Bruce
Tex-Brit Living In London, Ready to Lavish Attention On Your Pet & Take Great Care Of Your Home!
About Bruce
I am a Texan living in London who has worked, and lived in West London for the past 11 years as a Child & Adolescent Therapist/Social Worker working for a Local Authority. I retired on the 30 March 2018 then spent a month in Sri Lanka volunteering for a charity called The Tea Project working with young people. Now I plan on travelling, improv...
I am a Texan living in London who has worked, and lived in West London for the past 11 years as a Child & Adolescent Therapist/Social Worker working for a Local Authority. I retired on the 30 March 2018 then spent a month in Sri Lanka volunteering for a charity called The Tea Project working with young people. Now I plan on travelling, improving my photo skills, hiking and backpacking and of course house and pet sitting in hopefully different parts of the World! I am not only American but also have my British Citizenship since February 2018.
Before becoming a Social Worker in 1993 I had been in the music business (ask me my Elvis & Bette Midler story), was a restaurant manager, drove a taxi and I even sold peanuts. I like to stay active and I have hiked many of England's National Trails. I take advantage of the opportunities in London with the museums, art galleries and music venues. I was a home owner and raised two daughters in Ft Worth Texas who I am extremely proud of!
Living in London has been an absolute brilliant experience with the richness of culture diversity, the music and theater opportunities, museums and the opportunity to travel. I'm at a time in my life where I have the freedom to travel, explore, and be of service. I enjoy travel to explore new places and I enjoy both urban and rural areas. My passions are music, travel, hiking, camping, backpacking, sports and photography but the real joy of life for me has been the opportunity to experience the richness of culture and life since moving to London.
I understand the value of caring for a home, and I'm considerate of another people's property. I will treat your pet with love and patience and your property with the respect for you and your privacy.
I am a non-smoker, enjoy the outdoors and staying active, so your home, pets and plants are in good hands!
Prior to house sitting your home I would be happy to phone or Skype and of course you will be able to contact me via phone or email at any time and I will send you updates about your pet's well-being.
Why I want to house sit
When I was 15 I had my mother take me out to Interstate 20 outside Fort Worth Texas, so I could hitchhike to different parts of the country to see America. She wasn’t happy with my decision, but she knew I was going to go, one way or the other. Each summer during high school I hitchhiked to different parts of America, backpacking and camping, working along the way when possible. In the 70's I was in the music business which gave me an opportunity to see more of America, Canada and Great Britain while touring. I enjoyed life on the road as I did hitchhiking as a teenager!
I haven’t changed now that I am retired and being single allows the flexibility for me to travel and additionally I can usually travel on short notice. Travelling throughout the world is my goal!
I am still that 15-year-old boy, wanderlust, and seeking experiences. I always knew when I retired I would start travelling again. Exploring new areas, discovering local communities and other countries and fully embracing the opportunity to get out in this world & travel is a gift that I want to continue. House sitting is the perfect opportunity for me to experience different cultures & people while exploring the world. I don't travel primarily to see iconic sights but to experience real life in new places.
House sitting in new locations was suggested to me by a friend and it seemed as a great way to travel and be of service. I have had numerous sits and have found the best part of sitting is the people and animals you meet, it really is a blessing!
Living in London has been the only time I have not had pets except for caring for friend’s pets when they go on holiday and the house and pet sitting I have gotten the opportunity to do thru this site. I miss having pets, but I also enjoy travelling and exploring the world. To be able to combine my travels with house and pet sitting is perfect and helps us both at the same time!
My experience
Until I moved to London I was surrounded by assorted animals, I worked with horses, always had multiple dogs in our home, usually rescued from the streets. We, as a family, also had a Yellow-Naped Amazon Parrot, Cockatiel's, a rescued Macaw, a large fish tank with multiple fish that needed to be checked for water levels, temperature and to feed daily. Of course the rulers of the house, the cats were members of our family and they were rescued, like our dogs, off the streets! In London I have taken care of my friend's cats while they went on holidays and have completed numerous house sits since retiring in March 2018 that has included cats, dogs, cockatiels, horses and two characterful tortoises! Additionally I have experience in dispensing medications to animals when prescribed and at your direction.
I owned homes in Texas & New Mexico and understand the value of your own property being properly maintained!
I'm enjoy hiking and being outside and I will be delighted to give your pets the attention they need, play with them, feed them and give them the affection they are missing when your gone.
I have experience with a variety of pets and I will treat your pet as if they are mine, I understand the worry of going away and leaving your pets behind, you want to ensure that you can go away for a few weeks without causing them any distress. I understand the importance of routine and will adhere to the routine you set out.
By far the most important quality I bring to a house-sit is the respect and the desire to do a good job. I bring maturity and reliability, a sense of urgency, attention to detail and will pay particular attention to your wishes regarding your home, and pets, to provide the best possible care and continuity.
Reviews (8)
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Susan - Saint-Cyr-du-Bailleul, France
08 November - 18 November 2018
Bruce is a lovely guy very caring towards the animals! My Horse Donkey and kitty were very happy and very well looked after. We returned to happy Animals and a lovely tidy house thank you Bruce. You will always be welcome back anytime. We are very grateful of your hard work ( as it is especially ...
Bruce is a lovely guy very caring towards the animals! My Horse Donkey and kitty were very happy and very well looked after. We returned to happy Animals and a lovely tidy house thank you Bruce. You will always be welcome back anytime. We are very grateful of your hard work ( as it is especially in winter months.
- 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 Bruce
I can't say thanks enough for allowing me to take care of Tosca, Dickie and Ms Personality, Mitten the Cat and to allow me to stay in your home. Your home and the nearby villages and countryside is a wonderful place to be and relax! Everything was so organized and I enjoyed meeting both of you before the sit so I could ask questions. Your cheerful and outgoing personalities, sense of humor continue to be the highlights of pet and house sitting that I have experienced along this journey.
Thanks for the opportunities to sit with these lovely pet friends and for the clear details in the welcome package and your other instructions and from speaking to you. Y'all are wonderful people and I appreciate your open and warm welcome into your home and the opportunity to take care of the posse. I feel like I should pay you for all the entertainment Mitten gave me in the evenings, LOL!
Your home in France is in a great location, it was peaceful and driving around the French countryside was so picturesque. There are so many terrific things to see in the nearby villages, town and cities. Thanks again, hope to see y'all in the future! -
Kurt - Lissardagh, Ireland
06 October - 16 October 2018
Cathy and I cannot say enough about Bruce; he was a wonderful pet sitter and an extremely caring individual. Never in our wildest imagination would we call upon him to take care of our cat, Shelby, in her greatest time of need. While we were on holiday in Croatia, Shelby collapsed on the floor af...
Cathy and I cannot say enough about Bruce; he was a wonderful pet sitter and an extremely caring individual. Never in our wildest imagination would we call upon him to take care of our cat, Shelby, in her greatest time of need. While we were on holiday in Croatia, Shelby collapsed on the floor after developing a blood clot that traveled to her spine and paralyzed her back legs; she could not walk or stand on her own. After immediately calling us, Bruce rushed Shelby to our vet but nothing could be done—the condition was rare and she was in excruciating pain. We tried but couldn’t get a flight home fast enough, so while we were making one of the toughest decisions an animal owner had to make, Bruce stayed with her and tried to comfort her. The decision was made to euthanize Shelby and Bruce insisted on staying with her, in our place, right to the very end. He also went the extra mile by cleaning up litter pans and picking up food dishes and cat toys so it wasn’t such a shock to us when we returned home.
His care and compassion for animals was clearly evident in how he responded to Shelby’s immediate needs. She had kidney disease for many years and we kept it in check by ensuring she drank lots of fresh, running water from the bathtub tap. Bruce understood the importance and made certain she had access to the water, even waking in the middle of the night.
If Shelby was to have a guardian angel than Bruce was definitely hers and we are forever in his debt.- 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 Bruce
Thanks y'all . . . I know that when the sit was arranged you, nor myself, every thought we would have to have a narrative such as this . . . what a terrific friend you had in Shelby. I remember so many years ago I had a lively discussion with another individual about animals and more importantly our pets meeting us when we passed over. I was adamant then that our pets will be there and I have no doubt that Shelby will be there waiting for you, young, mischievous, full of life and overjoyed to see each of you.
You know I watched her a couple of times sitting on the window ledge, staring out looking at that beautiful picturesque Irish countryside at you home and I thought to myself here is a young lady that is remembering all the things she had to be grateful for in her long life!
It was such a pleasure meeting y'all and before the sit the detailed instructions about your home and Shelby it was much appreciated. Your home and the location was brilliant and my only prayer would be obvious but the young lass had a good life with each of you as I am sure you had a good life with her in your life . . . thanks and God Bless You! -
Claire - Aston Rowant, United Kingdom
17 October - 22 October 2018
Bruce was really superb in looking after our cat.
Very organised and thoughtful.
Couldn't recommend him enough.
Thanks Bruce!Bruce was really superb in looking after our cat.
Very organised and thoughtful.
Couldn't recommend him enough.
Thanks Bruce!- 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 Bruce
Thank you for allowing me to come to sit in your home and to sit with Basil. What a GREAT home & such a lovely young man in Basil! Thank you for the great review. Basil is such a lovely cat and the village and countryside is a wonderful place to be and relax!
About Bruce
I am a Texan living in London who has worked, and lived in West London for the past 11 years as a Child & Adolescent Therapist/Social Worker working for a Local Authority. I retired on the 30 March 2018 then spent a month in Sri Lanka volunteering for a charity called The Tea Project working with young people. Now I plan on travelling, improving my photo skills, hiking and backpacking and of course house and pet sitting in hopefully different parts of the World! I am not only American but also have my British Citizenship since February 2018.
Before becoming a Social Worker in 1993 I had been in the music business (ask me my Elvis & Bette Midler story), was a restaurant manager, drove a taxi and I even sold peanuts. I like to stay active and I have hiked many of England's National Trails. I take advantage of the opportunities in London with the museums, art galleries and music ven......
I am a Texan living in London who has worked, and lived in West London for the past 11 years as a Child & Adolescent Therapist/Social Worker working for a Local Authority. I retired on the 30 March 2018 then spent a month in Sri Lanka volunteering for a charity called The Tea Project working with young people. Now I plan on travelling, improving my photo skills, hiking and backpacking and of course house and pet sitting in hopefully different parts of the World! I am not only American but also have my British Citizenship since February 2018.
Before becoming a Social Worker in 1993 I had been in the music business (ask me my Elvis & Bette Midler story), was a restaurant manager, drove a taxi and I even sold peanuts. I like to stay active and I have hiked many of England's National Trails. I take advantage of the opportunities in London with the museums, art galleries and music venues. I was a home owner and raised two daughters in Ft Worth Texas who I am extremely proud of!
Living in London has been an absolute brilliant experience with the richness of culture diversity, the music and theater opportunities, museums and the opportunity to travel. I'm at a time in my life where I have the freedom to travel, explore, and be of service. I enjoy travel to explore new places and I enjoy both urban and rural areas. My passions are music, travel, hiking, camping, backpacking, sports and photography but the real joy of life for me has been the opportunity to experience the richness of culture and life since moving to London.
I understand the value of caring for a home, and I'm considerate of another people's property. I will treat your pet with love and patience and your property with the respect for you and your privacy.
I am a non-smoker, enjoy the outdoors and staying active, so your home, pets and plants are in good hands!
Prior to house sitting your home I would be happy to phone or Skype and of course you will be able to contact me via phone or email at any time and I will send you updates about your pet's well-being.
Why I want to house sit
When I was 15 I had my mother take me out to Interstate 20 outside Fort Worth Texas, so I could hitchhike to different parts of the country to see America. She wasn’t happy with my decision, but she knew I was going to go, one way or the other. Each summer during high school I hitchhiked to different parts of America, backpacking and camping, working along the way when possible. In the 70's I was in the music business which gave me an opportunity to see more of America, Canada and Great Britain while touring. I enjoyed life on the road as I did hitchhiking as a teenager!
I haven’t changed now that I am retired and being single allows the flexibility for me to travel and additionally I can usually travel on short notice. Travelling throughout the world is my goal!
I am still that 15-year-old boy, wanderlust, and seeking experiences. I always knew when I retired I would start travelling again. Exploring new areas, discovering local communities and other countries and fully embracing the opportunity to get out in this world & travel is a gift that I want to continue. House sitting is the perfect opportunity for me to experience different cultures & people while exploring the world. I don't travel primarily to see iconic sights but to experience real life in new places.
House sitting in new locations was suggested to me by a friend and it seemed as a great way to travel and be of service. I have had numerous sits and have found the best part of sitting is the people and animals you meet, it really is a blessing!
Living in London has been the only time I have not had pets except for caring for friend’s pets when they go on holiday and the house and pet sitting I have gotten the opportunity to do thru this site. I miss having pets, but I also enjoy travelling and exploring the world. To be able to combine my travels with house and pet sitting is perfect and helps us both at the same time!
My experience
Until I moved to London I was surrounded by assorted animals, I worked with horses, always had multiple dogs in our home, usually rescued from the streets. We, as a family, also had a Yellow-Naped Amazon Parrot, Cockatiel's, a rescued Macaw, a large fish tank with multiple fish that needed to be checked for water levels, temperature and to feed daily. Of course the rulers of the house, the cats were members of our family and they were rescued, like our dogs, off the streets! In London I have taken care of my friend's cats while they went on holidays and have completed numerous house sits since retiring in March 2018 that has included cats, dogs, cockatiels, horses and two characterful tortoises! Additionally I have experience in dispensing medications to animals when prescribed and at your direction.
I owned homes in Texas & New Mexico and understand the value of your own property being properly maintained!
I'm enjoy hiking and being outside and I will be delighted to give your pets the attention they need, play with them, feed them and give them the affection they are missing when your gone.
I have experience with a variety of pets and I will treat your pet as if they are mine, I understand the worry of going away and leaving your pets behind, you want to ensure that you can go away for a few weeks without causing them any distress. I understand the importance of routine and will adhere to the routine you set out.
By far the most important quality I bring to a house-sit is the respect and the desire to do a good job. I bring maturity and reliability, a sense of urgency, attention to detail and will pay particular attention to your wishes regarding your home, and pets, to provide the best possible care and continuity.
Verifications
Verification level
Enhanced level
Email Address, Phone Number, External references (3), Identity & Document Check, Criminal Background Check (issue date: 5 Jan 2018)
All Standard and Enhanced Verification checks are carried out by a specialist 3rd Party
Animal Care Experience
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Dogs
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Cats
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Horses
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Fish
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Poultry
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Farm animals
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Bird
Availability
Preferred Countries
Profile Details
Age
Occupation
Travelling as a
Previous house sitting experience
Member benefits
Member since
House & pet sitting timeline
Bruce has done 10 house sits since 2017
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Saint-Cyr-du-BailleulFranceNov 2018 -
BarcelonaSpainOct - Nov 2018 -
Aston RowantUnited KingdomOct 2018
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LissardaghIrelandOct 2018 -
WeymouthUnited KingdomSep 2018 -
DublinIrelandAug 2018 -
SłupskPolandJul 2018 -
LondonUnited KingdomJun 2018 -
HoveUnited KingdomMay 2018 -
LondonUnited KingdomDec 2017 - Jan 2018
