House sitter in Tucson, Arizona

I am a caring, capable and conscientious woman who began pet and housesitting two years ago for a local author who travels quite a bit. She leaves me in charge of her 19 rescued reptiles (iguanas and tortoises), one time for 17 days. When she got back she called me and said, "They were well fed, hydrated and calm." Their care involves extensive vegetable and fruit cleaning and prep, according to each animal’s needs, keeping the iguanas in clean cages and cleaning up after the tortoises. Elaine is happy with my work, and has given me a great reference. I take care of her indoor and outdoor plants, feed the birds, gather the mail and newspapers, take out trash and recycling and take phone messages. I stay at her home at night so the home is occupied. I enjoy this work and I'm good with animals--even with reptiles, as it turns out. :)