57 Year-Old Traveling the World

John

41 reviews

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John

London, United Kingdom

41 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 (41)

Gwen - Cambridge, United Kingdom

25 August - 09 September 2018

John was absolutely great and we would be delighted if at some point he might be able to sit for us again. We were immensely grateful for the care he took with communication and planning, and for his ability to re-plan with good humour when circumstances on both sides changed. His vast experi... + More

John was absolutely great and we would be delighted if at some point he might be able to sit for us again. We were immensely grateful for the care he took with communication and planning, and for his ability to re-plan with good humour when circumstances on both sides changed. His vast experience of house-sitting and with dogs was apparent and made us totally relaxed and comfortable leaving our home and our dog with him- Cora clearly had a great time. We really enjoyed meeting John - we had a cool time with him.

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Response from John

I had a great stay and Cora is an extra-special dog. And her human parents are lovely people. I was very lucky to have had this time with all of them. I really hope I get back to see them again before too long. Thanks so much for a fantastic time!

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Kristian - Guildford, United Kingdom

25 August - 26 August 2018

What a lovely chilled out chap John was, his immediate affection towards our dogs was very heart warming and they clearly loved him from the off!
John was a great communicator before the sit and we found him easy to correspond with . John kept all the pets very happy and even our fussy cat would... + More

What a lovely chilled out chap John was, his immediate affection towards our dogs was very heart warming and they clearly loved him from the off!
John was a great communicator before the sit and we found him easy to correspond with . John kept all the pets very happy and even our fussy cat would come running when they heard him speak, We liked John so much we want him back again as friend so we can carry on hanging out with him , he’s such an interesting guy and really nice .
Thanks John for all you did and please stay in touch as we want to know how you get on in the future and hope our paths cross again soon.

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Response from John

Kris and Emily were very warm and so kind. Add in a welcoming home and lovable pets and it added up to a wonderful stay. I enjoyed the whole experience immensely. Although it was the shortest sit I've done, I know the fond memories will stay with me for a very long time. I am already looking forward to getting back to see all of them, whether for a sit or just for a visit and another beautiful walk on the common, through the woods.

To other prospective sitters, you simply won't meet nicer, more engaging people. The home and location are great. The dogs are fantastic and easy, as are the beautiful cat and adorable turtle. Simply, and wonderfully, a memorable stay. Thank you Kris and Emily!

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Renay - Purley, United Kingdom

10 August - 17 August 2018

John....what a lovely man! We found John to be very easy going and felt confident leaving our home, two cats and fish in his care. He kept us informed while we were away and we would have no hesitation in recommending John or have him sit for us again.
Thank You John and hope you keep in touch. + More

John....what a lovely man! We found John to be very easy going and felt confident leaving our home, two cats and fish in his care. He kept us informed while we were away and we would have no hesitation in recommending John or have him sit for us again.
Thank You John and hope you keep in touch.

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Response from John

I'm delighted that Renay and Mark felt confident entrusting their lovely home, charming cats and fun fish to me. That's my goal: to eliminate worry for hosts, and what charming hosts they are! They were engaging, flexible, generous and kind from our first communication.

I enjoyed meeting them and hope to see them again. I had a wonderful stay and I'm thrilled that they were pleased with experience. Thanks so much Renay and Mark.

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