RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) Criminal Check, October 2017.
A conscientious, capable, and good-natured person who places great value on mutual respect and well-timed silliness.
From October 2018 until the start of the pandemic, I volunteered as a medical accompaniment driver for a local seniors organization.
In 2017, by way of a HouseCarers’ posting, I found my first house-sit in downtown Halifax. My first time back to my birthplace since the age of six. My first time driving long distance without my husband by my side since his death from cancer in 2014.
With the success of the Halifax stay, my friends in Cape Breton asked if I would like to house-sit for a friend with an aging cat in White Rock, BC.
I leapt at the opportunity to return to where I had many wonderful visits with my father in his adopted cities of Surrey and Vancouver.
September 2017, Feb-March 2018, and Feb-March 2019 were resounding house-sitting successes. Cathy and Chris were appreciative of the efforts I'd made to care for their treasured cat and three-storey home.
On my most recent stay in White Rock, Gigs required insulin injections twice-a-day. It was satisfying not only to overcome my nervousness about properly administering the medication but also to see the dramatic improvements to Gig’s health.
This year, I extended my stay out West by adding two other house-sits: a rambling house in Crescent Beach, and a lovely White Rock condo.
Sadly, the sweet dog I met the year before had taken ill and died not long before my scheduled house-sit in Crescent Beach. Her owners graciously invited me to stay, despite their wrenching loss and the need of a house sitter being less critical.
The White Rock condo was a new home to two rescue cats. Any apprehension I had about wrangling wild beasts was quickly dispelled with a warm welcome from Bonnie, and the adorable young brothers, Gobi and Aloo.
With each house-sit, the home owners had peace of mind while they were away and were delighted upon return to find their homes and loved ones had been well-cared for. And, I have had the good fortune to meet terrific people and to have enriching experiences.
Jacqui