I spent 30 years as a veterinary nurse in Somerset — the last 15 as head nurse at a mixed practice. I've handled everything from post-operative cat recoveries to diabetic dogs needing twice-daily insulin. When I retired in 2021, I didn't expect to keep caring for animals, but a friend suggested TrustedHousesitters and within a month I was looking after two elderly Maine Coons in Christchurch while their owners visited family in England.

I've since split my time between New Zealand and the UK, sitting wherever I'm needed most. Cats are my first love — I understand their rhythms, their need for routine, and the subtle signs that something isn't right. But I'm equally comfortable with dogs, especially older ones who need a quieter, more attentive kind of care.

I'm not looking for adventure. I'm looking for the satisfaction of knowing someone's beloved pet is being cared for by someone who genuinely knows what they're doing.