Gene

Hi, thank you for your interest in my services; I believe my greatest endorsement is: kids and pets love me! Another qualifying endorsement: being asked to come back to sits (three times...2 with challenging rescue dogs...in several months on here).
I currently reside in SW VA; I have children/grandchildren in Wichita, KS and a child in Portland, OR; I’m looking for sits in or near them as often as possible in 2024.
I grew up mostly in the country; I worked on dairy farms, split wood by hand and cleaned up a butcher shop after closing time, all before I was 15. I'm still in pretty good shape; I live a healthy lifestyle, I'm a nonsmoker, very light/very occasional drinker (woodchuck cider & Evan Williams honey are my go to drinks when I do). I've learned (and am learning) to eat better...I don't stress over it though. Dogs and cats have been a part of my life since I can remember. I rescued a stray cat a year and half ago before really cold weather set in, kept her for 6 months and she’s now living a life of contentment with my oldest son. Numerous people have been amazed at how easily and quickly their pets have taken to me...there have been a few exceptions of course; but I've never had any animal not warm up to me eventually...usually we become good buddies.
I grew up in PA, NY, MD, NM and VA; I was stationed stateside in TX, GA, NY, WY and KS; I've lived in KS, FL and VA since retiring. Tampa, FL is the largest city I've ever lived in; I have been in most of the largest (NY, LA, Houston...) US cities. I've spent a significant amount of time in at least 26 other states. I've been in all of the lower 48 as of Sep 2024; hopefully I'll add Hawaii and Alaska by the end of 2025. I’ve owned 5 houses and sold them all in much better condition than when I bought them.
I spent 21 years in 3 career fields in the AF (Security Police, Facility Management and Financial Management); I earned degrees for all 3 through the Community College of the AF. I was responsible for my squadrons education and training programs for 6 years as an additional duty (basically a second almost full time job). I have a BS degree in Management, Computer Information Systems. I was stationed in Greece and Germany (living in 2 houses in the local communities in each) and deployed as a paying agent to Slovakia and Iraq (personally responsible for millions of dollars in cash).
I traveled (by plane, taxi (several forms including rickshaws), bus, train, car and walking) throughout central and northern India during my 3 trips (1 was a month long) there as the Executive Director of a non-profit board. It was quite an experience being a passenger on the roads in India!
I visited several islands and flew to Turkey while I was in Greece for a year and my family and I traveled throughout Europe when we were in Germany for four years.
I really miss traveling and want to visit as many areas of the United States as possible. I drove by the Grand Canyon several times while I was in the AF (WY to CA & back), never having (or taking) the time to visit it; there are several amazing national treasures like the G.C. I would love to have another chance at visiting.
I've been entrusted with millions of dollars, equipment worth billions (the security of aircraft for example) and homes/pets of friends, family's and now complete strangers through this site. I was a volunteer soccer coach for 10 years. I hope my profile helps you determine if I'm a good fit for your pet/house sitting needs.
I'm looking forward to giving you peace of mind while you are away from your fur (or non-fur) babies and home if you select me as your house/pet sitter.