Friendly Outdoor Couple
Hi,
Our 'home' is the UK and experiencing the joys and wonders of nature. We enjoy travelling and finding hidden gems in the countryside in our LWB Sprinter van, Pebbles.
We have both owned a wide variety of pets: dogs (large and small), cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, birds (a crow, Indian Ringneck, budgies) a corn snake, and a rabbit. We are not daunted by individual personalities, off-the-wall quirks, specified feeding plans (defrosting mice is no problem), medication administration (insulin injections or tablets hidden in a favourite snack) and daily routines. We will ensure that our routine is in perfect harmony with those of your pet(s).
We're kind, considerate, easy-going, and believe in 'live and let live' where others are concerned. We will treat your home and your 'babies' as our own and ensure that they are happy and content whilst you are on your travels. Having the reassurance that your pet is being loved and well taken care of will add to the relaxation and enjoyment during your time away.
As we are located in Ilkley, which is central to the UK, we are well placed to undertake sits anywhere in the UK. We would appreciate a contribution towards the cost of travelling.
We will treat your property with respect and ensure that is cleaned and well looked after whilst you are away. You will return to a well-presented and clean home. It will feel like we have never been there.
We appreciate the trust that you have placed us with in regard to looking after your precious animal(s) and home.
Your trust will not be misplaced.
Neither of us has any disabilities, we are both non-smokers and we have no pets.
We look forward to speaking with you.
Rue & Mark
Copies of certificates can be emailed upon request -
Canine Health and First Aid (Exp. 24/08/2025)
Reviews (22)
Rue and Molly did an absolutely fantastic job of looking after our animals and home while we went on holiday. We arrived home to a house that I swear was cleaner than it was when we left, and a bunch of very happy and content animals. Some of our animals are not always the easiest to look after - Herbie in particular is a very nervous dog who can often struggle to adjust to new people in the house. Rue and Molly did amazing work to win him over and I think he loved having them look after him. ... MORERue and Molly did an absolutely fantastic job of looking after our animals and home while we went on holiday. We arrived home to a house that I swear was cleaner than it was when we left, and a bunch of very happy and content animals. Some of our animals are not always the easiest to look after - Herbie in particular is a very nervous dog who can often struggle to adjust to new people in the house. Rue and Molly did amazing work to win him over and I think he loved having them look after him. Communication was great from the outset, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend these guys for future house sits. Thanks again Rue!
PERCY (Hope Valley England, Aug 2024 - 1 week 1 night)
Rue and Mark were fabulous from the first communication and throughout. A lovely couple. They had to deal with leaks during bad weather - no issues. They were happy for me to arrange builders to come round to quote etc. They really connected with my dog and looked after her and the house wonderfully. I couldn't rate them or recommend them highly enough. Altogether a great experience with lovely people. Wish I could have them stay every time we go away.
SARAH (Aberdeen Scotland, Dec 2023 - 4 months)
Rue and Mark were a delightful couple whose company we enjoyed the night prior to leaving. We ate, ‘chewed the fat’ and established a really good rapport. Our cats are elderly and not in the best of health, one requiring daily medication. Once the routine was explained, Rue and Mark took this in their stride. We kept the lines of communication open thus helping us to relax and enjoy our break. We returned to 2 happy cats, a very clean home but sadly Rue and Mark had an early start and we missed ... MORERue and Mark were a delightful couple whose company we enjoyed the night prior to leaving. We ate, ‘chewed the fat’ and established a really good rapport. Our cats are elderly and not in the best of health, one requiring daily medication. Once the routine was explained, Rue and Mark took this in their stride. We kept the lines of communication open thus helping us to relax and enjoy our break. We returned to 2 happy cats, a very clean home but sadly Rue and Mark had an early start and we missed the opportunity to thank them face to face. We would have no hesitation in recommending this lovely couple and hope to see them again in the future. We wish them safe travels wherever their adventures may lead. Scruffi says thanks for the clean up 🙀.
BRENDA (Elderslie Scotland, Nov 2023 - 5 nights)
Rue and Mark were great housesitters. We had been in touch beforehand which made it easy to hand over the care of our 2 dogs and 2 cats. They looked after everything so well. Our dogs loved them from the start and they soon learned the games they liked –chasing the laser pen and balls. Our 2 boisterous dogs, a border collie and a springador, can be a bit of a challenge sometimes, but they had had plenty of exercise and the cats plenty of cuddles and playtime.
We received updates and photos ... MORERue and Mark were great housesitters. We had been in touch beforehand which made it easy to hand over the care of our 2 dogs and 2 cats. They looked after everything so well. Our dogs loved them from the start and they soon learned the games they liked –chasing the laser pen and balls. Our 2 boisterous dogs, a border collie and a springador, can be a bit of a challenge sometimes, but they had had plenty of exercise and the cats plenty of cuddles and playtime.
We received updates and photos and could see that they had been enjoying themselves. We cannot say enough great things about them. The house was spotless on our return and the animals obviously very contented. Thank you both of them. We have no hesitation in recommending them as highly as possible and would welcome them back any time
MARION (Cramlington England, Oct 2023 - 6 nights)
Rue and Mark do an absolutely brilliant job for us in looking after our house but more importantly our two little dogs.We plan our holidays around when they can come to Frome and look after Dylan and Zeb and we just keep hoping they will keep coming back to Frome!! and so far so good!!!
SUE (Frome England, Sep 2023 - 1 week - 1 of 4 endorsements from this owner )
Mark and Rue are a lovely couple and took great care of our two cats (one of whom is diabetic and requires injecting twice a day). They provided regular updates and clearly loved our cats as much as we do. Great communication and we felt very confident leaving the cats in their care.
ANTHONY AND JESS (Wolverhampton , Jul 2023 - 1 month 1 week)
We had the lovely Rue and Mark to housesit again. I think our doggo remembered them as she was so happy to see them and bounded across the garden to greet them!
They take such care of the house and animals it really adds to our holiday knowing things are all well at home.
Rue sends photo and videos which we love. Thank you xx
WANDA (Brackley England, Jul 2023 - 10 days - 1 of 3 endorsements from this owner )
Rue and Mark , have once again done a fantastic job in looking after our home and our two little dogs. It's got to the stage now that before we book a holiday we check whether Rue and Mark are free because we can think of nobody that we would rather have looking after our most valuable and precious things. We do miss them already and I know Dylan and Zeb do as well !!
SUE (Frome England, Jun 2023 - 2 weeks - 2 of 4 endorsements from this owner )
Rue and Mark are two of the kindest people ever. I have enjoyed getting to know them and having them watch our dogs so much. We have two great danes who can be goofy and needy and Rue and Mark handled them like champs. The dogs adored them right from the beginning and were so well taken care of while we were away. We received regular updates and knew the dogs were being spoiled in the best way. While the dogs being happy is all that really mattered to us, as we were nervous leaving them with ... MORERue and Mark are two of the kindest people ever. I have enjoyed getting to know them and having them watch our dogs so much. We have two great danes who can be goofy and needy and Rue and Mark handled them like champs. The dogs adored them right from the beginning and were so well taken care of while we were away. We received regular updates and knew the dogs were being spoiled in the best way. While the dogs being happy is all that really mattered to us, as we were nervous leaving them with sitters for the first time, it was an added bonus that they took such good care of our home too and left it even cleaner than when they received it. I hope we are lucky enough to have them sit again for us and definitely would recommend them to anyone who asked.
MADALIN (winchcombe England, Jun 2023 - 7 days)
Marc and Rue were amazing housesitters. We knew instantly that Poppi had a great week with them. She was so calm and relaxed on our return (apart from the initial walk through the front door 😂) . We looked forward to daily updates, videos and photos of Poppi on walks and playing at the beach from Rue giving us peace of mind that all was good at home. I don’t think Poppi missed us at all! She had a great time. We would not hesitate to have Marc and Rue stay at ours again. An added bonus being ... MOREMarc and Rue were amazing housesitters. We knew instantly that Poppi had a great week with them. She was so calm and relaxed on our return (apart from the initial walk through the front door 😂) . We looked forward to daily updates, videos and photos of Poppi on walks and playing at the beach from Rue giving us peace of mind that all was good at home. I don’t think Poppi missed us at all! She had a great time. We would not hesitate to have Marc and Rue stay at ours again. An added bonus being that the house was immaculate and spotlessly clean with flowers in the vase and bread and milk for a very welcome tea and toast for supper. Thanks again Tania and Andrew
TANIA (Llantwit Major Wales, May 2023 - 1 week)
Brilliant from day one of contact. Our dogs and cat and house were all well looked after and meant we could holiday with peace of mind. Could not recommend Rue and Mark more. Our troublesome dogs ate well, enjoyed great walks and were obviously cuddled to within an inch of their lives. Rue even won over our standoffish cat!
During our holiday we had regular video and photo updates and the house was clean and tidy on return.
You'd be lucky to get Rue and Mark stay for you!
LUCY (Darlington England, Mar 2023 - 14 days)
Rue looked after our Newfoundland, 2 cats and corn snake for 4 weeks. She is marvellous: the dog loved her walks, and was very happy, the cats warmed to her quickly, and the snake got lots of cuddles.
Rue kept in regular communication with us, sharing photos and videos. It was so good to know that our pets were in good hands while we were away.
We came home to a beautifully clean and tidy house, and Rue even folded washing and put away some groceries for us.
We're very thankful for ... MORERue looked after our Newfoundland, 2 cats and corn snake for 4 weeks. She is marvellous: the dog loved her walks, and was very happy, the cats warmed to her quickly, and the snake got lots of cuddles.
Rue kept in regular communication with us, sharing photos and videos. It was so good to know that our pets were in good hands while we were away.
We came home to a beautifully clean and tidy house, and Rue even folded washing and put away some groceries for us.
We're very thankful for the care Rue showed for our house and our pets.
REBEKAH (Tranent Scotland, Jan 2023 - 1 month)
Ruellyn and Mark are a lovely couple, incredibly friendly yet utterly professional and with great attention to detail. They stayed with us the night before we left for our trip and it was a real pleasure getting to know them a little.
I felt fully confident leaving them to look after our home and animals. Ruellyn was very thorough and great at keeping in touch while we were away, sending regular photos and updates. Our cockapoo was very well loved and cared for, as were our cat and two ... MORERuellyn and Mark are a lovely couple, incredibly friendly yet utterly professional and with great attention to detail. They stayed with us the night before we left for our trip and it was a real pleasure getting to know them a little.
I felt fully confident leaving them to look after our home and animals. Ruellyn was very thorough and great at keeping in touch while we were away, sending regular photos and updates. Our cockapoo was very well loved and cared for, as were our cat and two hens.
The house was left neat, clean and tidy - could not have asked for more and would love to have them sit for us again.
I would not hesitate to recommend them as house sitters.
ALEXIS (Haywards Heath England, Dec 2022 - 11 days)
Rue and Mark ,did a fantastic job of looking after our two boisterous labradors and our house whilst we escaped to the sun.This was the second time they have come to Somerset to help us and once again they did a superb job.Dylan and Zeb' were visibly disappointed when we came home and on return our house was spotless!!
SUE (Frome England, Nov 2022 - 1 week - 3 of 4 endorsements from this owner )
Rue and Mark were wonderful sitters. My menagerie are definitely missing them! They were great communicaters, and kept me informed about how everything was going, sending me videos and photos of my pets, and immediately responding to any questions I had. The house was in better shape than when I had left, and it was lovely to see them, even if briefly, when I got back. I would have them back in a heartbeat!
JENNIFER (Faversham England, Nov 2022 - 2 weeks)
It was amazing having Rue and Mark here to look after our furry family! They are such a lovely couple and we are so grateful to have met them as our pets are so well looked after and they have a lovely holiday at home. Rue is so thoughtful and sends us photos and messages, which we always love. Thanks again
WANDA (Brackley , Oct 2022 - 1 week - 2 of 3 endorsements from this owner )
Our first venture with farm sitters. Met Rue and Mark day before we travelled as not as straight forward as a standard house sit. Very easy to get along with and we felt happy to leave them to it. Had regular updates/photos/videos and any issues, goats getting heads stuck in stock fencing, was dealt with with no fuss. House was spotless when we returned, flowers, fresh milk and bread left for us. Animals, domestic and farm all well and happy, Gwyn, our German shepherd is clearly missing the ... MOREOur first venture with farm sitters. Met Rue and Mark day before we travelled as not as straight forward as a standard house sit. Very easy to get along with and we felt happy to leave them to it. Had regular updates/photos/videos and any issues, goats getting heads stuck in stock fencing, was dealt with with no fuss. House was spotless when we returned, flowers, fresh milk and bread left for us. Animals, domestic and farm all well and happy, Gwyn, our German shepherd is clearly missing the fuss and attention! They are brilliant, 100% trustworthy and if they will come back, we would book them without hesitation. Can't recommend them highly enough
LOUISE (Bridgend Wales, Oct 2022 - 1 week)
This was our first experience of using a house sitter and we were so lucky for it to be Rue & Mark. Their communication was brilliant right from the very start. Rue sent us regular updates with photos and videos which put our minds at rest to know that our dog and cat were being looked after so well. Our home was spotless when we returned, laundry all done and essentials in the fridge! I would definitely recommend Rue & Mark!
JANE (Weston Super Mare England, Sep 2022 - 1 week 1 day)
Inviting complete strangers into your house, having a cup of coffee, a quick dog walk & than throwing your keys at them with a see you in a week almost seems like madness. To entrust your home & two much loved dogs to two people you've only met on video was quite difficult for us but are we glad we did!! We had a fantastic holiday & we got loads of photos & videos from Rue & Mark showing what a great time Dylan & Zeb were having. In fact they appeared to be having such a good time we didn't ... MOREInviting complete strangers into your house, having a cup of coffee, a quick dog walk & than throwing your keys at them with a see you in a week almost seems like madness. To entrust your home & two much loved dogs to two people you've only met on video was quite difficult for us but are we glad we did!! We had a fantastic holiday & we got loads of photos & videos from Rue & Mark showing what a great time Dylan & Zeb were having. In fact they appeared to be having such a good time we didn't think they'd want us to come home! Anyway we did come home, home to a lovely clean house, milk in the fridge, flowers on the table & two very happy dogs so we would thoroughly recommend Rue & Mark to anyone & we very much hope to invite them back to Somerset sometime soon.
SUE (Frome England, Sep 2022 - 8 days - 4 of 4 endorsements from this owner )
This is out first time using a sitter for our pets and home and we are so grateful that Ruellyn and Mark chose us. Our three dogs were so content from the first moment that they met them (this is rare) they settled quickly in their company.
Ruellyn and Mark kept in communication with us from the start with messages, photo and film updates it was so nice to see how they were while we were away. They were attentive, affectionate and playful which our dogs love. Our eldest dog required medication ... MOREThis is out first time using a sitter for our pets and home and we are so grateful that Ruellyn and Mark chose us. Our three dogs were so content from the first moment that they met them (this is rare) they settled quickly in their company.
Ruellyn and Mark kept in communication with us from the start with messages, photo and film updates it was so nice to see how they were while we were away. They were attentive, affectionate and playful which our dogs love. Our eldest dog required medication they were confident to do this. Jez our puppy Lab needed lots of attention as he is in training this was not an issue for them being experienced with large dogs. Ruellyn and Mark had cleaned the home immaculately and provided the best care for our doggies, we highly recommend them.
NICOLA (WORTHING England, Aug 2022 - 1 week)
This was our first experience of having a house sitter and we couldn't have asked for more. From the outset, Rue and Mark made a real effort, having Skype calls and keeping in contact generally, I felt really comfortable with them from the start, even before meeting. When they arrived they were friendly, made sure they had asked everything they needed, made friends with Jez (our doggo) and waved us off leaving us feeling happy and sure that Jez and Ruby were going to be well loved while we ... MOREThis was our first experience of having a house sitter and we couldn't have asked for more. From the outset, Rue and Mark made a real effort, having Skype calls and keeping in contact generally, I felt really comfortable with them from the start, even before meeting. When they arrived they were friendly, made sure they had asked everything they needed, made friends with Jez (our doggo) and waved us off leaving us feeling happy and sure that Jez and Ruby were going to be well loved while we were away. Rue sent loads of photos and messages which were lovely to see. When we got back, Rue and Mark had left already as we had agreed beforehand, and had left our house spick and span and ready for us to relax in. Jez and Ruby were really happy and well cared for. Thank you so much!! Xx
HOLLY (Hermitage, Thatcham England, Aug 2022 - 1 week)
Rue and Mark are a really lovely couple and they took care of our pets and house amazingly, even all the bedding was washed and dried for our return!! The house was immaculate too. They were super easy to make plans with and we had great text comms from them and the occasional lovely photo of our doggie. I would highly recommend this charming and friendly couple to house sit for you.
WANDA (Brackley England, Jul 2022 - 8 days - 3 of 3 endorsements from this owner )
Couple
