Hello! We're Steve and Gretchen. Married over 30 years, we're an active, non-smoking/drug-free, retired military couple who've settled in Colorado after living six years in Virginia and seven years in Germany and Italy. So, for 20 years we've been avid hikers, campers and skiers living here in central Colorado. Our past canine and feline family members included two dogs, three rescued cats, and a red-eared terrapin.
We're also volunteering with national parks and wildlife refuges so please check our house-sitting availability calendar.
Why do we house sit?
Having many times used house/pet sitters ourselves, we know what you're seeking in competent, communicative and caring sitters - that's us! We're volunteering and traveling more as we ease into retirement so, by house sitting we combine those things with our love of pets. We understand the peace of mind that comes from knowing that someone reliable, trustworthy and caring is watching over your home and four-legged family members. And we know that pets are often just more comfortable in their own space. Meeting new people and affordable travel are two big house sitting benefits, but rest assured that our main focus is taking great care of your pets and property while you enjoy your travels.
Our experience
Please see our testimonials, references and availability schedule.
We've owned and maintained homes for over twenty years and both grew up caring for various family pets. Steve raised purebred cattle on a central Virginia farm, worked a large garden and kept rabbits, gerbils and a large freshwater aquarium. In addition to family pets, Gretchen cared for her Appaloosa horse in New Mexico so, we're both familiar with livestock, lawn and garden maintenance, home alarm systems and most other facets of property upkeep.
Steve is an accomplished home handyman with numerous successful electrical, plumbing, and flooring projects under his belt so your property is in good hands. Gretchen is a retired eye surgery nurse and, for fifteen years, led Girl Scout troops in Germany, Italy and Colorado. They both have current federal background checks. Gretchen is a licensed RN, and both have First Aid and CPR plus outstanding references from years of military service.
What we bring to the assignment
We're a very punctual and detail-oriented couple with years of property and animal care experience. Since we were both raised in military families, traveling, meeting new people and quickly adjusting to new cultures and surroundings is second nature to us. We know communication is essential so we'll provide updates as often as you wish while providing professional house care and attentive pet companionship. We understand pets need consistency so we'll maintain their schedule while getting to know them, enjoying their company and taking in some of the local sites. We're happy to hike with Rover in all kinds of weather or relax around the house with an older lapdog.
We have additional references available upon request. Thanks for reading about us, and we look forward to exceeding your house sitting expectations!
Couple
Steven and Gretchen were nothing short of amazing. Their life experience made us very comfortable to choose them for caring for our pets and home. Communication between agreeing and their arrival was continuous and comforting that we would not be left out in the cold (as has happened to us before). Once they were here, the dogs took to them right away. They helped us get to and from the airport. Between those they continually texted updates with pictures of the dogs playing, sleeping and ... MORE
