Retired couple wanting to find 'homes away from home'

Diane & Peter

6 reviews

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Diane & Peter from Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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Diane & Peter

Retired couple wanting to find 'homes away from home'

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

6 reviews

Join to Invite Diane & Peter

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About Diane & Peter

Reviews from our first two pet-sits:

"Diane and Peter are a really lovely couple. They were incredibly reliable and looked after Strudel wonderfully. They kept us informed on a regular basis and the apartment was cleaner when we returned than before we left! I would highly recommend them, and hope they want to visit Austin again!"

"I could tell that they wanted to do a good job caring for our pets. We have a cat, a dog, and chickens, and they provided great care for all of them. The house was very clean, sheets were washed, etc when we returned home. We would love to have them back any time they want to return to Nashville!"

We are homeowners, and previous pet-owners, who understand how important a rich and comfy home-life is. I have been self-employed in the Design field all my life while my husband worked for a 5-star hotel chain for 39 years. We recently decided we would like to travel several months of the year, staying for longer periods in each destination, getting to live as the locals do. So we retired a little early, pared down our possessions and have begun housesitting, house-swapping and renting our house to make this all happen.

Why we want to house sit

We want to house sit because there is no better way to feel the comfort and richness of home life, while far away from our own, than to hang out with a furry friend. We can feel a little lonely away from our friends and family and getting to know and care for a pet is a wonderful way to feel at home, while still enjoying an adventure. We are physically active and love the rhythm of getting outdoors with a pet regularly.

We have a lovely home of our own and we understand how great it feels to know that while we are away, some kindred spirits are keeping an eye on things for us. A worry-free getaway!

Our experience

I have been a homeowner, and cottage owner all my life so I understand the importance of stewardship of a home. We love to live with pets and are hooked on the rhythm of getting outside at regular intervals every day for a walk. My golden retriever and I were lucky enough to walk to work together every day for 10 years. We are utterly respectful, quiet and diligent non-smoking adults. We love pets and are used to living with them up until recently when we have become 'nomadic retirees', while renting or swapping our homes out so we can live in other parts of the world. We are competent and experienced homeowners and are well used to household systems, materials, maintenance, upkeep and I have had years of experience in residential construction and renovation so have a keen eye to look after your building.

We are in our first year of membership in TrustedHousesitters. We fully understand how important it is to feel trust when leaving your loved ones with a newcomer, and we are committed to making you feel secure. We can verify our trustworthiness in the following ways, in addition to our growing reviews:
-I was a Big Sister with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto for 7 years (requiring a police-check)
-we own property in Argentina (requiring a police-check)
-frequent airbnb guests with 5 star rating
-frequent airbnb hosts with 5 star rating
-frequent homeswappers with excellent reviews
-Diane was a Treasurer for Canadian Registered Charity for 7 years

Reviews (6)

Katherine - Montréal, Quebec, Canada

21 July - 04 August 2018

Diane and Peter were brilliant dogsitters! They were both very attuned to Bruce Lee's moods and behaviour and always made sure the dog was happy. They left the house in better order than they found it in. If you're lucky enough to get their application, choose them without hesitation. Merci beauc... + More

Diane and Peter were brilliant dogsitters! They were both very attuned to Bruce Lee's moods and behaviour and always made sure the dog was happy. They left the house in better order than they found it in. If you're lucky enough to get their application, choose them without hesitation. Merci beaucoup Diane and Peter. You were amazing.

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Pet care

Response from Diane & Peter

We loved sitting Bruce Lee and would not hesitate to do so again. He is such a sweetie and very easy to look after. The home is in one of the best areas of Montreal and everything we needed was a tiny walk away. Katherine made it all so friendly and convenient that we felt very much at home. Thanks Katherine!

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Susan - Chelsea, Quebec, Canada

08 July - 16 July 2018

Diane and Peter took great care of my cat, Bingo, the house in general, and especially the deck plants and others in desperate need of water in the extended period of dry and extremely hot weather we experienced during their stay. They also ran into some difficulties with my dishwasher and took e... + More

Diane and Peter took great care of my cat, Bingo, the house in general, and especially the deck plants and others in desperate need of water in the extended period of dry and extremely hot weather we experienced during their stay. They also ran into some difficulties with my dishwasher and took evasive action! Thanks to you both and happy future house sits.

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Alison - Jaca, Spain

12 February - 19 February 2018

When thirty cows invaded our garden, Diane and Peter picked up the gauntlet (or at least, a stick) and in the pouring rain, with Alfie the dog's questionable help, herded them off our land and onto the hillside as instructed. Diane's follow up text: 'Don't worry, we are here to help' reassured u... + More

When thirty cows invaded our garden, Diane and Peter picked up the gauntlet (or at least, a stick) and in the pouring rain, with Alfie the dog's questionable help, herded them off our land and onto the hillside as instructed. Diane's follow up text: 'Don't worry, we are here to help' reassured us completely that any more unwanted visits would be dealt with swiftly.
In the subsequent days, Diane kept us informed of how the pets were getting on and answered all texts promptly. Later, she kindly emailed us a folder of photos of the animals, including a video of Alfie in the cow rodeo which we find highly amusing.
When we returned, all were healthy and happy, the house was clean and tidy and a delicious meal awaited us. Diane and Peter are immensely resourceful, efficient, calm and energetic and we very much enjoyed their company. We hope to see them again, as sitters and as friends. Wholeheartedly recommended.

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Self-sufficient

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