All of our pets are well-behaved and easy to care for. The details below sound far more complex and time-consuming than they really are.

Phoebe, an 18# chiweinie, is a very loving dog -- she desires little more than to sit on laps and be with people. She needs to be taken outside on a leash approx. 5-6 times / day to go potty (incl. first thing in AM & last thing at night). Only rarely does Phoebe need to go potty after bedtime. She is very skilled at communicating her wants and needs. Her bedtime is typically ~10:00 PM but if she gets tired she will disappear upstairs and go to bed on her own. She is allowed on the furniture. Phoebe craves affection & will almost certainly want to sleep on the new king bed part-time with you.

Our region has coyotes, bobcat, hawks, and other predatory wildlife so Phoebe basically can't be outdoors off-leash. Also, when outside off-leash she often resists coming when called -- sniffing & chasing rabbits are far more compelling. Phoebe loves to investigate her property and if you take her for walks she would be especially happy (we take her to a Vancouver dog park whenever possible for off-leash time).

Someone needs to be here at night... but we certainly *don't* expect sitters to stay here all day! If possible, Phoebe should not be left alone for more than 6 hours/ day. She is not pad-trained but otherwise well potty-trained: Phoebe will hold her bodily functions as long as possible if no one is home to take her outside. If she has an accident (very rare) we are unconcerned; it easily cleans up.

Both rescue cats are strictly indoors. They have their own heated/air-conditioned "apartment" in our large outbuilding only steps from the main house back door.

Luna is very talkative & affectionate. She especially loves to be scratched and chase a feather wand.

Angie also lives in the apartment. A rescue, she is extremely fearful & reclusive which presumably is from not being handled when she was a kitten. Just the same, Angie is very, very sweet -- just like Luna. She spends most of the day hiding under the bed although she will sit in the window at night. Sudden movements and loud noises frighten her. She simply can't tolerate being picked up, but will seek affection when she is feeling especially comfortable & safe.

Both cats look forward to their nightly treats.

Hairballs & vomiting up minimally digested food are a rare occurrence in the apartment but is easy to clean up. The apt. is self-contained with a sink & toilet, which makes refilling their water fountain effortless. Luna & Angie eat only dry food plus their nightly treats.

Two litterboxes need to be scooped daily. Dog droppings do not need scooping as Phoebe uses an untrafficked area.

All pets are seniors but very healthy and need no medication. All are neutered / spayed.

Daily: dry food and fresh water for all. Phoebe (dog) also gets cooked chicken at dinner.

Hummingbirds: refill feeder every 2-4 days.
Koi: feed 1-3 times/ day (simply toss pellets into pond, April-October only).

Koi pond (with waterfall) needs *no* care - this includes freedom from dealing with pond filters.