Sandra
About Sandra
I am an out-going retired college teacher (computer programming), who loves to travel and meet new people (and four-legged ones, too). I was born in Scotland, and came to Canada when I was 21. I now live in the beautiful Niagara Peninsula, surrounded by farms, orchards, vineyards, and, of course, wineries!
I have two grown-up kids and a beautif...
I am an out-going retired college teacher (computer programming), who loves to travel and meet new people (and four-legged ones, too). I was born in Scotland, and came to Canada when I was 21. I now live in the beautiful Niagara Peninsula, surrounded by farms, orchards, vineyards, and, of course, wineries!
I have two grown-up kids and a beautiful grandson, who lives with his Mum and Dad on the west coast of Canada. We had a wonderful Golden Retriever when the kids were younger, and have had many cats, as well as unexpected kittens!
I have a certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language, and have worked/volunteered in Spain a few times, and in a small fishing village in Ecuador (lovely people).
How am I keeping busy just now?
By practicing and teaching Taoist Tai Chi (over 12 years now and learning every day); hiking (I walked the Camino de Santiago a few years ago); playing tennis; gardening; reading; playing Bridge (not very well); helping newcomers (and refugees) practice their English; going to the theatre, etc.
I am also a non-smoker.
Why I want to house sit
I travel a lot by myself (and sometimes with friends), and much prefer to live in a community over a period of time to experience first-hand the way of life and culture, and meet the local people. This could happen in the local coffee shop, pub, grocery store... So, I am definitely not a cruise-ship, fancy hotel type of person, and 8-day bus trips around Europe are not my thing! House and pet sitting sound like an ideal way to continue my travels, and to give me the opportunity to meet and cuddle some new furry friends.
My experience
I am new to Trusted Housesitters, although some years ago I looked after 2 lovely cats in Basel, Switzerland for a couple of weeks - and enjoyed every minute of it. I've been baby-sitting my son's 19 year-old cat recently , but she has gone back home now and my house is feeling very empty. There's nothing like an animal coming to greet you when you arrive back home! I have also spent a lot of time on my daughter's organic farm on a small Gulf Island, so I am very familiar with living off the grid in a tiny home, among cows, goats, chickens, etc.
I can assure you that I will love your pets and leave your home sparkling clean; otherwise I wouldn't think of signing up for this.
Reviews (1)
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Phyllis - Toronto, Ontario, Canada
06 February - 11 February 2019
Sandra Watson was a wonderful sitter. She has terrific pet and people skills.
She is obviously a true cat lover and knew exactly how to gain my cat Squeak's friendship.
Since Squeak is quite a one-person cat, Sandra, with great patience, earned grudging
affection from Sandra.
Squeak was well ta...Sandra Watson was a wonderful sitter. She has terrific pet and people skills.
She is obviously a true cat lover and knew exactly how to gain my cat Squeak's friendship.
Since Squeak is quite a one-person cat, Sandra, with great patience, earned grudging
affection from Sandra.
Squeak was well taken care of, as was my apartment. Additionally, Sandra is also a great communicator. She left an explicit note detailing her stay. Not only did it contain information about her interactions with Squeak, but she also made me aware of a problem with a circuit breaker that she encountered.
I recommend Sandra as a potential sitter for any pet lucky enough to have her stay with them. Both Squeak and I feel fortunate to have gained not only a great sitter but also a new friend.- Organised
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- Reliable
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- Self-sufficient
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- Tidy
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- Pet care
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Response from Sandra
Thanks for such a lovely review, Phyllis. I would be happy to come and look after Squeak again in the future.
Sandra
External references (3)
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Judith - House / Pet sitting Reference
13 October 2018
Sandra Watson stayed in my apartment for a week in September 2008 for the purpose of caring for my two adult cats. The cats were happy and healthy on my return and the apartment was left in good order.
Sandra Watson stayed in my apartment for a week in September 2008 for the purpose of caring for my two adult cats. The cats were happy and healthy on my return and the apartment was left in good order.
- Organised
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- Reliable
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- Self-sufficient
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- Tidy
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- Pet care
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Judy - House / Pet sitting Reference
13 October 2018
Sandra Watson graciously house sat for me while I was away on vacation.....When I returned the house was immaculate....my cat preferred her over me....the garden and grounds were in good order and there were goodies in the fridge for me...
My neighbours commented on how pleasant Sandra was....
I ...Sandra Watson graciously house sat for me while I was away on vacation.....When I returned the house was immaculate....my cat preferred her over me....the garden and grounds were in good order and there were goodies in the fridge for me...
My neighbours commented on how pleasant Sandra was....
I could not have asked for a better situation!
I give Sandra Watson an above perfect rating and recommendation!- Organised
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- Reliable
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- Self-sufficient
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- Tidy
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- Pet care
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Maureen - Character Reference
13 October 2018
I have known Sandra for 30 years or more and would consider her to be an ideal house and pet sitter. She is an intelligent person who has carried her sense of responsibility from her working career into a variety of retirement activities. She is widely travelled and adapts quickly and easily to n...
I have known Sandra for 30 years or more and would consider her to be an ideal house and pet sitter. She is an intelligent person who has carried her sense of responsibility from her working career into a variety of retirement activities. She is widely travelled and adapts quickly and easily to new environments. Having been a caring cat owner herself, Sandra enjoys the company of pets and understands their needs. I would feel very comfortable leaving my home and cat in Sandra’s care.
- Organised
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- Reliable
-
- Self-sufficient
-
- Tidy
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About Sandra
I am an out-going retired college teacher (computer programming), who loves to travel and meet new people (and four-legged ones, too). I was born in Scotland, and came to Canada when I was 21. I now live in the beautiful Niagara Peninsula, surrounded by farms, orchards, vineyards, and, of course, wineries!
I have two grown-up kids and a beautiful grandson, who lives with his Mum and Dad on the west coast of Canada. We had a wonderful Golden Retriever when the kids were younger, and have had many cats, as well as unexpected kittens!
I have a certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language, and have worked/volunteered in Spain a few times, and in a small fishing village in Ecuador (lovely people).
How am I keeping busy just now?
By practicing and teaching Taoist Tai Chi (over 12 years now and learning every day); hiking (I walked the Camino de Santiago a few years ago); playing ......
I am an out-going retired college teacher (computer programming), who loves to travel and meet new people (and four-legged ones, too). I was born in Scotland, and came to Canada when I was 21. I now live in the beautiful Niagara Peninsula, surrounded by farms, orchards, vineyards, and, of course, wineries!
I have two grown-up kids and a beautiful grandson, who lives with his Mum and Dad on the west coast of Canada. We had a wonderful Golden Retriever when the kids were younger, and have had many cats, as well as unexpected kittens!
I have a certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language, and have worked/volunteered in Spain a few times, and in a small fishing village in Ecuador (lovely people).
How am I keeping busy just now?
By practicing and teaching Taoist Tai Chi (over 12 years now and learning every day); hiking (I walked the Camino de Santiago a few years ago); playing tennis; gardening; reading; playing Bridge (not very well); helping newcomers (and refugees) practice their English; going to the theatre, etc.
I am also a non-smoker.
Why I want to house sit
I travel a lot by myself (and sometimes with friends), and much prefer to live in a community over a period of time to experience first-hand the way of life and culture, and meet the local people. This could happen in the local coffee shop, pub, grocery store... So, I am definitely not a cruise-ship, fancy hotel type of person, and 8-day bus trips around Europe are not my thing! House and pet sitting sound like an ideal way to continue my travels, and to give me the opportunity to meet and cuddle some new furry friends.
My experience
I am new to Trusted Housesitters, although some years ago I looked after 2 lovely cats in Basel, Switzerland for a couple of weeks - and enjoyed every minute of it. I've been baby-sitting my son's 19 year-old cat recently , but she has gone back home now and my house is feeling very empty. There's nothing like an animal coming to greet you when you arrive back home! I have also spent a lot of time on my daughter's organic farm on a small Gulf Island, so I am very familiar with living off the grid in a tiny home, among cows, goats, chickens, etc.
I can assure you that I will love your pets and leave your home sparkling clean; otherwise I wouldn't think of signing up for this.
Verifications
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Animal Care Experience
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Dogs
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Cats
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Profile Details
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Occupation
Travelling as a
Previous house sitting experience
Member benefits
Member since
House & pet sitting timeline
Sandra has done 1 house sit since 2018
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TorontoCanadaFeb 2019
