Hi there!
My partner and I are traveling for 2.5 weeks to New Zealand on Sept 24- October 17, 2022. We need someone to watch our two yorkies, ten chickens, and garden in the lovely village of Bellows Falls in the town of Rockingham, VT. Located on the banks of the Connecticut river, Bellows Falls has a rich history of being the first bridge on the Connecticut river and the first canal locks. It is in the occupied territory of the Abenaqui people.
We are flexible with sitters who may need to stay a few extra days at either end.
We have two little Yorkies who are friendly, albeit talkative. Their ages are 13 years and 15 years.
The 13 yr female, Lilou, is super friendly and will lick your face off. She's the daughter of Devo, the 15 yr old dad who still thinks he's all that.
I keep them in a large pen in the kitchen and let them for potty breaks throughout the day and then out around 3:30-4:00 to hang with us. They can tell time! Then we hang out go outside in the yard, get yayas out, go bathroom and come in for our human dinner and then it's couch snuggle time to watch some funny tv. Trust me, they expect couch snuggles!
The girl could have free reign of the house, but dad gets jealous and complains and he MUST have a diaper on at all times because he's a pee monster. They can hang out all day in the pen while you run errands or explore the area. Please don't let them get used to sleeping in the bed like our friend did for a month!
The ten chickens are young ladies and as I write this they have not begun laying yet-it's June 2nd-but I expect that by September they will be laying many eggs!
They live in the easiest coop ever designed with an automatic door that opens and lets them out each morning, and in the evening closes after they have all gone into the coop. They have a 5 gal waterer and a large hanging feeder that don't need to be refilled every day. Maybe once a week-We'll see as they get older. They are very sweet and include Americaunas, Wyandots, Andalusians, and Buff Orpingtons. They are gradually being named as we learn who they are :)
The gardens should be in self care mode by the end of September, maybe some veggies will still be producing. It's our first year on the property and in Vermont so we're still learning the local ecology.
We have an Air bnb apartment downstairs in the walkout basement and if you are the right person, we could keep it running in our absence and with your help- Compensated, of course. We can discuss that option in real time.
You would stay in the very comfy guest room with a Queen bed and Zinus mattress.
We have musical instruments, drums, etc, to entertain yourself with if boredom sets in. We also have a massive book library that includes topics in gardening, philosophy, history, art, cooking, and science fiction, among others.
You can use our vehicle for groceries, or to go to the Amtrak train station or movie theater, all within minutes. Walking to them is within a mile or two. We also have two mountain bikes with locks and helmets if you prefer biking it. They need tuneups for sure.
The ranch house has all amenities a home requires for comfort. Washer/dryer, dishwasher, microwave, gas range, bbq grill, capuccino machine, coffee drip, garage, wifi, stereo, Smart TV with smart channels (Hulu, Netflix, HBO, etc) but no cable. A lovely walk to a local pond that is the municipal water supply and some pretty friendly neighbors.
The town has its own movie theater with a fab sound system and a $6 entry and $6 deal on popcorn, candy and soda! Cannot go wrong there.
There are indigenous petroglyphs along the Bellows water fall that look like aliens. Tough to get to though. The Common Sense market in town has organic produce from a local organic farm and lots of other cool locally made items. Several great restaurants and shops and pizza delivery (Lola's Pizza is the best) allow for a variety of dining choices.