Serving the Front Range (Boulder, Lyons, Longmont, Hygiene, Estes Park, Allenspark, Berthoud, and in between. ) RESUME
Objective: Provide compassionate, quality pet and house care; maintaining the health, happiness, and well being of both pets and home, while enjoying the Rocky Mountain region of Colorado. Pet/Animal Care Experience/Skills/Services
Care for dogs, cats, horses, llamas, goats, chi
ckens, pigs, sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs, turtles, fish, small birds, gerbils, hamsters, and more. Administer injections, eye drops, topical and oral medications according to owner specifications. Follow instructions from pet owners explicitly, regarding exercise, feeding, medication, house rules, and potty habits
Transport pets to veterinary, grooming, play, and training appointments
Observe pets for health issues and address and report any concerns immediately to owners
Clean up pet accidents from carpets or floors
Shop for pet food when necessary in accordance to the pets' personal choices
Love, snuggle, and spoil your little buddies! Home Repair, Maintenance and Management Experience/Skills
Completed minor repairs and remodels (i.e. wax ring, light switches, door k***s and locks, washer, dryer, dishwasher, and faucet installs, tongue and groove paneling, painting etc.) Occupied and managed 26 unit motel and 36 unit apartment complex
Have owned 10 properties including personal residence, annual rentals, and vacation rental (currently own two rentals.) Monitored above properties, including safety issues, security, plumbing, HVAC, and contracted repair entities to arrange for maintenance, estimates, and repairs when necessary. Answered inquiries regarding reservations, communicated with owners as appropriate, paid bills from designated funds and made deposits to accounts as required. Trained, scheduled and supervised cleaning and maintenance staff
Completed night audit, paid invoices, completed scheduling and payroll, ordered supplies
General House Sit Services
Receive incoming mail and ensure that any instructions for mail forwarding is followed
Ascertain that the house is properly locked down while absent, at night, and upon departure
Maintain a safe, clean, healthy, peaceful and happy environment for pets and neighbors
Oversee contracted cleaning, maintenance, and repair work while homeowners are away
Water plants, recycle, compost, and honor additional requests unique to owner and property
Communicate on regular basis with pet parents via email, phone, text
Animal Related Volunteer Gigs
Raptor Rehabilitation Center, Antigo, WI
Bleating Hearts Sanctuary, Boulder, CO
New Moon Farm Goat Rescue, Arlington, WA
Krishna Temple Llama Activities -- Spanish Fork, UT
Out to Pasture Sanctuary - Portland, OR
Leilani Farm Sanctuary -- Haiku, HI
Puget Sound Goat Rescue -- Maple Valley, WA
About Me -- The Short Version
Born and raised in Wisconsin. Worked at Nicolet Area Technical College; as transition specialist for students with disabilities, tutor program coordinator, psychology instructor, alternative high school program instructor, and Service Learning Chair. Took a Sabbatical summer spending a month in Spain learning Spanish, visited Rocky Mountains while completing Yoga Teacher Training in Rollinsville, tried paragliding in Boulder. Went back to work in WI, but the mountains were calling. Bought a condo, stayed a year, rented it out and began to travel doing house-sitting and work-exchanges. Fast forward, I have a couple rental properties in Florida, (looking for a third.) Now, my passion is pet-sitting and house-sitting. I've never met a pet I didn't like. And, I love moving around. I love the Rockies. This new life is a perfect fit and never dull! While house-sitting I participate in yoga communities (karma yogi, teach workshops, take classes) and lead hikes. I live to hike :^D
References and Testimonials: (Specific Contact Info Available After Interview)
Fort Collins, CO "Oh how I wish we could justify a way to get out of town more often (if only for the sheer delight of coming back to an impeccably clean place, with happy creatures obviously well-loved, and chocolates on our turned down sheets!!). Not in my wildest dreams could you have left a more sweet return for us. . ...down to your welcome home note." Burien, Washington "My husband and I have had the pleasure of Sandy's skill as house sitter for six weeks January, thru early March 2014, You will not find a more capable or attentive sitter. She handles allΓ house duties superbly , cat care, house plants,Γ live mouse trapping, snaring spiders, and more. She is personable, charming, and intelligent . She cares for the environment and doesn't smoke .We found everything in our house in its place, super clean and bed turned down so we could collapse after returning from our international flight home.Γ
It is my delight to recommend Sandy to you." Broomfield, CO "Sandy was a lovely house and dog sitter. She stayed at our home while we were away overseas for almost a month, and took very good care of our beloved furbaby dog. Sandy was incredibly respectful of our space and time. She even dropped us off at the bus stop before our trip, which was really early in the morning. Sandy sent regular updates, including photos and videos, which put us at ease. We came home to a spotless house, clean sheets, and even a lovely gift of wine and candles. More importantly, we came home to a happy and well-exercised dog. We would be happy to have Sandy house and dog sit
any time!"
Gold Hill CO "Sandy, our house sitter was a peach! She took great care of our two cats for the two weeks we were gone, as well as watering indoor and outdoor plants and garden. She left the house immaculate with yummy treats for us. She was available during our absence and kept in touch, which was appreciated. You would be lucky to have her take care of your home! Nadyne and Jamie"
Kenmore, WA "Entrusting one's home and more importantly, one's pets, to someone else can be a bit scary, but with Sandy at the helm, your worries can disappear. Sandy cared for our home and our 2 cats during our 7 week trip with utmost consideration and compassion. During our trip, she sent photos of our cats, and her messages revealed the connection she was developing with them. Before leaving on our trip, we knew one of our cats had kidney disease and was not long for this world. Sandy was not turned off by this possibility and during our trip, when our cat had a seizure, Sandy immediately took care of the logistics with the vet, while obviously feeling great sorrow and compassion. For the remainder of our trip, Sandy coddled our 2nd cat and watched over him like a mother. When we returned, our sadness was balanced with knowing that both cats had received much love in our absence. Sandy has a big heart and I would recommend her heartily. Makawao, HI "I feel very blessed to have had Sandy stay at my home and watch my animals while I was traveling. She has such love and appreciation for the fur babies. They were cared for as if they were her own. It was a seamless transition for them. They house was well taken care of and I couldn't recommend her enough. Do not hesitate to have her stay." Seattle, WA "Reference for Sandy: I was so lucky to find Sandy! She made sure my house and kitties were safe, so that I was able to travel without worry. She handled everything with grace and professionalism, including a surprise plumbing leak. She is friendly, my cats adored her, and she was respectful of my belongings. I recommend her with total enthusiasm, and she is welcome back to visit!"
My Philosophies in Life
Ahimsa -- cause no harm, hence, I am vegan/vegetarian, primarily raw, organic. Peace - so I don't appreciate weapons or conflict. Respect for Earth -- recycle, ride your bike when you can, buy little, leave a small footprint. Respect for Others -- It's not about tolerance, it's about embracing differences. Genuine/Truth -- be honest, have integrity, and show me who you really are. Walk the Higher Ground -- always do your best, even when that isn't always the greatest. Be happy -- it's the wisest choice ο
Qualifications Not Related That Might Interest You:
Certified Yoga Instructor, Certified Hypnotherapist, Reiki Practicioner
Certified in CPR and Basic First Aid, and Certified Medication Administrator
A.A.S. Marketing and Business Mid-Management (3 Degrees)
B.S Communications, Business, and Psychology (3 Areas of emphasis)
M.A. Human Development
*Specific contact info for references available after initial Interview
