*Flexible dates. We need sitters from July 24-Aug 5, but can adjust by a day or two.
We live in the forested mountains of northern NM in a charming town dubbed the Secret City. Mostly inhabited by scientists for the National Lab and their families, it is a friendly and welcoming community with gorgeous scenery. Bandelier (25 minutes) and Manhattan Project site (in town), are wonderful to see. Taos and Santa Fe are just over and just under an hour away.
Our 3/2 2 story home has traditional accents, soaring vaulted ceilings and a generous and private yard. The neighbors are friendly but not intrusive, and the setting is very quiet with low traffic and a lot of birds and animal life to enjoy.
We love guests who will be at home for at least a couple of hours most days to give our dogs the love and care they're used to. We are sometimes away for 7-8 hours at a time, but rarely. My friend can on occasion come by for a potty break on a day that you are taking a longer sightseeing tour.
Our little dogs are house dogs, but love going on walks. They aren’t let off leash and so must be taken on short potty walks 3 times a day, about 7 or 8 AM,in the afternoon and after dinner. Two need a quick pee break right before you go to bed. They are fed twice a day. We have a small potty area outside for if they need to go and you aren't able to walk them, but we ask that this be closed off when you aren't supervising as they could escape or bark a lot if let out for too long by themselves. They all have gregarious personalities and love attention. They tend to bark at passersby but running a box fan while you're away and at night helps keep them from noticing as much. They do fine in the car and like going to the dog park if you're up for it.
Our hens are friendly pets who will give you eggs in return for refreshing their water bowl and making sure they have food and water in their feeder about once every days. We have house plants and a couple of potted plants that need watering once a week, it takes about 15 minutes.
Older children preferred if you are a family. They will enjoy the oversized saucer swing in our back yard and the easy access to the gentle canyon in the back.
There is free and convenient public transportation through town, and we are located only about a mile from the center of downtown, while being in a quiet little neighborhood and tucked away in the pines. There are stunning views of the canyon and mountains behind us from the balcony off the spacious ensuite master bedroom.
You can also use one bedroom on the main floor for your family. It can get messy in our children's rooms so we will need to prepare beforehand so that it's an inviting space for your family.
Our large kitchen has an additional dining area, gas range, dishwasher, and all the pans and dishes you might need for a great cooking experience. Microwave, toaster, blender and coffee maker is also available, as well as spices and oils, and any snacks in the pantry. I also like to bake cookies for anyone who will be helping with our animals!
While the upstairs has a rainfall style showerhead, our main bath has a full tub if you prefer a soak. Feel free to use provided towels and shampoo/conditioner/body wash. You can pack light!
There's a free science museum and a historical area in downtown. Our aquatic center with a year-around indoor Olympic-sized pool has day passes available, as does our local Y.
We mainly ask that you relax and enjoy the space and the company of our lovable pets!
I am an superhost 7 years running, and I strive to help houseguests feel welcome and appreciated in our own home. I have all 5 star reviews for my hospitality and cleaning habits. While I can't quite keep up that level in our own home, the photos of our home reflect the tidy condition you will encounter during your stay. Our casita is set at the back of the property and has its own parking space and path.
My daughter has a young 9" long pet snake named Banana Bread that we usually take to a friend's home since many people aren't comfortable with snakes. I didn't include her care since we can have her stay with friends, but IF you enjoy reptiles (in a terrarium), I'm happy to let her stay! She would need nothing but a water refill and her light turned on and off for daytime.
Please let me know if you have further questions!