Response rating:
Preferred locations
Canberra, Sydney, Central Coast, Hunter Valley, North Coast, South Coast, Rural/Regional NSW, Brisbane, South Eastern, Central Coast (Qld), Adelaide, Mid North, South, Spencer Gulf, Hobart, Launceston, Burnie, Devonport, Rural/Regional Tas, VIC, Perth, Esperance
Additional Info
References available, Police check available, Non smoker, Experience with Domestic Animals, Experience with Farm Animals
About
My name is Norma and I am a fit and healthy mature age lady from Victoria, mother of 2 grown children and grandmother to 3 little girls.
I grew up in the suburbs of Melbourne as a child but lived on 2 acres in the country as an adult. I am very happy with my own company and space
around me and the peace and quiet. Isolation does not bother me.
I owned my first dog, a border collie/kelpie cross at 14 years of age and my brother brought home a cat from school about the same time; they both lived to a great age as our pets. Next came a german shepherd I trained to win obedience trials and then with children came a menagerie of animals - an abused german shepherd from a shelter, a keeshound who was a challenge with great rewards, a cat which adopted us, birds, fish and guinea pigs. All have gone now.
When I was in my 20's I travelled the world for 4 years which was the making of me I believe as a young person. After many years and a different life of being an empty nester and with changing circumstances, I again began to travel. I love experiencing new places and meeting new people and I have found housesitting a wonderful way to do this. I have met some lovely people and cared for some adorable animals, some of which I would have happily adopted.
I can only see it as a win win for both myself and home owners but I also understand how difficult it is for pet owners to leave their animals in the care of a stranger. I can only say that I treat the house and pets as I would my own and take the best care I can of both. I have included references, both character and housesitting.
I joined a world wide housesitting site 18 months ago and have been busy for most of that time, mostly suburban sits in Victoria and Western Australia (where my daughter lives) with domestic animals but also have sat a 30 acre horse property and a 12 acre hobby farm with miniature horses, sheep and chooks. I have recently joined this site as, at this point in time, I am unlikely to travel overseas and being an Australian site, I feel it gives more options to see my own country. I am looking forward to exploring more country areas of Victoria and also interstate in the future as a sitter.
My hobbies are gardening, reading, singing, walking and travel. On longer sits I try to become part of the local community by pursuing those interests.
I have a police clearance because of employment with children and volunteering with the elderly. I have worked in childcare, vineyards and hospitality.
Key achievements:
10 years as a cub leader
Care of children in my home
Volunteer driver for elderly
Worked in orphanage in Thailand
Taught English in Greece and Africa
Book-keeper for husband's business.