Sue

I have dual citizenship of Britain and New Zealand. I grew up in England, and my first career was as a conservator of works of art, working at the British Museum in London, and the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge. I then retrained as a Homeopath and came out to New Zealand, where I lived and worked for the whole of the nineties. In 2000 I returned to England to help care for my aging parents. I am now retired, and have returned to New Zealand to live.

Over the last year I have house-sat for friends several times, and it has occurred to me that house-sitting would be an excellent way to get to know different areas of New Zealand, before I decide where I want to settle. Visiting as a tourist only gives you a superficial experience of a place, whereas house-sitting gives you a chance to really taste what it's like to live there - without breaking the bank, either! And with the bonus of staying in real homes and having the companionship of the animals who belong there.

I love animals, and they are usually drawn to me. Cats are my favourite, but I get on very well with dogs, too. One of the things I enjoy about them is that every animal is different: they each have their own personality, their likes and dislikes, and their preferred way of going about things, so it's fun getting to know them. I believe animals can sense what sort of person you are, and I think they can sense that I am kind and caring and competent, which helps them relax and feel safe with me, confident that all their needs will be met.

I was a home-owner in England, so I know how important it is for a home-owner to feel that their home is in good hands - that it is kept safe, secure, clean and well looked after; that its contents are treated with respect and care. And to know that if any problems arise, they will be dealt with promptly and appropriately. I believe that I'm respectful, well-organised and meticulous, and also a good problem-solver, so I think your home would be in good hands. Also, I love gardens and have green fingers, so your plants would be well cared-for, too. And if it would help to give you peace of mind about the wellbeing of your pets, I would be happy to keep in touch regularly by email.

What about my personal attributes? I'm a single woman without children or pets of my own; I don't drink alcohol or smoke; I'm a driver with a clean license; I'm not a party person - I enjoy solitude and peaceful surroundings and I love walking in the countryside or by the sea; although retired, I am healthy, strong and active; and I'm generally a happy person. I think your animals would feel happy in my company.