Eileen the House Sitter

Near Grahamstown, East Cape, South Africa

 

Eileen cuddling a little dog

I'm a pet-granny who enjoys looking after pets. I was the owner of Pets Place Boarding Kennels, Salem, for 18 years, where I met the most delightful pets who taught me all I know about pets - dogs, cats, birds, and more. I'm humbled by what animals can teach us. I'm still learning.

I also enjoy gardening, and will happily water the garden (restrictions permitting) and look after your house and pot plants. House-sitting means that I sleep in the pets' house. It gives pets a sense of security if they see a house-sitter there every day. They are welcome to sleep in the same bed with me, if the owner wishes. I supply my own food. (always hoping there will be a wee bit space in the freezer)

House-sitter qualifications: Honest, dependable, retired, non-smoker, non-drinker, easy-going, quiet person, no encumbrances.

References available. I'm happy to come for an interview before we commit ourselves to the house sitting. I'd love to meet your pets and to find out all your requirements. No obligation.

Main areas served: Grahamstown and Salem.

Current rate is R200 per night. A deposit is required at peak times like Christmas, Easter, and long weekends.

Besides dogs and cats, I've also looked after rabbits, parrots, rats, poultry, birds, and more.

Enquiries welcome. Call or Whatsapp Eileen Gibb76 123 1677. email  Perhaps we could set up a time for a telephone conversation, or a video call, so we can ask questions. Then, if you think I'd be able to look after the pets, I could come to your house for an interview.

 

Sitting on the bed, making friends with a cat

Cats are sometimes shy, but with patience & a little TLC, we become friends.

 

Eileen with two dogs

Some of my best friends are pets!

 

This rabbit sleeps in the house but he likes to run around the garden.

 

About the pets

Before you go away, make sure your pets' inoculations, incuding rabies, are up to date. Check if tick and flea control, and deworming is also be up to date and is not going to wear off while you are gone. If it's due while you are away, leave the meds and I'll apply them. All meds should be clearly marked with the pet's name and dosage.

Leave enough pet food and a little extra in case you are delayed. I don't believe in feeding pets with human food, but if your dog requires it, you can cook the dogs' favourite food before you go, and freeze it in small packets for each day. I only bring food for myself. Some human food is bad for dogs and may upset your pets stomach, so I'd rather just give the pets pet food or food that their owner supplied.

Eileen holding a cat

 

Helpful info

Put all instructions in writing, eg how often the pets are fed, etc.

Leave the name and phone number of the vet, your next of kin, neighbours, your own contact details etc. If you write down the code for the alarm on the same sheet as your name & address, be sure to shred the paper once it is no longer needed.

Prepare for the worst, and hope for the best!

My favourite proverb is, "A good man takes care of the needs of his pets." Proverbs 12, 10. I've met lots of good people through their pets.

Hobbies

I seek and report pet scams & farming scams as a way to give back to the pet community. I bring my laptop. So uncapped wifi is essential.

I like to attend church. Would you mind if I slip out on a Sunday morning?

 

Cat watching cat program on TV

I like watching TV with the pets, but it's not essential. This cat only likes cat documentaries.

 

Cat drinking from toilet bowl

Animals still surprise me. One never knows what they will get up to!