Dog-sitter and woodwork assistent in rural Meerbeke, Belgium

Informationen

• 

  Beschreibung

  [ LAST MINUTE Workaway Guest position! ]
  We are looking for someone to arrive from 22/02.
  
  Enjoy the peace and tranquility of birdsongs, chicken stories and corn&branchwhispers and the company of good hearted young dogs, and myself.
  
  I will need DOGSITTING untill the end of octobre, for 1 or 2 weekends a month.
  And WOODWORK assisting untill april/may for sure.
  1 open position combining dogsitting and woodwork.
  
  Starting 22nd of february.
  Please send PM, and we can WhatsApp-videocall.
  
  DURATION of your STAY: can be short or longterm.
  Minimum of 2 weeks preferably. Maximum is 1 year.
  Get in touch to see what’s possible.
  
  We are LOCATED in the middle of fields and the Breughel countryside of Belgium! Walking, hiking, biking: I live in the town where the Tour of Flanders Cycling event had it's grand finale, and the area today is loaded with (accommodated) walking, hiking, biking routes.
  
  
  [ IMPORTANT ]
  Past workawayers who've been here, have experienced the occasional quiet and peacefull solo-time: some adore it and stay, some hate it and leave...
  So please consider this before you reach out and we start planning our time and start counting on each other..
  I am looking for a person I can trust to know him/herself enough, when applying, that can engage in their promise and if needed, can count both our needs in when changes occur. Off course life happens, and when things come up & you need to return, than you need to go, but I’d want to ask to consider myself as a host and preferably only leave when I have found a solution (longest that it took me was a week..) I’d like the workaway guest to be aware of this, because I have certain moments I would really need help and need to plan, for example for regular weekends I absolutely need a dogsitter to look after the dogs when I attend my workshop teachings (see below).
  
  
  
  {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ SHORT INTRO }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
  
  As a workaway host, we are a small household of 1 dogmom and 2 dogs: Flinn (born april 2021) and his nephew Noud (december 2023), both male Border Collies.
  We live in a cozy house in the middle of the fields & enjoy a big garden with great views on the fields. Our house is 1 of 4 private houses on a co-housing property (shared entrance garden) with friendly neighbours we meet regularly.
  We live a quiet life and love to enjoy the outdoors.
  
  > STRICTLY NO DRUGS & NO ALCOHOL ABUSE allowed.
  I myself don’t drink alcohol.
  Drugs are toxic for humans and lethal for dogs.
  That said, I am an occasional tabac sigarette smoker, but do this only outside and as far from others and my dogs as possible. I want to quit smoking this year for good and hope to free my lungs forever before this summer.
  
  > LAST MINUTE workaway guest REQUEST::
  The workawayer must be able to assist me with woodwork (big cupboard and installing fence poles f.e.) AND dogsitting.
  
  // WOODWORK
  Assisting me to install some woodwork upgrades in house & garden.
  5h/day, food and accomodation included.
  Projects include: installing a large wall-cloak hanger in the entrance hall; installing a wooden wall-cupboard in the kitchen and the 1st floor hall; installing a fence outside and a wooden cupboard for the trashbins, etc…
  I want to prepare the house asap for the new (fix) roommates to move in with me (ideally april).
  
  // DOGSITTING ON LOCATION for full weekend.
  Dogsitting is on location in my campervan (check out the photos in my profile). Here you will be dogsitting a full weekend (friday afternoon untill sunday evening), combining dogwalking and enjoying your free time in the campervan.
  You and the dogs will be solo in the camper, when I’m taking a weekend workshop bushcrafting nearby (no dogs allowed).
  We start the journey from home and drive together to the location, where I will head to the forest to meet my workshopteam, after we have installed the campervan on its fixed weekend location for the dogs and you. The location is at a National Park in the west of Belgium, so prepare for great hikes and lots of fresh forest air! On several occasions the camperlocation is next to a camping, where you have access to sanitary areas and a restaurant/bar.
  
  !! 2 OPTIONS to combine dogsitting and woodwork.
  € The extra effort can make you adding up to your travel budget €
  
  1. Yes me-time & No €
  Yes to a DIFFERENT WORKING SCHEDULE than the usual workaway proposal, with many time off for you.
  In the coming months I have 2 weekends each month that I take the bushcraft course, so I need 2 weeks per 4 weeks/month a dogsitter during weekend.
  So:
  Week 1&4 of the month you work 5h during 5 weekdays, food&accomodation included.
  Week 2&3 of the month you dogsit a full weekend from friday afternoon untill sunday evening. 1 weekend means the 5x5h agreement in 1 stretch of your time. During weekdays (monday to friday afternoon) you are free. Food & accomodation included.
  
  Yes, since these weekends are full time, so you will be free for the rest of these weeks (monday untill friday afternoon)
  
  2. Yes € and loving the woodwork vibes
  Or you choose some extra €€€ for your travelbudget & to continue working 5h/day on weekdays (woodwork) + you dogsit the weekend (freely hiking and staying in a campervan with the dogs)
  In this case you will be PAYED for the dogsitWEEKEND (50€/weekend plus the ongoing Workaway agreement for food&accomodation continued) only when you keep the weekdays 5h rythm and on top dogsit during the weekend.
  (PS 50€ is my previous dogsitter’s rate - she was with the dogs the past 3 workshop weekends but had to let go because of work).
  
  The choice is yours, my 1st priority is a dogsitter during the weekends and this would be a good deal for me already for sure.
  I would be extra happy when the woodwork during the week continues together with you, but I fully understand that this is more than a regular workawayer looks for or accepts, so choose wisely and choose what you feel good doing. And then so will I :)
  
  AGENDA:
  The specific dates of the dogsitting weekends.
  In the coming months, there are 2 weekends each month to dogsit.
  From the summer on 1 weekend a month.
  13-15/02
  21-22/03
  27-29/03
  17-19/04
  24-26/04
  15-17/05
  29-31/05
  19-21/06
  26-28/06
  24-26/07
  28-30/08
  25-27/09
  23-25/10
  
  {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ LONG INTRO }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
  
  I prepared extra reading for you where you might find more answers to your questions.
  I am looking for a hands-on independant person, ideally with some experience who enjoys these woodprojects, and a big heart for dogs and animals, the quiet life and some adventure.
  I do appreciate an open&direct contact, both when preparing your arrival and during your stay, since this will be a good flow for everybody to experience our workaway-time together.
  I have experience with woodwork from my stage projects, and a good vibe is the best glue.
  
  Life has many ways & I’m hoping to find a happy helper to enjoy their time with us while helping us out preparing the house & dogsitting.
  
  Please feel free to contact me when you're interested!
  No stress to check out our match only by this text.. Via whatsapp I want to invite you for a videocall for a first meeting to say hello and discuss more details and answer all questions.
  
  EXTRA READING topics
  
  ##### INTRODUCTION
  ##### WORKAWAY GUEST: what is included and what am I looking for
  ##### DOGSITTING INFO & TOP IMPORTANT : YOUR APPROACH TO MY DOGS
  ##### THE DAILY FRIENDLY HAND INCLUDED
  ##### WOODWORK
  ##### WHAT WOULD YOUR DAY HERE LOOK LIKE
  ##### OUR HOUSE & VOLUNTEERS
  ##### LIVING UNDER THE SAME ROOF
  
  
  >>>>>>> Start Extra Reading here:
  
  
  ##### INTRODUCTION
  I am a 42y old independent feminist woman, enjoying a peacefull homesteading life with outdoor adventures, alongside my dogs. After a freelance career in stage design, I swapped my hectic freelance life in 2020 for a rooted existance close to nature and closer to my own rythm and personal creativity in a 1 person household, grounding in my own energy.
  When Corona hit, I took a helpdesk job working from home and enjoying the pups growing up and walking in our beautifull region. At this moment I decided to quit this job, and focus 100% on my new project that I want to establish.
  In 2026 I aim to have 2 fixed roommates, to create a shared ‘basecamp’ (style private homesteading basecamp with bunkbed sleeping dorm) and to share the house and homesteading with, and I hope to find likeminded people who follow their own singular adventurous path.
  This ‘alternative’ idea of creating a home, has found inspiration in my personal travels and workaway adventures (I realize that most travellors avoid bunkbed dorms when they can, but I really love it and think it’s cozy) & I love being around people who’re also full of plans, with a nose for adventure and an open heart for humankind.
  
  Between 2016 and 2019 I have regularly been a workaway guest myself, enjoying different communities and ways of life.
  From 2022 I have been a workaway host myself in my current home, and during 1 year have accommodated workaway guests to dogsit on the pups when I had to regularly go back to the office (post-corona realities).
  
  After a workaway break of 1.5y, today I am looking for a workawayer to help me prepare the house (woodwork in&outdoors) to be better organised for 3 people living here fix (with all their belongings). I also plan to continue the workaway-hosting when 3 people live here, this needs to be included as well in the house’s organization.
  Aside from that, I am taking extra bushcraft and outdoorclasses this year, to fully engage and learn the outdoor lifestyle, that I plan to develop daily in my future life. Out with the office, in with the outdoors :)
  
  As a ‘naturalist’ feminist, I choose to believe and wish to create a world where every living being is equal, be it man or animal, man or nature, female or male, lgbtq+, nationality, culture, etc… We are all individuals who should be able to feel comfortable to be ourselves at all times, in a welcoming and friendly environment. We are all particles in Nature’s complex ecosystem and we all deserve the space and community around us to be safe, sound and happy.
  
  I am a kind and communicative person, and when occupied with a project can be focused and enthousiastic. I like to sleep and eat on regular hours, eat vegetarian and bio preferably, do several dog walks a day and should be doing more yoga.
  Because of a back problem that manifested in these last years, I am a bit more cautious and prefere to share some tasks that I used to manage alone before. Hence needing a happy helper for the woodwork 😃 and on top I appreciate good team work vibes.
  
  
  ##### WORKAWAY guest: what’s included & who am I looking for
  
  As a workaway guest, you will be welcomed here in your home away from home, were you are fully accepted in the household. You will have a private room, with a single bed, a sofa, a window-desk with garden&rural views, and cupboard for your storage. The use of kitchen, bathroom, washing machine, (non-electric) bike is yours to freely use.
  
  IF you are a NOMAD and prefer staying in YOUR OWN CAMPERVAN or would like to set up a Camping tent (even in winter some folks indulge in it) in the meadow and create a private corner there, this is possible too! Enough space, and elec&water available outside for you to use. We can fence it somewhat, it if you want (or the dogs will be your daily visitors).
  The meadow has an entrance at the back so you could park there.
  
  DIGITAL NOMADS very welcome too! Super WIFI and enough space to install you home office. I’m learning some e-commerce and Insta-vending, and maybe we share this interest.
  
  Food is off course included: I provide a healthy, non-alcoholic and vegetarian diet (oats for breakfast, warm vegetarian meal at noon and a soup&bread for the evening, all with non-alcoholic natural drinks).
  We can cook together, make a meal for 2 or eat each our own dish. I am content with sharing all meals, and happy to check-in on each other on a regular basis.
  Extra’s like meat, your occasional wine or beer are your expenses to finance.
  Drugs or alcoholabuse are not welcome here. This will strictly and firmly not be tolerated, a first reason because this could be lethal for the dogs. These innocent creatures should not be suffering because they like following their noses…
  
  Upon your arrival, we can make a working schedule for your stay. This can be the same every week, or when you have plans&ideas for your free time we can organize your working hours accordingly - ideally we get the schedule ready lastest 1 week in advance so that I can plan my time and projects as well.
  
  As a workaway guest, you should be an open and communicative person regarding the workaway plans and organization, that preferably goes well organized in a productive flow.
  
  You should be comfortable doing the woodwork and know how to create a result with good quality.
  This woodwork project is something you assist me with, I will be there every step and be prepared with the material and tools. Since I’d want this project to be finished in a reasonable time, I think it is wise to call out for someone who knows wood&nails…
  
  You need to be a dog-person, for one to have a generous and caring contact with my dogs, and also because the dogs are free in the living room, their bed & eating corner is there, and they love to hang out with people and are curious and enthousiastic and deserve a same open welcome at any moment from your side in their own house.
  Upon your arrival, we do some dogwalks together, so that you get familiarized with them and the way we communicate.
  
  The SLEEPING RYTHM is important for you to know, as this house has an established one already & dogs are big on fixed habits.
  We sleep between 22-23h, and wake up around 6-7h. Between these hours, we are used to having a silent house, especially for the dogs this is an important part for having a stressless existance. And the same goes for well rested humans..
  So the workawayer would need to follow this rythm as well. Being in your room, writing, reading, or watching AppleTV with earplugs with the night light on, is perfectly possible. But no music, phonecalls, going in- and out the house (exceptions happen) on a daily basis.
  
  As a workaway guest, you should feel comfortable living together with me as well, sharing the house. This vibe of a single household is different than when you are a workawayer in a Marrocan hostel or Spanish dog shelter f.e. for sure.. You need to be comfortable living in a household that will be less eclectic or varied than big families or large communities.
  
  
  
  ##### DOGSITTING INFO & TOP IMPORTANT : YOUR APPROACH TO MY DOGS
  
  The dogsitting has partly been explained above.
  Noud & Flinn love being outside on walking and exploring adventures. They have been doing this daily, and thus they crave their daily walks.
  When I walk them as a solo dogmom I have a belt that I wear accross my body where I attach the leashes on. This allows me to have a hands free (when I want or when I need them) and relaxed experience, and garantees to keep the dogs leashed. In Belgium it is nowhere allowed to let the dogs walk of leash, only in fenced ‘dogfields’ they are able to do this.
  We have been visiting some areas in the Netherlands where they have off-leash walking routes especially for dogs: here Flinn&Noud have enjoyed walking independently and when meeting other dogs, this was always very peacefull from both sides. Flinn&Noud are curious and engaged when meeting other passengers on the road, and I applaud their open and curious attitude.
  Here in Belgium the contact between crossing dogowners&their dogs can have a different vibe as the dogs are always leashed and some owners really want to avoid any contact or interest from other dogs. It’s wise to be keep the dogs close when crossing another, for everyone’s wellbeing and stressless walking experience. It is important that you respect this.
  When at home, the dogs are happily with you in the garden or in the living room. They take a keen interest in what you are doing, so be ready for 2 extra shadows behind you back (who sometimes just continue their nap eitherway).
  I educated the dogs without punishement, and with a dedicated and engaged communication. I am looking for a workaway guest who completely agrees and embodies this attitude.
  
  
  ##### THE DAILY FRIENDLY HAND INCLUDED
  You keep your room clean and help cleaning the bathroom and kitchen when you’re ready.
  Ideally after showering you clean tap & walls with a anti-chalk product, and tidy up so the bathroom is ready for the next person.
  Since the bathroom is tiny, I clear all towels and soaps and take them back to their storage in my room, or to dry in the washing room.
  
  The kitchen is free for you to use. We can organize our time and share (some) meals together, cook together or you can follow your own hunger-feel. Preferably some meals shared during the week, so we can check in on the projects or dogtopics, & off course share good times and conversations.
  There is a dishwasher, a microwave, oven, fridge and modest freezer. Preferably the kitchen is clean after meals, for sure every evening before sleeping.
  
  ##### WOODWORK
  
  I have several projects that I want to start or complete (see below).
  For the woodwork I myself have some simple tools, and other tools I can borrow from neighbours using a peer-to-peer sharing platform where tools can be used freely by fellow citizens. This does need some planning, hence the need to have our mutual agenda’s well organized.
  Sometimes I find (free) things on Facebook marketplace, and then I attach the trailer to my van and go get the item. I look forward to finding bigger items when I have a workaway guest in the house to help me load and unload (the bunkbeds for example).
  
  INDOORS
  A kitchen wallfilling cupboard (priority)
  A large cloak&shoe hanger in the entrance hall (priority)
  A 1st floor wallfilling cupboard and campingstorage (priority)
  Wooden covers for the electric heaters
  To convert my sleeping room in a 3-person sleeping room, with bunkbed-adaptations… (1st thing after the priorities)
  To create a bunkbed for lounging and the dogbedsofa below (wow, sigh..)
  Some curtains to hang (awesome adaptations..)
  Etc..
  
  OUTDOORS
  A wooden cabinet where the big trashbins can be placed (anti-ugly trashbin decision :)
  To change the fence in the communal garden
  Create woodpile fences
  Install a big wooden drying washing line (winters are perfect for hanging out wool clothes for cleaning in the frost f.e.)
  Adapt a wooden strawstable into a wood storage and lounge area
  Etc..
  
  
  
  ##### WHAT WOULD YOUR DAY HERE LOOK LIKE
  
  Well, that is up to us.
  First of all, I respect the workaway approach, to offer free accomodation&food in exchange for 5x5h help on a weekly basis.
  
  I am however flexible, it doesn’t need to be 5 weekdays and weekends off, this can be a free day(s) during the week too, or even a full day work (2x5h on one day) and a free day in return..
  My planned activities are all put in an agenda pinned to the wall and shared via whatsapp, and are unique events or workshops that have a single timing.. (2 or 3 each month, aside from the workshop weekends) so you can check this and plan around it,
  
  Dogsitting weekends are full time from friday night to sunday evenings.
  As explained, this can mean that you are free the rest of the week,
  OR that you work 5h daily during the week and that you dogwalk on weekends, AND earn some cash to add to your personal budget.
  
  Free time can be off course spend anywhere in and around the house.
  You have your private room to nest in, or are welcome hanging in&around the house.
  We don’t do loud music, neighbours and ears like to keep it reasonable.
  A bike is available for you.
  
  In the area you can enjoy the ruralcountryside, 3 forests, a river that you can follow alongside by foot or bike (French speaking Wallonia is 1h by bike along the river from our town Denderwindeke).
  Several sport and fitness clubs, a library with an international section.
  A kajak rental to explore the river.
  A repair spot where you can partake in workshops 3D printing or other hobbies.
  Volunteering with a nature organization,
  There are some nice cafes closeby, one is a nature centre with great garden & indoor terrace open all day, another is a brown rock’&roll alternative bar with a talkative bartender that is a nice spot to listen to some music (even on afternoons) or another is a small neighbour-run local spot next to the quiet church square, great for a coffee during your walks.
  
  2 busstops closeby on walking distance (10-15min). Busses to Halle (2 trainstops from Brussels) or Ninove (connecting to Denderleeuw and Aalst)
  Belgium is small, so a trainride to Gent is 40min, Brussels 25min and Antwerp and Bruges 1h.
  
  
  
  #### LIVING UNDER THE SAME ROOF
  
  Respecting each other is the highest good.
  Honesty therefor is key.
  & Open friendly communication.
  
  When you’re out&about, we can stay in touch via whatsapp, and will create a shared agenda that you can check anytime, anywhere during your stay.
  
  Respect silent hours (22:30h - 06:30h)
  
  I expect you to bring the neccessary basic items and be prepared. It’s rainy here so bring your raincoat, you would need hiking boots that can deal with mud, bring warm clothes (temperatures now go from -1° to 9°) etc… I don’t have spare of everything and in your size.
  
  Let me know if anything is on your mind concerning your stay here, and we’ll take it from there to find solutions, and make it good for everyone.
  No need to let it linger, open communication is a healthy thing. And a good experience is the best that the world has to offer.
  
  I look forward to meeting people and genuinly have a good time, share some laughs & life, and enjoy the projects and time together.
  
  When you spend your time in our area, chances are real that you make friends here outside of our household.
  I need you to check-in with me before you invite some over. When you would have a visitor from home, tell me and we can find a spot for them to sleep the night too. I’m PRO befriending the whole world, but CONTRA being disrespecting or treated like I’m your bad mother… because I’m not, I’m just a fellow human on this earth. 🌍 IN SHORT: Guests have my respect, care,sympathy and allegence. I expect the same approach in return.
  
  I aim to create this bunkbed-homesteading vibe (with, at the moment, the private workaway room) and look for fellow independent individuals who love to wake up to the day and feel happy about dogs, woodwork, and having some good times and good nights rest.
  
  ☀️🏕🌠🍀🌳🦮🐞🦆🦉🐌🕸🐓🐈‍⬛🍁💫☃️🫐🥗🌽🥦🥬🥝🍆🐝🐾🙌
  
  Hope to hear you soon!
  
  Cheers

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  Arten von Hilfe und Lernmöglichkeiten

  Hilfe bei Ökoprojekten

  Gartenarbeiten

  Heimwerker- und Bauarbeiten

  Betreuung von Tieren

  Zubereiten / Kochen von Mahlzeiten für die Familie

  Hausarbeiten

  Handwerkliche Arbeiten

  Haus- & Haustiersitting
• 

  Interessengebiete

  

  Politik & Soziales

  

  Vegetarier / Veganer

  

  Nachhaltigkeit

  

  Haustiere

  

  Kultur

  

  Leben im Camper-Van

  

  Selbstentwicklung

  

  Bücher

  

  Kunst & Design

  

  Heimwerken & DIY

  

  Musik

  

  Gärtnern

  

  Fotografie

  

  Sprachen

  

  Gartenarbeiten

  

  Kochen & Backen

  

  Blogging

  

  Schreiben

  

  Tischlerarbeiten

  

  Tiere

  

  Camping

  

  Natur

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Wintersport

  

  Gebirge

  

  Wassersport

  

  Outdoor-Aktivitäten

  

  Wandern

  

  Radfahren

  

  Erlebnissportarten
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  Kultureller Austausch und Lernmöglichkeiten

  Travellers get to explore the countryside of Belgium, close to the Vlaamse Ardennen, Pajottenland, and the valley of river Dender, walking, biking, …
  They get to spend weekends in a National Park staying in my campervan and hiking&dogsitting 2 amazing dogs.
  People who enjoy good old woodwork and DIY projects on an old farm estate, will have a blast.
  I am an open minded person, and love a good conversation and cultural exchange.

• 

  Arbeit

  DOGSITTING Top Priority
  WOODWORK needed
  House maintainance shared
  
  Welcome.
  Details in full text.

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  Sprachen

  Gesprochene Sprachen
  Englisch: Fließend
  Französisch: Fließend
  Niederländisch: Fließend
  Spanisch: Gute Kenntnisse
  Deutsch: Grundkenntnisse

  Dieser Gastgeber bietet Sprachaustausch an
  Love to get better in German as I have a small knowledge (from holidays since a baby) but I haven't had some serious spending time learning it
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  Unterkunft

  The workawayer has a private room with view on the garden & fields (bed, sofa corner, desk, cupboard).
  In case you have your own campervan, there's room for you to park it in the field (4x4 might be necessary in this case). Water is there, electricity is outside present too - you just need your specific cable.

• 

  Was noch ...

  Super for hikers and outdoor lovers... and we require doglovers. We salute fellow bushcrafters.
  
  We are in the middle of glowing fields and Flanders’ Pajottenland and you’ll visit the Belgian National Parks every other week.
  
  Woodwork enthousiast can indulge in indoor and outdoor house projects in an old charming Land House.
  
  Public transport is 10min walking from the house.
  Brussels is 1h by train or/and bus, 2h by bike.

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  Etwas mehr Information

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    Internet Zugang

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    Eingeschränkter Internet Zugang

  • 

    Wir besitzen Tiere

  • 

    Wir sind Raucher

  • 

    Familien möglich

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  Kann Digital Nomads unterbringen

  I'm fully equipped with internet and have been working from home a long time and it works perfectly. Working from home has always been without any troubles or a weakness in the line.

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  Platz zum Abstellen von Camper Vans

  No problem - parking available - outside water tap and electricity point available.

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  Hier sind Haustiere in der Regel willkommen

  Since you will be spending time dogsitting on location, in my campervan, it is not possible to bring your own pet as well.

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  Kapazität - wie viele Workawayer maximal

  eine(n)

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  Meine Tiere/Haustiere

  

  Noud

  Noud is a male Border Collie, born on 16/12/23 as a puppy to Flinn’s sister.
  He is a loving little bear and with 2 dogs around, this bundle of joy fills my heart every day.
  Noud is a black&white BC, a bit smaller than Flinn (and rounder, as often enough he eyeballs Flinn’s food too :D )

  

  Flinn

  Flinn is a male Border Collie, born 04/04/21. He’s my first dog as a solo ‘dogmom’ and we are a good team. Flinn was a great sidekick as a ‘pawrent’ for Noud & welcoming his nephew Noud as a puppy has been a bliss for Flinn, as he now has his very own forever friend living with him.
  
  

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