Joyce

I am a quiet, mature woman with a writing business I run from a laptop. So I'd be spending a lot of time working from your home. Your pet would have a constant companion who's not out partying.

I'm also reasonably athletic. I enjoy taking long walks with dogs, playing with them on the beach, roughousing with them at home.

I'm fanatically fond of animals -- dogs, cats, llamas, birds, hippos if they're tame and friendly -- in other words, just about any four-footed creature. Even lizards. My heart melts at their innocence.

As an avid gardener I possess a sensitivity to plants. I feel compelled to keep them "happy" with lots of TLC, revealing their highest aesthetic possibilities. Your garden will thrive as never before.

Since I'm well past the partying stage of life, I won't be bringing strangers into your home. If it's a long stay, I might invite a friend from back home to break up the alone time. But you don't need to worry about wild parties taking place while you are away.

My Malti-Poo Fred can either come with me or not, depending on your preference. He is a sweetheart and gets along with everyone. He defers to other dogs (even tiny ones). He's a lover, not a fighter. If your dog(s) have had bad experiences with other dogs in the past, Fred can cure them. (Cats, on the other hand, justifiably refuse to share their space. We totally get that.)

I doubt you could find a more reliable placeholder for your home and pets during your vacation. I hope to hear from you.

Joyce