY (Banwell England, Nov 2022 - 2 weeks)
Terry arrive before I left to go on a week's holiday. She was very friendly and easy to get on with. I felt reassured that my house and cat were in good hands. Alfie was very comfortable with Terry instantly. Terry sent me a video of Alfie and he looked very happy on Terry's lap. My house was spotless when I arrived home. Overall a great house/pet Sitters :-)
BEV (Newcastle upon Tyne England, Nov 2022 - 1 week)
Terry was absolutely fantastic with our two older spaniels, going above and beyond to make sure they were happy and healthy while we were on holiday. The house was immaculate on our return, too!
HANNAH (Fulbourn England, Aug 2022 - 7 days)
This was our first experience having a house and pet sitter. It has been a privilege to welcome Terry into our home to look after our two dogs and two cats. It was such a relief to find a reliable, trustworthy, competent person to look after everything. Terry has allowed us to have a worry free holiday and has been amazing.
GILL (St. Ives, Cambridgeshire England, Jun 2022 - 3 weeks)
Terry looked after Spooky for us at very short notice! She was great at keeping in contact for our 2 weeks away and sent lots of pictures and videos of Spooky relaxing around the house and garden. He was very happy and well groomed when we returned home and the house was very tidy. We were able to relax on our holiday knowing our furbaby and home were safe and sound.
CHARLOTTE (Epping England, May 2022 - 2 weeks 1 day)
Terry was an exceptional sitter. My fur babies , 1 small dog with a big personality and 3 ragdoll cats immediately took to her. The youngest cat was only 11 weeks and spent her nights in Terry's bed since day one!! communication was beyond excellent and she sent me daily pictures and videos. She left the house impeccably clean and even changed the linens so when I came home after many hours of international flights and a drive from London to Devon I dived straight in bed. I would defiantly ask ... MORETerry was an exceptional sitter. My fur babies , 1 small dog with a big personality and 3 ragdoll cats immediately took to her. The youngest cat was only 11 weeks and spent her nights in Terry's bed since day one!! communication was beyond excellent and she sent me daily pictures and videos. She left the house impeccably clean and even changed the linens so when I came home after many hours of international flights and a drive from London to Devon I dived straight in bed. I would defiantly ask her to pet-sit again in the future and hope she will have time for us. I cannot recommend more.
ADVA (Torquay England, May 2022 - 6 days)
As worried owners of a slightly spoilt, very intelligent cockapoo. Having an overseas holiday and leaving Lola seemed a nightmare! However we found Terry! A Ray of sunshine on a gloomy day. We can't recommend enough and could write a whole page of positives. Thank you. Appreciated.
ROB & MANDY (Yatton England, Apr 2022 - 5 days)
Terry is an absolute star! I was a little apprehensive as had not used this service before but Terry was a pro from start to
Finish. She is calm, clever & in control. Her communication was excellent and she was in control
Of our busy house & menagerie from the get go. My pampered pooches all adored her as was evident from the much appreciated & reassuring photo updates. So grateful to have found Terry !
LOUISA (Newbury , Mar 2022 - 10 days)
There are not enough words to describe the saint that is Terry. She is exactly what I'd hoped for when looking for someone to look after my babies, and more.
Not only did Terry love the cats, but they absolutely loved her also. She sent me videos of her patting them, brushing them and cuddles on the bed, and I could see the love they had for her.
If you are looking for someone who is so much more than a house sitter, look no further than Terry.
Whilst I was away one of my cats became ... MOREThere are not enough words to describe the saint that is Terry. She is exactly what I'd hoped for when looking for someone to look after my babies, and more.
Not only did Terry love the cats, but they absolutely loved her also. She sent me videos of her patting them, brushing them and cuddles on the bed, and I could see the love they had for her.
If you are looking for someone who is so much more than a house sitter, look no further than Terry.
Whilst I was away one of my cats became poorly, and she went with one of my friends to the vet, and took ownership of giving tablets and brushing teeth. I cannot thank Terry enough for being so caring, diligent and perfect for my babies.
JO (St Columb England, Dec 2021 - 11 weeks)
Terry is an absolute star.Totally reliable.Turned up on time ready and eager to start the cat sit/house sit.She put my mind at rest immediately with her warm,approachable,friendly,honest and wise personality.I had no reservations in leaving her in charge of my house and crazy Siamese cat Luna( who is a very needy,clingy little cat )who followed her around the house 24-7 just as she always does to me.Luna requires constant attention and when she is awake just wants to constantly play and will ... MORETerry is an absolute star.Totally reliable.Turned up on time ready and eager to start the cat sit/house sit.She put my mind at rest immediately with her warm,approachable,friendly,honest and wise personality.I had no reservations in leaving her in charge of my house and crazy Siamese cat Luna( who is a very needy,clingy little cat )who followed her around the house 24-7 just as she always does to me.Luna requires constant attention and when she is awake just wants to constantly play and will make sure that whoever is there joins in!! I would be more than delighted if Terry would sit for me again and would recommend her to anyone.She can handle anything and even fixed my broken kitchen cupboard.Normally I am a nervous wreck when I am away worrying about Luna no need with Terry catsitting.
AMANDA (London England, Sep 2021 - 3 weeks)
Having Terry to stay was my first experience of housesitters.com and she is a great ambassador. Terry is utterly unflappable. From first contact she was calm, considered and instilled me with confidence. She was engaged to look after 3 pets each with big personalities, idiosyncrasies and foibles - nothing fazed her. I came home to a house that was clean, a load of washing on the line drying, a super supper and a bottle of wine in the fridge (much needed and very appreciated). I would ... MOREHaving Terry to stay was my first experience of housesitters.com and she is a great ambassador. Terry is utterly unflappable. From first contact she was calm, considered and instilled me with confidence. She was engaged to look after 3 pets each with big personalities, idiosyncrasies and foibles - nothing fazed her. I came home to a house that was clean, a load of washing on the line drying, a super supper and a bottle of wine in the fridge (much needed and very appreciated). I would highly recommend Terry and would not hesitate to contact her next time I'm away.
CLAUDINE (Clun England, Aug 2021 - 9 days)
Terry is a lovely lady who will go out of her way to make sure your fury friends are safe and happy. She didn't mind arriving the night before we left, so that I could show her around (we have a rather big house and gardens) and introduce her to the cats.
We returned to a clean and tidy house, with the bedlinen washed and folded, and she was kind enough to provide us with some esssentails so we didn't need to rush out the next day.
Terry is a very realiable and responsible women, who won't ... MORETerry is a lovely lady who will go out of her way to make sure your fury friends are safe and happy. She didn't mind arriving the night before we left, so that I could show her around (we have a rather big house and gardens) and introduce her to the cats.
We returned to a clean and tidy house, with the bedlinen washed and folded, and she was kind enough to provide us with some esssentails so we didn't need to rush out the next day.
Terry is a very realiable and responsible women, who won't get flustered by any little problem. She will only contact you if she feels the need to or if you request regular updates.
I highly recommend her because I was able to go on holiday with peace of mind, knowing that she would take care of everything for me.
JULIA (Otley, Ipswich England, Aug 2021 - 1 week 6 days)
Single
