We're seeking a responsible and caring house/pet sitter (single or couple) for our two medium/large dogs and three pack goats (large, friendly, low maintenance). Our modest home is on two acres in a semi-rural area at 7,000 feet, seven miles from Flagstaff, Arizona.
DESCRIPTION OF HOUSE/PROPERTY:
Our small, cozy, non-smoking and drug free house sits at the foot of a 12,000 foot mountain, and has a hot tub on the front covered deck. Both the back deck and separate rustic patio with fire pit allow for outdoor meals and outstanding star gazing. The small but comfortable bedroom with a view of the mountain has a full size mattress on a futon frame with a twin futon above. The bathroom with shower is across the hall.
Our sitter will have full use of the kitchen including a dishwasher, microwave, miscellaneous appliances, washer and dryer. We also have an outdoor clothesline which fits with our rural lifestyle!
The living room is very comfortable and filled with plants. Internet and Wifi are available.
Our sitter will need a car since public transportation does not extend out here.
Overall, our house is small, simple, and "homey". It is neither fancy nor new, but comfortable and in a great place!
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Most important is the care of our animals which consists of our two large dogs and three large pack goats. Yes, we backpack with our goats helping to carry the load; since we're an older couple, the goats allow us to still go on long trips in the wilderness.
Our dogs are loving and friendly once they get to know you. They are used to us being around much of the time so your presence and affection in the early morning and evenings is crucial. They need to be fed twice a day, with simple medications added to the both meals, and should be walked at least every other day. Unfortunately they do not get along with other dogs and are hesitant with people they don't know, so walking in the nearby field and woods works out very well.
Our friendly goats need to be fed once a day, talked to and petted. They each have their own personality and actually are pretty low maintenance but are enjoyable pets and fun to watch cavorting on their special rock pile. You do not need "farm" or livestock experience to care for them, but because they are large goats, you need to be assertive...but kind...to them!
Other daily duties include bringing in the mail and newspaper. Once a week duties include collecting and putting out the trash/garbage including dog poop, and watering the indoor plants.
Keeping the house/property neat and clean are a given.
SURROUNDING ATTRACTIONS:
Enjoyable day trips from the house include visiting the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Petrified Forest, Walnut Canyon, and Meteor Crater. Just 20 minutes up the mountain is the Arizona Snowbowl, our local downhill ski area with a gondola which will take you to 11,500 for fantastic views. Hiking opportunities abound.
Flagstaff has a sweet downtown area with interesting restaurants, galleries, and shops. Also in town are Northern Arizona University, the Museum of Northern Arizona, Lowell Observatory, and Reardon Mansion. "First Friday Art Walk", always a fun event, will happen while we're gone.