Kathie & (bennie) diane
Kathie & (bennie) diane
Retired Teachers, Landlords, Foster Dog Mamas to winter in a warmer climate with access to day tripping.
About Kathie & (bennie) diane
We are dependable, non-smoking, retired teachers who are finally able to escape the winter chill in our Pacific Northwest corner of the US. Having traveled quite a bit over the past 25 years, it's true to say we've never found an area we'd not want to return and get to know better by actually living as a local resident. Because we travel during ...
We are dependable, non-smoking, retired teachers who are finally able to escape the winter chill in our Pacific Northwest corner of the US. Having traveled quite a bit over the past 25 years, it's true to say we've never found an area we'd not want to return and get to know better by actually living as a local resident. Because we travel during the off season, we open our home to rescue/foster dogs during the summer. We promise to love and care for your pets as if they were our own.
We consider communication to be a major component of home care, from getting acquainted, travel arrangements, and sending you updates of happenings from home if you'd like. We've had fingerprints and police checks done in the past (as teachers and Red Cross volunteers) We can supply additional references if required.
Why we want to house sit
Both natives of Washington State, near the Canadian border, we know how to make the best of cool or rainy weather, but we would love to give a warmer/drier climate a try ;-) Our travel was always limited to school holidays, so it will be great to visit off season, with time to explore and enjoy your part of the world. We are hoping to secure at least a two week assignment, to make our flight expenses worthwhile.
While home for the summer, we often reminisce on our winter months on the Mexican coast, in Portugal, and Australia. House and pet sitting is a perfect, affordable combination for avid travelers and animal lovers.
Our experience
Having owned and managed several rental houses during our teaching years, we learned quite a few care and cleaning tips - at the same time recognizing if a problem arises which might be beyond our scope, requiring professional assistance. For a couple of years, we offered a guest room to travelers through AirBnB and really enjoyed getting to host such a variety of travelers. As a lifelong profession, teaching has required us to plan and organize time and materials, providing experience in reliability and attention to details - both important for home management.
We have also been so very lucky to have fostered 60 + rescue dogs, in all shapes and sizes, ranging from one week to 4 months at a time. Each one arrived with their own personalities and needs, then moved on to new families. What a joy to get to know your pets who are already secure in their very own homes! We will maintain your schedule, and follow instructions for your pet's comfort and safety -- and for your peace of mind!
REFERENCES POSTED BELOW- SCROLL DOWN
Our hobbies and skills range from gardening and forest management (we lived on a tree farm) to do-it-yourself home maintenance and technology projects. We tend to stay at home in the evenings, reading and playing with the current animal resident. 30 years of experience in property management, teaching responsibilities, foreign travel and pet care are our qualifications. Let us look after the well being of your home and pets while you travel worry free.
REFERENCES: October 5, 2014
To whom it may concern:
Kathie Hagwell and Diane Garmo are both responsible, mature, kindly and reasonable people. I have always been impressed with their integrity. My husband and I have been guests at their BnB on numerous occasions over several years. They keep a very tidy house and grounds, and treat the foster dogs in their home with much kindness, but I never see a dog left in a position to do property damage. They are respected in their community and by their friends and neighbors. They are very well traveled and seem quite adaptable to different cultures.
I think anyone who had them as house sitters or pet caretakers would be lucky indeed.
Please feel free to contact me if you have questions about them.
Sincerely,
Sara Tuck
CINDY ENGER
Evanston, Illinois
Kathie and Diane took care of my sweet pup, Homer, while I was away. While caring for Homer, they stayed in my home. Not only were they attentive and loving towards my dog, they also took amazingly great care of my home. That is an understatement -- my house was cleaner upon my return than when I left! And Homer was happy as can be. I recommend Kathie and Diane highly. They are truly a great team.
KATIE HERRELL
Monterey, California
Better than I could have ever imagined
When I began thinking about getting a pet sitter for my senior pup I was nervous to say the least. I put up my ad and got a handful of responses quickly. Both my boyfriend and I looked over the applications separately and agreed that Kathie and Diane were at the top of both of our lists. After a Skype session with them in Mexico it was a done deal. They arrived a few days before we left both for their convenience but also for my peace of mind and to make it an easier transition for the dog. Getting to know them was amazing. I was able to show them around a bit, did a quick run to the vet so they knew where to go and give them a brief lay of the land. When it came time to leave I was in tears. In 13.5 years I've never left my dog with anyone other than my parents or my boyfriend and it hit me that I was leaving my baby with people I just met. They sent us what we referred to as "pupdates" which we both looked forward to and it really put us both at ease. I knew from the photos she was happy, well taken care of and I was worried for nothing. They kept my baby on her routine (frankly better than I do), were kind, clean, organized and took absolutely great care of both the dog and the house in the face of the wettest winter California has seen in over a decade. When we came home Natalee turned to Kathie and Diane to go outside. I've never seen her become so attached to anyone so quickly that it blew me away and warmed my heart. She had formed such an incredible bond that for two days after they left she would go into the room looking for them. Her new friends were gone but not forgotten. Words can't ever adequately explain what an incredibly positive experience I had with Kathie and Diane. Their kindness and caring for my dog and my home, their warm hearts and sweet spirits and the great conversations we shared made it a truly unforgettable experience. I wouldn't hesitate to have them watch Nat again and can't ever recommend them highly enough. I regularly tout my fabulous experience of their stay and care of my fur baby to our travel group of over 400k when others are looking for someone to watch their pets. I would love to have them watch Nat again (as I'm sure she would as well) or just come for a visit. You are both incredible people and I can't thank you enough for taking such good care of little Nat. I will never forget your kindness and I hope that you will come visit us again. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. With love from Katie, Sean and Natalee
Reviews (6)
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Maureen - Ajijic, Mexico
19 December - 28 December 2017
Kathie and Dianne stayed with us for 10 days then again a few days later for another 4 days while we went to Puerto Vallarta for New Years. They were very flexible and wonderful with the dogs. We have 4 dogs and a foster puppy. We feed 3 times a day and two dogs have medications but they were nev...
Kathie and Dianne stayed with us for 10 days then again a few days later for another 4 days while we went to Puerto Vallarta for New Years. They were very flexible and wonderful with the dogs. We have 4 dogs and a foster puppy. We feed 3 times a day and two dogs have medications but they were never overwhelmed and created a schedule. Most of their days they spent hanging out with our dogs, walking and training. They were wonderful sitters, our dogs loved them, I would highly recommend them. They are even taking 4 dogs from a local shelter, back to Bellingham for adoption. Great people and dog sitters.
- 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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Nicole - San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
03 December - 08 December 2017
Kathie and Diane were great Housesitters! Our dogs loved them from the get go and we felt great about leaving them in their care during our 4 night trip. They stayed with us a couple nights after we returned and our pups kept disappearing upstairs to spend time with them instead of us. They took ...
Kathie and Diane were great Housesitters! Our dogs loved them from the get go and we felt great about leaving them in their care during our 4 night trip. They stayed with us a couple nights after we returned and our pups kept disappearing upstairs to spend time with them instead of us. They took great care of our home and our pups. I highly recommend them!
- Organised
-
- Reliable
-
- Self-sufficient
-
- Tidy
-
- Pet care
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Joe - Chapala, Mexico
19 December - 27 December 2016
if you want to go away and not worry about your animals, these two are the BEST in the west. reliable, caring, very professional. we would have these two in a heartbeat!!!
if you want to go away and not worry about your animals, these two are the BEST in the west. reliable, caring, very professional. we would have these two in a heartbeat!!!
- Organised
-
- Reliable
-
- Self-sufficient
-
- Tidy
-
- Pet care
-
About Kathie & (bennie) diane
We are dependable, non-smoking, retired teachers who are finally able to escape the winter chill in our Pacific Northwest corner of the US. Having traveled quite a bit over the past 25 years, it's true to say we've never found an area we'd not want to return and get to know better by actually living as a local resident. Because we travel during the off season, we open our home to rescue/foster dogs during the summer. We promise to love and care for your pets as if they were our own.
We consider communication to be a major component of home care, from getting acquainted, travel arrangements, and sending you updates of happenings from home if you'd like. We've had fingerprints and police checks done in the past (as teachers and Red Cross volunteers) We can supply additional references if required.
We are dependable, non-smoking, retired teachers who are finally able to escape the winter chill in our Pacific Northwest corner of the US. Having traveled quite a bit over the past 25 years, it's true to say we've never found an area we'd not want to return and get to know better by actually living as a local resident. Because we travel during the off season, we open our home to rescue/foster dogs during the summer. We promise to love and care for your pets as if they were our own.
We consider communication to be a major component of home care, from getting acquainted, travel arrangements, and sending you updates of happenings from home if you'd like. We've had fingerprints and police checks done in the past (as teachers and Red Cross volunteers) We can supply additional references if required.
Why we want to house sit
Both natives of Washington State, near the Canadian border, we know how to make the best of cool or rainy weather, but we would love to give a warmer/drier climate a try ;-) Our travel was always limited to school holidays, so it will be great to visit off season, with time to explore and enjoy your part of the world. We are hoping to secure at least a two week assignment, to make our flight expenses worthwhile.
While home for the summer, we often reminisce on our winter months on the Mexican coast, in Portugal, and Australia. House and pet sitting is a perfect, affordable combination for avid travelers and animal lovers.
Our experience
Having owned and managed several rental houses during our teaching years, we learned quite a few care and cleaning tips - at the same time recognizing if a problem arises which might be beyond our scope, requiring professional assistance. For a couple of years, we offered a guest room to travelers through AirBnB and really enjoyed getting to host such a variety of travelers. As a lifelong profession, teaching has required us to plan and organize time and materials, providing experience in reliability and attention to details - both important for home management.
We have also been so very lucky to have fostered 60 + rescue dogs, in all shapes and sizes, ranging from one week to 4 months at a time. Each one arrived with their own personalities and needs, then moved on to new families. What a joy to get to know your pets who are already secure in their very own homes! We will maintain your schedule, and follow instructions for your pet's comfort and safety -- and for your peace of mind!
REFERENCES POSTED BELOW- SCROLL DOWN
Our hobbies and skills range from gardening and forest management (we lived on a tree farm) to do-it-yourself home maintenance and technology projects. We tend to stay at home in the evenings, reading and playing with the current animal resident. 30 years of experience in property management, teaching responsibilities, foreign travel and pet care are our qualifications. Let us look after the well being of your home and pets while you travel worry free.
REFERENCES: October 5, 2014
To whom it may concern:
Kathie Hagwell and Diane Garmo are both responsible, mature, kindly and reasonable people. I have always been impressed with their integrity. My husband and I have been guests at their BnB on numerous occasions over several years. They keep a very tidy house and grounds, and treat the foster dogs in their home with much kindness, but I never see a dog left in a position to do property damage. They are respected in their community and by their friends and neighbors. They are very well traveled and seem quite adaptable to different cultures.
I think anyone who had them as house sitters or pet caretakers would be lucky indeed.
Please feel free to contact me if you have questions about them.
Sincerely,
Sara Tuck
CINDY ENGER
Evanston, Illinois
Kathie and Diane took care of my sweet pup, Homer, while I was away. While caring for Homer, they stayed in my home. Not only were they attentive and loving towards my dog, they also took amazingly great care of my home. That is an understatement -- my house was cleaner upon my return than when I left! And Homer was happy as can be. I recommend Kathie and Diane highly. They are truly a great team.
KATIE HERRELL
Monterey, California
Better than I could have ever imagined
When I began thinking about getting a pet sitter for my senior pup I was nervous to say the least. I put up my ad and got a handful of responses quickly. Both my boyfriend and I looked over the applications separately and agreed that Kathie and Diane were at the top of both of our lists. After a Skype session with them in Mexico it was a done deal. They arrived a few days before we left both for their convenience but also for my peace of mind and to make it an easier transition for the dog. Getting to know them was amazing. I was able to show them around a bit, did a quick run to the vet so they knew where to go and give them a brief lay of the land. When it came time to leave I was in tears. In 13.5 years I've never left my dog with anyone other than my parents or my boyfriend and it hit me that I was leaving my baby with people I just met. They sent us what we referred to as "pupdates" which we both looked forward to and it really put us both at ease. I knew from the photos she was happy, well taken care of and I was worried for nothing. They kept my baby on her routine (frankly better than I do), were kind, clean, organized and took absolutely great care of both the dog and the house in the face of the wettest winter California has seen in over a decade. When we came home Natalee turned to Kathie and Diane to go outside. I've never seen her become so attached to anyone so quickly that it blew me away and warmed my heart. She had formed such an incredible bond that for two days after they left she would go into the room looking for them. Her new friends were gone but not forgotten. Words can't ever adequately explain what an incredibly positive experience I had with Kathie and Diane. Their kindness and caring for my dog and my home, their warm hearts and sweet spirits and the great conversations we shared made it a truly unforgettable experience. I wouldn't hesitate to have them watch Nat again and can't ever recommend them highly enough. I regularly tout my fabulous experience of their stay and care of my fur baby to our travel group of over 400k when others are looking for someone to watch their pets. I would love to have them watch Nat again (as I'm sure she would as well) or just come for a visit. You are both incredible people and I can't thank you enough for taking such good care of little Nat. I will never forget your kindness and I hope that you will come visit us again. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. With love from Katie, Sean and Natalee
Verifications
Verification level
Enhanced level
Email Address, Phone Number, External references (7), Identity & Document Check, Criminal Background Check (issue date: 29 May 2017)
All Standard and Enhanced Verification checks are carried out by a specialist 3rd Party
Animal Care Experience
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Dogs
-
Cats
Availability
Preferred Countries
- Germany
- Greece
- Italy
- Spain
- Argentina
- Bahamas
- Belize
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Cayman Islands
- Chile
- Colombia
- Cook Islands
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Curacao
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- French Polynesia
- Gibraltar
- Hungary
- Israel
- Kosovo
- Laos
- Macao
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Malta
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Namibia
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Sri Lanka
- Tanzania
- Uruguay
- Vatican
- Vietnam
Profile Details
Age
Occupation
Travelling as a
Previous house sitting experience
Member benefits
Member since
House & pet sitting timeline
Kathie and (bennie) diane have done 7 house sits since 2014
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AjijicMexicoDec 2017 -
San Miguel de AllendeMexicoDec 2017 -
ChapalaMexicoDec 2016 -
FaroPortugalOct - Nov 2016 -
CelayaMexicoMar 2016 -
CelayaMexicoMar 2016
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QueanbeyanAustraliaNov 2015 - Jan 2016
