Sainte-Foy-la-Grande

We have a pair of boxers: mother age 8 [Bella], and son age 6 [Zorro]. They are both very affectionate, and accustomed to being with a human pretty much 24/7. They can be left for a few hours, but not a whole day. It should be noted that the dogs sleep with us: that's to say in the bedroom, but never on the bed. In fact, being on the furniture is forbidden (but that doesn't stop them from being sneaky when we're out, or asleep!)

Bella has undergone major surgeries to both of her rear legs, but has recovered well and presented no problems. (ACL on both knees) However, she can limp a bit when she's overdone it, or the weather's damp. Zorro suffered the loss of his right eye at 9 months as a result of being hit by a post-van. This has made him very fearful of pretty much everything, but wheeled things in particular (skateboards are the worst).

They are always walked separately in town, or in unknown areas/areas frequented by other dogs. Their two "long" walks (30-40 mins each, on average) are off-lead in the countryside, while two short toilet breaks a day occur close to the house, so this is an ideal sit for couples. Simultaneous walks in town are only possible if there are 2 people to walk them, and this is something that we normally do only last thing at night for the "pee-run" before bed. They have a tendency to "wind each other up," and are particularly fit/strong (Bella 32kg, Zorro 39kg). That said, they're pretty good on-lead, with the notable exception being when a cat is glimpsed, and then you will quickly be aware of their physicality!

Feeding is twice daily: after the morning and afternoon walks. They're fed in separate spaces, only because Bella's an utter pig, and Zorro can be a bit funny about his food. He often doesn't want to eat when he's given his food, and then hides his bowl under the rug, or buries it under toys until he's ready! Bella knows better than to touch his bowl. But she will nick any treats/bones/bread crusts that he puts down.

We'd appreciate having the plants watered (pots on the terrace, and indoors) as and when necessary.

Our dogs are not welcoming of other animals, either in the house, or outside, so please no applicants who travel with their pets. Thank you.

This sit is only suitable for a single person, or a couple, but not a family. A vehicle suitable for transporting the dogs for off-lead walks twice daily, is available id necessary.

Our actual depart date is 26th July, relatively early in the morning, and our return is the evening of 2nd August. There is flexibility for arrival earlier than required, and departure later than required - within the bounds of reason.

I would like no less than 1 full day and 2 nights with our sitters in order to ensure that Zorro in particular is settled and comfortable before we leave.

We look forward to meeting you

Thank you

A 13th century half-timbered (colombage) house forming part of the defensive riverside wall in the first bastide to be created in SW France. The house is mix-purpose, with one half given over to holiday rentals (ground and half of 1st floor), with owner accommodation spread over the remainder of the first floor, and the entirety of the 2nd floor. A totally secluded 2nd floor terrace overlooking the river offers amazing views. There is no garden!

A car is necessary for this sit. If you don't have your own, we can furnish one. Not wishing to state the blindingly obvious, but a current - clean - driver's licence will be required!

A reasonable variety of small shops, boulangeries, bars and restaurants are 300m away, and a large, vibrant weekly farmers market occurs every Saturday morning. There are several supermarkets less than 2km from the property.

The terrace [north facing) has charcoal BBQ, chiminea, and electric plancha for outdoor living, and a generous roller-blind for shade. The wifi signal has been boosted to give good cover on the terrace.

We have both French and UK TV, and a large selection of DVDs and books.

The house is riverside (the Dordogne), on the edge of an historic town of approximately 2,500 residents. While literally on the edge of the town, most shopping needs are readily accessible - and one of the best weekly farmers markets in France takes place 300m from the house on Saturday mornings.

The house is on fibre optic, so if you're a digital nomad looking for what you need for work, you're probably OK here!

There's a good cinema in town that offers a wide range of films in both original versions (VO) and translated/dubbed/subtitled (normally into English)

Life here is tranquil.

Located in the heart of the Perigord, and Nouvelle Aquitaine, there's just so much to see if you're into history. And wine. Lots of wine, There's really too much to even mention!

There's a reasonable food scene, and a reasonably active artist/artisan community, too.