We are looking for a mature, reliable sitter (or couple) who loves animals to take care of our cats and tropical fish and to care for our home and plants. Being comfortable around cats and with plants is a must. We live in a rural environment near Santa Fe so comfort with rural living is required. Our home is fairly self sustaining but we need someone who is comfortable dealing with the issues of home maintenance, pets and gardening.
Charlotte (kitty) is mature (20+ years old), loving and would appreciate lots of reciprocal love and pets in the morning and evening. The middle-kitten (Nikki) is around 2 years, also loving and a bit insecure. The new kitty (Chicha) is a year old, the most laid back kitten we have ever had. All the kitties mostly tolerate each other and are learning to be buddies. Obviously the feeding and cleaning chores for cats (boxes) is important every day.
The fish need feeding each day and potentially some minor tank maintenance.
We do have plants indoors and out that will need minimal work (fill the ponds and occasional watering if there is no moisture). The indoor plants need once a week watering and potentially some bug maintenance. There are a few new plants that will need monitoring, although all are on an automatic drip system.
The outside birds will be happy if you provide them some seed daily and will reward you with views of them eating and enjoying the yard.
New Mexico is glorious all year. We live on 10 acres in pinon/juniper hills with views of 3 mountain ranges from inside the house. Our home is 15 miles south of Santa Fe with easy access to Santa Fe and Albuquerque. You can hike from our house into the hills, or hike into 10,000 foot mountains within 30 minutes. Santa Fe and Albuquerque are full of galleries and museums and several Indian pueblos are in close proximity as are historic ruins. There are also many visual and music opportunities around Santa Fe and Albuquerque.
Our house is a great base for exploring northern New Mexico.
Our home has 4000 feet of living space, a large atrium with plants, a stream and pond, 3 patios and a complete exercise room. We have “reasonable” internet access (2Mb/s), no land line so you need to rely on your cell (Verizon has the best coverage) and skype. Space can be made to park your car in the garage (you need your own vehicle). We have a cleaning guy who comes every other week and will continue to do so while you are here.
We are looking for non-smokers, light alcohol use only and no other extracurricular drugs. If you are not comfortable with cats, plants and solitude, this is not right for you. Also, no sitter pets please, the cats will not tolerate them. Our house is not kid proof, nor can it be made so, thus children are likely not a good fit.
No guests are allowed in the house without our prior approval.
There is a half mile of dirt road to reach our house. It is not unheard of that the road can be muddy if we are lucky enough to get a good rain, or impassible for a day or two if we get a good dump of snow. Yes, we do get snow.
We are not expecting to pay for a sitter. You will have full use of our home, internet and all utilities are paid by us.
If you are looking for a quiet place to move your personal project forward, or a base to day-trip in northern New Mexico, this may be your spot! |
