Hi there! I'm Richard, an active, well-educated, 50-something dog sitter servicing the Greater Hobart area. I am reliable, responsible, conscientious and caring and I will take care of your doggie as my own. 

ABOUT ME: I am originally from the UK and came to Australia in 2005 for a new challenge. I lived in Melbourne for 8 years, then moved to Hobart 11 years ago for a change of pace. I love it here. 

I am a degree-qualified IT consultant and worked very hard in my 20s and 30s but have now tired of the corporate world, hence the move to the Apple Isle. 

While I have waited for that light-bulb moment, I have tried many things. I have gone back to uni to do a Master of Teaching; I have studied here as an Adventure Tour Guide; I have volunteered for Camp Quality; I have even trained as a venomous snake catcher! 

My motivation then, to be a dog sitter, is to make some pocket money while doing something I genuinely love - enjoying the company of man's (and woman's) best friend and bringing as much joy to them as they do to me. I have all the time in the world and I am totally flexible. 

MY EXPERIENCE: I have looked after dogs, cats, horses, ducks, chickens and fish! Dogs are my true love. I have loved dogs all my life and have always had an affinity with them. (Dogs know dog lovers.)

I have been on Pawshake for 6 years now so have ample experience in pet sitting! I have cared for over 100 different dogs plus additional menagerie and have loved every minute of it. 

(Thank you to Roy!, Moby, Florence, Kona and Bomber, Badger and Tarn, Maggie and Mr. Puss, Lumpy, Dexter and Millie, Dingo Biscuit, Titan and Zami, Dory and Pearl, Moritz, Gloria, Dottie Mae, Copper, Henry and Jake and Bear and Samson, Mila and Coco, Riley, Tigon and Lau, Tate and Filou and Yarrow, Jeffrey, Archie, Skitter, Eli, Sally and Baci, Chilli and Suzie and Coco and Charlie, Max, Douggie and Daphne and Humphrey, Shadow and Angus, Maggie, Rory and Lola and Chooki, Boss and Hugo, Winifred, Sarah and Sallee and Ainsley and Alfonso and Ally, Sarcha and Frankie and Maggie, Archie and Kobe and Sheldon, Walt and Ecco, Joey and Dook, Harry, Bobbie and Tessie, Briley and Matilda and Dion and Ruby, Huxley, Aggie and Lucy, Dingo and Samwise, Marley, Scooby and Blossom, Maxi Moo, Daisy and Bee, Pip and Meg and Butters, Wombat, Ragnar and Floki and Rollo, Frodo, Raaa and Keetna, Maisie and Millie and Mollie, Fred and Bob, Hunter and Ginger and Jasper, Lucy and Wilfred, Pepper, Lola the rabbit, Mist and Coco and Snowy and Beans, Koji and Matcha, Ziggy and Rufus, Bodhi and Floyd and Luz, and Brian the cat for entrusting yourselves into my care.) 

MY PETS: I first set eyes on our bundle of joy in a carry case at Hobart Airport - our Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier pup, Roy! We toilet trained him, we puppy schooled him, we socialised him and raised him. Then a break up took Roy! back to Melbourne. He is a beautiful 9 year old now. (The pics of Roy! and I were taken on our last run together on Nutgrove Beach.) I have been lucky though. I now share the affections of another beautiful boy - my partner's Wheaten Border Collie, Kona. 

SERVICES I OFFER: I offer house sitting (at yours) which includes everything really - feeds, walks and near 24/7 undivided attention for your furry friend(s). Plus care of your house of course. 

WHY BOOK WITH ME: I bring a raft of experience with a friendly and personal service that offers great value over traditional kenneling. Your doggie will be in good and safe hands with no need to take them out of their routine and comfy home. Your home will be similarly looked after while you're away. I am incessantly clean and tidy. I'll even put your bins out, collect your mail and water your plants if you would like me to 🙂 

I look forward to hearing from you! 

Richard