Michelle once had all the trappings of a modern lifestyle but personal circumstances lead her to make the brave choice to go travelling alone and upon her return became a permanent housesitter
Since then she has fou
nd love and fortunately Jonathan, being as much of an animal lover as Michelle is, has also fallen in love with the adventurous lifestyle of a house sitter. Together they now run a page to keep their clients in touch with their homes and pets. Using the money they save on accommodation they're able to travel and enjoy a freedom lifestyle that allows them to do all the things they always dreamt of doing. Some of the best housesitting opportunities come from people needing someone responsible to look after their furry friends, especially those with special needs. “Which is great, I have always been an animal lover and often become very fond of my charges,” she says. A keen walker, Michelle loves nothing more than pounding the pavements with a dog to kick start the day. and working from ‘home’ also means she is able to provide plenty of extra company and attention. They are always delighted to have a repeat sit with animals, because “it’s like seeing old friends again.” Having grown up in Zimbabwe with cats, dogs, fish, rabbits, birds and even a couple of tortoises Michelle's animal care skills started at a very young age. A few years ago Michelle created her own social enterprise called COLOUR OUR STORY which facilitates the creation of colouring in books and cards, by children for children. "Our vision is to empower and give voice to disadvantaged, vulnerable children locally and worldwide. At the same time, inspiring a future generation of global citizens who understand the importance of caring for and uplifting one another." You can find out more about this wonderful project at http://www.colourourstory.com
Jonathan has been a huge support in this endeavour and has brought his own skills of story telling, filming and photography to the party. He joined Michelle on her last visit to Uganda to meet the kids at the Orphanage. Previous to that he had started his own platform called THIS IS MY VOICE and created a photography group teaching photography to a group of homeless people through the Auckland City Mission. He now Co runs Tedx Auckland amongst many other creative endeavours.
“I have come to appreciate this lifestyle so much more,” says Michelle. “Exploring new places, either while travelling overseas or housesitting here, always turns up the unexpected and delightful. You meet new and inspirational people from different cultures and ways of life and expand your social circle: having that opportunity is more valuable to me than anything else money could buy.”
They have many great references and police check avialable on request!
17/09/2024
My Mum, Heather, is currently available for petsits in Auckland and neighbouring areas for the next few months so do get in touch if you're looking for someone as we are mostly booked out for the year.
She's been our number 1 backup sitter for many years and now has a few lovely regulars of her own. Like us, she loves animals (obviously) as well as getting away for little adventures.
Her available dates at the moment are:
3rd November - 27th December.
As well as February & March 2025 (possibly longer)
Please get in touch 🐈🐶
15/09/2024
Sunny Sunday bliss for these 2 furry friends 💕.
09/09/2024
Molly and Gracie embracing us into their Torbay home with open hearts. 💕
05/09/2024
Let me introduce myself, I’m Molly from Torbay and I love tummy rubs, don’t even think about stopping, not even for a second!
We’ve had many staffys and they are such funny talkers, they’re all totally adorable and always that little bit special :-)
04/09/2024
Who else is getting caught out in all the random down pours? Meet our new little buddy Molly of Torbay. 💕
26/08/2024
Loving being reunited with our regular little buddies Manny and Malcolm in the heart of the city 💕.
14/08/2024
Missing this little poppet!! 💕 But so happy that he's now reunited with his human parents.
07/08/2024
Someone was very happy to see his Mum on the Telly!! 💕 CONGRATS Lisa!! We're all so proud of you.
01/08/2024
Rock pools magic 💕
01/08/2024
Colin and I love our meditative mornings at the rock pools! Peace lives here.
17/07/2024
Colin digging his little heart out and so soon after being beautifully groomed 💕.
15/07/2024
It's pretty wet and wild here in Auckland. Lovely and snuggly inside though with lots of extra cuddles 💕.
12/07/2024
Whakaora. Aroha.
For anyone who needs this today - Colin and I send you 'Healing & Love' from beautiful Aotearoa 💕.
09/07/2024
Today was our niece Chloe's Birthday. Her and her Mum have been petsitting on the coast for a friend and they brought young Harley over today to meet Colin. It was so cute seeing them together twining and getting on so well. 💕
08/07/2024
Sunny winter vibes with little Colin. 💕 thank you for the photos Jonathan.
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Videos
Let me introduce myself, I’m Molly from Torbay and I love tummy rubs, don’t even think about stopping, not even for a second!
We’ve had many staffys and they are such funny talkers, they’re all totally adorable and always that little bit special :-)
Who else is getting caught out in all the random down pours? Meet our new little buddy Molly of Torbay. 💕
Someone was very happy to see his Mum on the Telly!! 💕 CONGRATS Lisa!! We're all so proud of you.
Colin and I love our meditative mornings at the rock pools! Peace lives here.
Colin digging his little heart out and so soon after being beautifully groomed 💕.
I think Eddie's missing Chloe's amazing stick throwing skills :).
Our niece Chloe and her wonderful pet bonding ways. Cricket just had to cuddle up as close as possible 💕.
Our niece Chloe came to visit us in Glendowie. There's a reason we call her the animal whisperer but especially the cat whisperer. Her and Cricket bonded instantly! 💕
💕
A digging Daisy... happy days! :)
The boys 💕
Countryside vibes with sea views and Eddie's beautiful company 💕.
Moo 🐄🐮
A little pur therapy on a grey, rainy day 💕☔
Eddie's morning snuggles and head massage on a rainy Saturday morning.
Local House & Pet Sitters
a couple of enthusiastic animal lovers, creatives, online professionals, social entrepreneurs and easily adaptable adventurers in NZ and abroad...
Michelle once had all the trappings of the modern lifestyle but personal circumstances led her to make the brave choice to go travelling alone. Upon her return she became a house and pet sitter. Five years on, she still lives out of a suitcase and is still loving it! For the past 4.5 years she has been joined by her loving partner Jonathan, who has not only embraced the alternative lifestyle but has enriched it with his caring nature, handyman skills and amazing talents behind a camera!
They market themselves these days and run a page to keep their clients in touch with their homes and pets. No fees apply but the money they save allows them more time, resources and freedom for their various purpose driven projects.
Over the years they have built wonderful relationships with a wide range of pets and their owners. And with a passion for the outdoors or snuggling up watching a movie with the odd pet massage, their various companions bond with them almost immediately! The required care varies and has often involved special needs pets, which is not an issue as Michelle works from home.
“We have come to appreciate this lifestyle so much,” they say. “Exploring new places, either while travelling overseas or housesitting here, always turns up the unexpected and delightful. You meet new and often inspirational people from different cultures and ways of life and expand your social circle. Having that opportunity is more valuable to us than anything else money could buy.”
