Houston, we have a great, big problem...
Never fear, the crafty blogosphere is here. Hopefully one of you crafty heroines will come to the rescue!
WHAT HAPPENED?
Well, as some of you may know, Sharon and I are due to be going overseas in 2 weeks for a 3-month adventure around South-East Asia. You'll note that I say 'due to be', and not 'are'...
The last time we went overseas, we had a horrible experience with a relative who failed to look after our home. He spent the money given to him to look after our pup's brain tumour on going out, and our gorgeous Malamute, Taj, died as a result. Not wanting to go through such a traumatic experience again, Sharon and I decided to go through a professional service to get a qualified, experienced and contracted housesitter.
About 4 months ago, I contacted Dawn McKenna from Housesitting Services to book their service. She responded promptly, and vehemently assured me that she would arrange the perfect person who would look after our home, and our 5 furry babies, as though they were her own. Lovely!According to the Housitting Services website, Sharon and I were due to meet with our housesitter a month prior to leaving. That date came and went, and I heard nothing. I emailed her again, only to be ignored. I called and spoke to Dawn McKenna, who told me she would call me back in 5 minutes. Guess what? It didn't happen! I then called, and called again, and then again... but not one of my messages was responded to.
So, thanks to Dawn McKenna, we are left with no-one to look after our most precious belongings. Sharon and I have spent the last week desperately talking to friends, workmates, and fellow Wildlife Rescuers and Lort Smith volunteers in the hope that someone can care for our bubs. The gorgeous Teegs has come on board to look after Tango the Bichon, but unless we find other generous souls to look after the remaining mob, we're going to have to forfeit our tickets and our trip.CALLING ALL HEROINES AND HEROES!
We have four pets in desperate need of a loving home for 12 weeks- from the 29th of June until the 30th of September. All food, litter, toy, bedding and vet costs will be covered by us, and we will happily bring the furry critter of your choice to your home. We will also provide detailed instructions about each critter, and anything else you may need. As we are foster carers for both domestic and wild animals, all four of our creatures are used to interacting with other cats, dogs, ducks, rabbits, and even humans!
Here's who needs a home:
Gorgeous Gin Gin
The sensational Gin Gin
may or may not have been catnapped from his neglectful owners. He came to us with ribs protruding, dirt embedded into his skin and an inability to interact with people. He is now a giant, happy, purring fluffball who loves nothing more than a cuddle and a feed. Gin Gin is a 100% indoor cat, so anyone who would want to give him a home would need to be able to guarantee that he would be indoors the whole time.Majestic Monsieur and Charming Coconut
Before being rescued, Coco was thrown out of a car at 110km an hour and Monsieur was dumped by his owners. Now that these two have each other, though, they have no cares in the world! They grew up together, sleep together, and even clean one another; they will therefore need to go to a home together. Both are loving, relaxed cats who are happy to sleep, eat and snuggle. Like Gin Gin, they are 100% indoor cats, so anyone who would want to give them a home would need to be able to guarantee that they would be indoors the whole time.
Magnificent ManhattanOur beautiful Malamute puppy, Manhattan, is pure joy in a fur coat. She is still young, and her playfulness is infectious! Because of her size and age, she will either need a home with a large backyard for running, a fellow dog to play with, or regular walks and runs. She has been highly trained and socialised well, and will submit to all dogs, cats and people. She welcomes all foster pups with open paws, and needs someone who will do the same for her. Oh, and have I mentioned her goofiness provides at least 10 funniest-home-video moments per day?
OR, IF YOU CAN HOUSESIT...
If you can housesit instead of petsitting, you'll get a three-bedroom home (located 20 mins northwest of the Melbourne CBD) with: a dedicated craft room; a huge backyard; a freshly renovated kitchen, bathroom, toilet, bedroom, dining and lounge; downlights throughout; stainless steel appliances; 7GB of free wireless internet per month; a short stroll to public transport; and the use of our car. As a bonus, we'll even include loving snuggles from 3 cats and a dog!And finally, each of the heroines or heroes who come to our rescue will also receive a $50 USD voucher to the Pepperberry & Co. store!
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
PETSIT: If you live in Melbourne, please consider looking after one of our babies.
SPREAD THE WORD: If you know anyone who lives in Melbourne, please contact them and let them know of our need.BLOG: If you have a blog and post about this, I will send you a 20% off gift voucher to my store... and a huge thank you and warm-fuzzy feeling!
Please help us find our furry friends a home!
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Comments (27)
Oh my goodness, if I wasn't going on vacation myself in early September, I would totally fly to Melbourne and housesit for you. I couldn't imagine trusting someone with my furbabies and then having then neglected.
I really hope y'all find someone trusty soon!
I'm a thinkin'. If we took in your pusses then I would then have to find a home for the allergic Mr. And I suspect my dog might have something to say about Manhattan (sorry). Cogs are whirring though - will get back to you...
Gosh Sandra - were I not thousands of miles away, I'd sure help out. Best of luck - you are in my prayers for the right person to help you out.
Sandra - what a bugger! What about someone who has lost their house in the bushfires? Maybe contact the local schools, or there is a new radio station at Kinglake. Hope that helps
I am sorry to hear about your crazy housesitting ways, if you were in the US I totally would help you out. Poor kitty cats and pup... :( If I know of anyone who can help will let you know. Good luck with finding someone.
For shame, Housesitting Services!
I've emailed a friend of mine who housesits to see if he's looking for a placement.
I've emailed a friend in Melbourne who might know people. If I lived in Melbourne and I wasn't allergic to cats, I'd be looking after your kitties for sure.
Your pets sound wonderful but I have a small place. I hope something comes through soon!
hey Sandra. Im putting you out there on my blog! All the best. Im not much use in New Zealand. (Most Aussie's probably think thats the cleverest thing a Kiwi has said!!!) Can I link your post to Face Book? I have friends in melbourne, so it might go somewhere. and good luck with it all. Love liz xx :)
I'm thinking on it too and will talk to everyone I know. I'm sure something will come through.
Shame on that house sitting service. It's outrageous.
I have everything crossed for you and your "Co".
xxx
Hope you find the perfect sitter! What a stress you didn't need right before you leave. I hate businesses who promise the world and then fail to deliver. Best wishes for a great outcome.
oh this is the pits Sandra and I do wish I could help
maybe this might help?
http://www.simplyhired.com.au/job-id/6s2c6jz7i7/two-reliable-jobs/
Thanks so much to all of you for your kind words, suggestions and links to people. I'm currently following up on a few leads, but please keep them coming in case it all falls through! xx
If only I was in Melbourne I would house sit for you. Good luck
hmmm, let me get back to you.
Gee, I'm so sorry about your situation. As I'm in the states I have no idea what to tell you. I certainly hope you find someone fast.
ok...Im on it...will put it on Facebook and twitter ...you never know !! And Ive been blank for a new blog post....I have a feeling that your problem will be solved before I find some time to blog though.
I have a staffie who is great with dogs but a bit territorial when it comes to food...and he dont like cats.not one bit.sorry.let you know if anything pops up!good luck.dont panic.
Good luck in finding someone. If I were closer i'd help out but I guess you aren't willing to drop them off to the UK!!!!
Hi Sandra,
My cousin lives in Melbourne so I just sent her a link to your blog, Maybe she can help. Goodluck!
I'm sure you'll get someone - good luck - I'm not quite in your neighbourhood or State ...
i'd love 2 help. my parents probably wouldn't like me having animals at our house due to us having animals of our own and problems might arise but if your desperate and don't mind having a stranger stay in your house i'd be glad 2 look after them i look after a dog for a family friend every time they go overseas. my email is marz_barz_24@hotmail.com if you like 2 get in contact with me
Hello
A close friend of mine could be interested in housesitting for you. I am a fellow animal lover and have done alot of volunteer work in the past for animals so I would not recommend anyone I didnt think suitable. My friend is currently house sitting for his ex-girlfriends parents and they have cats he is looking after. This is about the third time he has house sat for them. They will be returning in a couple of weeks afterwhich he will be available. Let me know if you would like to follow this up.
Regards
Joanne Clapton
0450 958 778
Hi We live in Warrandyte and could definitely take your dog and if stuck the cats too My daughter and i rent on a large property in the bush with 12 yr olds dog terrier cross and cat. We have fostered a blue heeler cross for a few weeks and have had a friend stay with her fox terrier for a few weeks but not cats. Happy to keep them inside Tiffles is not allowed out at night either and sleeps inside a lot I am home a lot and my 17 yr old daughter will be on school hols soon Cheers and Good luck Veronique
veroniques01@bigpond.com landline 9844 2574
I hope you find a good person to help you out. If I didnt live on the other side of the world, I'd be happy to take care of your babies.
Hi there.
Have you found anyone yet to housesit yet?
I just received a mail from wild life rescue (anne logan)and l may have someone to sit for you. You can contact me on 0414612291
Thanks
kerri
kerri.davis1@bigpond.com