I absolutely LOVE animals and gardening, as well. I currently only have cats, but have cared for cats, dogs, birds and fish. I have spent time on several farms and LOVE farm life and country life. I have previously owned 109 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and love living off the land more than any other living arrangement that I've had. I can drive a tractor and am not at all afraid of "dirty" work or somewhat strenuous work. I come from a family of animal lovers, with one cousin a former elephant keeper at the St. Louis zoo and another is an equine veterinarian serving race horses in Lexington, KY, whom I always consult first when my animals have any issues. I travel heavily for my own work (nonprofit consulting), which is what brought me to this site. I have to find house sitters for my own home, so fully understand the angst from the homeowners perspective. I am very neat and clean. My hobbies are hiking, gardening, reading and dance (Argentine Tango).