57 Year-Old Traveling the World

John

36 reviews

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John

London, United Kingdom

36 reviews

Join to Invite John

Sits for free

About John

Hello,

I have been traveling the world, mostly Europe, since quitting my full-time job four years ago. In between sits, I rent flats, usually for a month at a time, and meet up with friends and family. The experiences I've had, and the new friends I've met thanks to this site, far exceeded my hopes. I am an easy-going guy. Walking, reading and listening to music is as crazy as I get these days.

I have looked after dogs, cats, fish, ducks and chickens, other birds, horses and ponies, rabbits, and goats and in many different combinations. I have taken care of elderly dogs and cats, and several that required medications. I think I've had sits in 13 different countries.

I have references and IDs to send you and a thorough police/background check as well.

Why I want to house sit

I'm eager to explore places I haven't been and to re-visit others. When renting holiday flats, I realized how much I missed having a dog and a cat. My last and most beloved pet lived almost 20 years and for a big German Shepherd-Husky mix I know how lucky I was, but I also must have done some things right along the way. I've been missing the company of pets ever since. Watching, caring and playing with pets is a win-win, as I see it, and owners seem to appreciate and trust me. I hope, and believe, it is a good situation for the pets as well, at least as good as it can be when their loving owners are away.

My experience

I am (was?) a professional, responsible, mature manager. My last title was Vice-President of Operations for an internet company. I'm dependable and get along with almost everyone. I realize how fortunate I am and I try to do my small part everyday to be helpful and kind and give back a little bit. (Boy, re-reading that, it sounds incredibly corny.) House and pet-sitting provides variety, the chance to meet new people and the joy of playing with pets and spending time as a "local". I've loved the experiences and the new friends, human and otherwise, that I've met along the way.

Reviews (36)

Lorraine - Croydon, United Kingdom

01 February - 30 April 2018

John was thorough in our preparations before we went away & suggested we Skype to discuss what we required. We were reassured that our house would be well looked after. While we were away John emailed us exactly when he said he would to update us (even when there wasn't anything to update us on).... + More

John was thorough in our preparations before we went away & suggested we Skype to discuss what we required. We were reassured that our house would be well looked after. While we were away John emailed us exactly when he said he would to update us (even when there wasn't anything to update us on). John was very self sufficient & when we arrived home after 3 months we were pleased that everything was clean & tidy.

Organised

Reliable

Self-sufficient

Tidy

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Mary - Pewsey, United Kingdom

30 April - 08 May 2018

We have nothing but praise and thanks for John, who looked after our cockapoo, Monty and our house whilst we had a week in Portugal. He immediately bonded with Monty and sent us fabulous emails updating us and putting our minds at rest. We returned to an immaculate house and happy dog who clearly... + More

We have nothing but praise and thanks for John, who looked after our cockapoo, Monty and our house whilst we had a week in Portugal. He immediately bonded with Monty and sent us fabulous emails updating us and putting our minds at rest. We returned to an immaculate house and happy dog who clearly misses John! Thankyou John!

Organised

Reliable

Self-sufficient

Tidy

Pet care

Response from John

I wished Mary and Lem had stayed away longer, despite how much I enjoyed their company and hospitality. I REALLY liked Pewsey and its friendly people, and the walks out in the countryside that were just a few minutes away. Their lovely and so comfortable home is a few hundred yards close to shops and markets and pubs and restaurants. A great location.

Most of all, I enjoyed Monty. A great dog with lots of personality...in the very best way. I really hope I get another chance to sit for Mary and Lem and, even if not, I will make a point to try to get back to Pewsey for at least a quick visit.

A great stay with lovely and very kind people AND a fantastic dog. Just perfect.

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Anna - Wallingford, United Kingdom

01 January - 31 January 2018

We felt totally relaxed leaving John in charge of the house and our daughter’s elderly Jack Russell - despite having never met him in person! He’s a great communicator and we had a good Skype session beforehand so everything was discussed. I wouldn’t have any hesitation recommending him to other... + More

We felt totally relaxed leaving John in charge of the house and our daughter’s elderly Jack Russell - despite having never met him in person! He’s a great communicator and we had a good Skype session beforehand so everything was discussed. I wouldn’t have any hesitation recommending him to others.
One day I hope to meet John!

Organised

Reliable

Self-sufficient

Tidy

Pet care

Response from John

I feel like I DID meet Anna, which is an indication of how friendly and warm she was, and from our first contact. I did have the pleasure of meeting her charming daughter and son and enjoyed them almost as much...no offence...as Murphy the dog. It is a beautiful home in a wonderful location. Everything about this experience was great.

I enjoyed my time immensely and would strongly encourage other sitters to try to sit for Anna if the chance arises. I hope I am lucky to get another chance for myself. Thanks so much Anna!

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