Local House & Pet Sitters
Michelle & Jonathan
animal lovers, freelance digital & designer nomads http://www.webdesignandcopy.co.nz and social entrepreneurs - www.colourourstory.com
Michelle once had all the trappings of a modern lifestyle but personal circumstances lead her to make the brave choice to go travelling alone and upon her return became a permanent housesitter
Since then she has fou
nd love and fortunately Jonathan, being as much of an animal lover as Michelle is, has also fallen in love with the adventurous lifestyle of a house sitter. Together they now run a page to keep their clients in touch with their homes and pets. Using the money they save on accommodation they're able to travel and enjoy a freedom lifestyle that allows them to do all the things they always dreamt of doing. Some of the best housesitting opportunities come from people needing someone responsible to look after their furry friends, especially those with special needs. “Which is great, I have always been an animal lover and often become very fond of my charges,” she says. A keen walker, Michelle loves nothing more than pounding the pavements with a dog to kick start the day. and working from ‘home’ also means she is able to provide plenty of extra company and attention. They are always delighted to have a repeat sit with animals, because “it’s like seeing old friends again.” Having grown up in Zimbabwe with cats, dogs, fish, rabbits, birds and even a couple of tortoises Michelle's animal care skills started at a very young age. A few years ago Michelle created her own social enterprise called COLOUR OUR STORY which facilitates the creation of colouring in books and cards, by children for children. "Our vision is to empower and give voice to disadvantaged, vulnerable children locally and worldwide. At the same time, inspiring a future generation of global citizens who understand the importance of caring for and uplifting one another." You can find out more about this wonderful project at http://www.colourourstory.com
Jonathan has been a huge support in this endeavour and has brought his own skills of story telling, filming and photography to the party. He joined Michelle on her last visit to Uganda to meet the kids at the Orphanage. Previous to that he had started his own platform called THIS IS MY VOICE and created a photography group teaching photography to a group of homeless people through the Auckland City Mission. He now Co runs Tedx Auckland amongst many other creative endeavours.
“I have come to appreciate this lifestyle so much more,” says Michelle. “Exploring new places, either while travelling overseas or housesitting here, always turns up the unexpected and delightful. You meet new and inspirational people from different cultures and ways of life and expand your social circle: having that opportunity is more valuable to me than anything else money could buy.”
They have many great references and police check avialable on request!
