We began our house/pet sitting experience in Estes Park, CO for six months in 2014 (through a personal ad) and enjoyed the cat sitting opportunity and home location so much that we joined three House Sitting websites to seek out additional adventures. Our summer months of house and pet sitting have been great every year since!
Dean, age 68, retired from being self-employed owning a chain of hair salons (Fantastic Sams) in the tri-county area of Charleston, SC. Upon retirement, during Summers and Falls, Dean worked as a seasonal Park Ranger for the National Parks Service. (Olympic in WA, Voyageurs in MN, Rocky Mountain in CO, Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial in OH, Cape Cod in MA, Cape Lookout National Seashores in NC, and Voyagers in MN were his assignments.) During our Cape Cod stay, we house/cat sat for our landlady.
Diane, age 65, retired after 29 years of teaching elementary school in Summerville, SC. During her last two years she worked at the District level as a Language Arts Interventionist, involving classroom training for teachers. Diane had numerous caged classroom pets...hamsters, iguana, hermit crabs, tarantula, fish..., so she definitely enjoys animals! Upon retirement she volunteered at Perry's Victory International Peace Memorial in OH and followed Dean to the National Parks for site-seeing. In SC she volunteered at Lauren's SC Public Library and filed paperwork at a Greenwood, SC hospice center. Diane has cared for our daughter's dogs and two cats!
We sold our lake-front home in Waterloo, SC in June 2016 to care for Dean's 90 year old mother in Mesa, AZ home. She passed January 2018 which enables us to travel freely, especially during the five summer months of AZ's intense heat!
Traveling, biking, hiking, kayaking, tennis, Pickleball, fishing, reading are a few of our enjoyments. We especially are interested in learning about communities in the U.S. and abroad through extended stays. We are caring, kind, courteous, conscientious, adventurous, and a non-smoking couple.
We know your home is special and your pet(s) is(are) family. We offer our loving care towards your home and family needs as we explore your community.
In addition to owner's endorsements from this site, a few references are listed below. Contact us for specific details about our references.
Thanks for your consideration. Dean & Diane
Terri & Steve, Homeowners, Luxury House Sitting
Barbara & Larry, Homeowners, Luxury House Sitting
Steve & Vicki, Professional National Park Volunteers
Chuck & Gretchen, friends for 40 years
Reviews (21)
I was very fortunate that Diane and Dean responded to my ad for a very short sit, and that they were well-qualified to look after my leash-reactive dog. They were flexible and willing to arrive early so they could learn Gilda's habits and quirks, including taking her on a short walk together. before my departure.
When I returned home, Gilda was relaxed and seemed to take my absence in stride. This tells me she was comfortable with Dean and Diane, and that they respected her routine.
... MOREI was very fortunate that Diane and Dean responded to my ad for a very short sit, and that they were well-qualified to look after my leash-reactive dog. They were flexible and willing to arrive early so they could learn Gilda's habits and quirks, including taking her on a short walk together. before my departure.
When I returned home, Gilda was relaxed and seemed to take my absence in stride. This tells me she was comfortable with Dean and Diane, and that they respected her routine.
Communication before and after the sit was excellent. The house was clean and tidy.
I will certainly call on them again and hope they are able to include Gilda in their schedule.
MAGGIE ( Arizona, Nov 2024 - 2 nights)
Dean & Diane cared for Lucy for almost 3 weeks and did a fabulous job. Lucy cried for a few days after we returned, searching for her "temporary parents." These are 5-star pet sitters and highly recommended! They arrived at our home 5 days before we departed, as Hurricane Milton was approaching the west coast of Florida, and they wanted to ensure that they were "in place" just in case of any complications post storm. We really appreciated this and gave us the opportunity to get to know this ... MOREDean & Diane cared for Lucy for almost 3 weeks and did a fabulous job. Lucy cried for a few days after we returned, searching for her "temporary parents." These are 5-star pet sitters and highly recommended! They arrived at our home 5 days before we departed, as Hurricane Milton was approaching the west coast of Florida, and they wanted to ensure that they were "in place" just in case of any complications post storm. We really appreciated this and gave us the opportunity to get to know this wonderful couple. Diane kept in contact with us throughout our vacation and provided several cute Lucy photos. The house was neat and clean upon our return. We have invited them to come back again next year and really hope that they accept our invitation.
BARBARA ( Florida, Oct 2024 - 2 weeks 6 nights)
Dean did a great job while at our house for 3 weeks. Diane was not able to join him at the last minute, but they communicated this beforehand and it all turned out ok. Dean did a excellent job of communicating daily on how our diabetic cat was doing with her injections and eating. The house and yard were in good shape upon our return. I would recommend Dean for a house sit.
LISA ( Minnesota, Aug 2024 - 3 weeks)
Sadly, I was unable to meet Dean And Diane, as they came and went before we were able to connect. And Diane was (mostly) unable to accompany Dean as another commitment required her being away, so Dean was here alone, taking care of sweet Rosie. Dean And and I communicated through WhatsApp as needed. He willingly Tended to Rosies dietary and health needs and I am grateful! Everything went as expected and I know Dean enjoyed himself , discovering the area. Thanks, Dean for being willing and ... MORESadly, I was unable to meet Dean And Diane, as they came and went before we were able to connect. And Diane was (mostly) unable to accompany Dean as another commitment required her being away, so Dean was here alone, taking care of sweet Rosie. Dean And and I communicated through WhatsApp as needed. He willingly Tended to Rosies dietary and health needs and I am grateful! Everything went as expected and I know Dean enjoyed himself , discovering the area. Thanks, Dean for being willing and able!
MARIALYCE ( Michigan, Jun 2024 - 1 week 6 nights)
We feel very, very lucky to have connected with Dean and Diane on this website, and even more fortunate for our dogs and house to have been under their experienced and attentive care. Even when a couple items broke in the house, Dean went beyond expectations to research the internet to fix it instead of contacting us. Our dogs got more walks per day then any other time in their lives. If you are fortunate to hear from them about your house ad, treat it like the most important email of the ... MOREWe feel very, very lucky to have connected with Dean and Diane on this website, and even more fortunate for our dogs and house to have been under their experienced and attentive care. Even when a couple items broke in the house, Dean went beyond expectations to research the internet to fix it instead of contacting us. Our dogs got more walks per day then any other time in their lives. If you are fortunate to hear from them about your house ad, treat it like the most important email of the year :-)
MR. STEPHANE ( North Carolina, May 2024 - 3 weeks)
Loved meeting Dean and Diane. Think they enjoyed being on the water and meeting local folks. My spoiled, tiny poodle, was very relaxed and happy when we arrived home and the house was spotless. We would most certainly have them again.
PAPPY AND DEBRA (Oriental North Carolina, May 2024 - 3 weeks)
Dean and Diane were wonderful house/dog sitters. I received photos of belly rubs, sofa relaxing and sunning on the patio. My plants were watered and the house looked like the day my housekeeper comes - spotless -when we returned. When Juno had a bit of a flare up of allergies, they let me know and we decided to increase her medication to daily and include a topical to her routine. I would have them back any time and appreciate the good care they took of my fur baby!
LAURA ( California, Mar 2024 - 2 weeks 2 nights)
Dean and Diane were great to have at our house taking care of our two active JRT’s while we traveled. They took very good care of the house and it was very tidy when we returned. Our dogs, particularly Duff, are very active and they did their best to keep them happy and well exercised. We would highly recommend them to take care of your house and fur babies!
NANCY (South Windsor Connecticut, Sep 2023 - 17 days)
Dean and Diane were great with Kona and with taking care of our house. We returned to a happy puppy and a clean house. Diane also took care of my garden which was a chore with no rain and very hot temperatures. She also took care of my house plants and orchids. We got photos of Kona at home and out on adventures throughout the visit, which we were very happy to receive! We would have them back and would recommend them for your house sit.
GWYNNE (CROZET Virginia, Aug 2023 - 2 weeks 6 nights)
Dean and Diane are a wonderful couple and did a fabulous job taking care of our home, pets, and garden. I highly recommend them and hope they will house sit for us again.
JANET ( Arizona, Apr 2023 - 1 week 1 night)
I will give them 7 stars. The house was spotless, all my plants looked great, our dog was very happy (they even sent pictures of her). Their communication was absolutely excellent. We hope to have the back. Wonderful couple!
CAROLE (Knoxville Tennessee, Sep 2022 - 6 days)
Taking care of Huck-a-doo was very enjoyable! He is very friendly, playful and affectionate! We enjoyed the neighborhood walks as much as he did. Carole and Chuck left great information and spent time with us before they left. Their home is not only beautiful but is close to a lake and the ... MORETaking care of Huck-a-doo was very enjoyable! He is very friendly, playful and affectionate! We enjoyed the neighborhood walks as much as he did. Carole and Chuck left great information and spent time with us before they left. Their home is not only beautiful but is close to a lake and the downtown area which was fun to explore. It was one of our best sits and we would gladly return!
Dean and Diane are great sitters. We would love to have them back when our schedules align in the future. the cats were happy and calm upon our return and the house was very well cared for and clean. Thank you
WAYNE ( Wisconsin, Jul 2022 - 1 week)
Thrilled with Dean and Diane! Home was spotless when we got home and plants were well loved!. Communication was perfect throughout our vacation! Our dog Maddie bonded well with both of them. They made accommodations with their plans to help us. Neighbors found them warm and engaging. Highly recommend and we would love to have them stay with Maddie in the future if it works out.
MARY BETH ( Virginia, May 2022 - 17 days)
Taking care of Maddie and Mary Beth and David's home was a delight for us! Maddie is very well trained, sweet, clever, enjoys being outdoors and is affectionate. Being on the lake was wonderful and we enjoyed their beautiful home, went to eateries around the lake for food and music, and enjoyed ... MORETaking care of Maddie and Mary Beth and David's home was a delight for us! Maddie is very well trained, sweet, clever, enjoys being outdoors and is affectionate. Being on the lake was wonderful and we enjoyed their beautiful home, went to eateries around the lake for food and music, and enjoyed playing pickleball nearby. We definitely would return.
Dean and Diane stayed with our dog Ollie for three weeks. When Dean left, Ollie sat at the door waiting for him to come back!
Dean and Diane did a terrific job of caring for Ollie and our home. Communication was wonderful-Dean kept in touch before, during and after the sit. He sent pictures of Ollie to us and to our daughter and always replied quickly if I needed to text him.
Dean and Diane are very personable, honest and dependable. I hope to have them sit for us again and I highly ... MOREDean and Diane stayed with our dog Ollie for three weeks. When Dean left, Ollie sat at the door waiting for him to come back!
Dean and Diane did a terrific job of caring for Ollie and our home. Communication was wonderful-Dean kept in touch before, during and after the sit. He sent pictures of Ollie to us and to our daughter and always replied quickly if I needed to text him.
Dean and Diane are very personable, honest and dependable. I hope to have them sit for us again and I highly recommend them.
KATHI ( North Carolina, Apr 2022 - 3 weeks)
A big Shout Out to Dean and Diane! You couldn't ask for better sitters... they arrived right on time, kept the house tidy and clean, kept in regular touch to keep us updated, and Reno (our cat) sure seemed to enjoy his time with them. If Dean and Diane ever offer to sit for you, don't hesitate to say YES.
JACK ( Delaware, Sep 2021 - 1 week 2 nights)
I appreciate such good remarks from Diane. She took really good care of both Blackie and my house. She left it really clean and tidy and I really appreciated that. I was happy that she was here. it was great getting texts and pictures from her. It was no problem for me that her husband was unable to come.
NANCY ( Oregon, Jun 2021 - 5 weeks)
Dean and Diane we were delighted you chose to sit for Chester and George they were thoroughly spoiled and enjoyed every minute of it.
Dean and Diane went above and beyond and even stayed later than necessary to ensure that we arrived home safely and our fur babies were looked after.
We do hope to see you both again!
SHARON ( New Mexico, Jun 2020)
I felt so reassured leaving Chester with Dean and Diane! They were lovely, sent me pictures, and left me with not only a gleaming house but fresh linens on the bed and clean, folded towels. Most of all, they left me with a happy cat, for which I'll feel forever grateful. Would love to have them back.
ROBIN ( California, Oct 2019)
Diane and Dean were fantastic house sitters. Our house looked great when we returned and our dog had a new set of humans that she loved to be around. We would love to have them sit for us again anytime!
TINA AND CASEY ( Washington, Aug 2019)
Dean and Diane provided great care for our house and cats, and we would absolutely recommend them to anyone in search of reliable and caring sitters! They kept in touch with us before and during the sit - sending messages and pictures with updates about how our cats were adjusting (and then thriving) while we were gone. We returned to find our cats happy and healthy, and our house in perfect condition (very clean!). We would not hesitate to ask Dean and Diane to sit for us again!
NANCY AND DERRIC ( Massachusetts, Jun 2018 - 2 months)
Dean and Diane took care of my home and old dog Ginger wonderfully. They sent me regular email updates detailing how Ginger was doing, keeping my mind and heart at rest. My home was immaculate when I returned. I found them extremely honourable and kind. I wholeheartedly recommend them!!
RENEE ( Oregon, Sep 2017 - 1 week 6 days)
Safe house!
A sitter in your house is the best form of security for your home while you're away. It's 100% free to place a job ad.
Couple
I was very fortunate that Diane and Dean responded to my ad for a very short sit, and that they were well-qualified to look after my leash-reactive dog. They were flexible and willing to arrive early so they could learn Gilda's habits and quirks, including taking her on a short walk together. before my departure.
When I returned home, Gilda was relaxed and seemed to take my absence in stride. This tells me she was comfortable with Dean and Diane, and that they respected her routine.
... MORE
Dean and Diane we were delighted you chose to sit for Chester and George they were thoroughly spoiled and enjoyed every minute of it.
Dean and Diane went above and beyond and even stayed later than necessary to ensure that we arrived home safely and our fur babies were looked after.
We do hope to see you both again!
