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Host is looking for help immediately
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
8 Apr 2024
Reply rate
80.0 %
Usually responds within 12 days
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Details
Description
Hi, we're Rita, Victor and Peach & Chips!
We are based in the small home village of Victor, situated a stones throw away from the Swiss border, and a little further but still very close to the German border. Following several years of renovating houses, vans, camping cars and a little bit of traveling around France, we are settled in a house, working as an entrepreneur (Victor) and a yoga teacher (Rita).
A little more about the dogs: Peach is a 4 1/2 year old, 70kg Anatolian Shepard (also know as a Kangal), a primitive breed of dog known to be extremely loyal and impossible to train - as long as you respect her she will respect you.
Chips is a 3 1/2 year old American Staffordshire (official documents state he is a Boxer, therefore no categorization by French law standards). His 3 true loves in this world - playing fetch, playing with water, and people, he absolutely adores people.
Both dogs were adopted from the local shelters, Peach when she was 4 months, and Chips when he was 10months. Unfortunately, Chips still bears the scars of his 6 months at the shelter, combined with his naturally reactive instincts, it makes for a very easily spooked and reactive dog.
Neither Peach nor Chips are able to see another dog without being triggered, with both having attacked several dogs in the past. Therefore walks around the village are not a thing in our daily lives. Instead we play games in the garden and the large yard we have at our disposal beside the house.
The task at hand: we need a dog sitter for 1-2 weeks when we take holidays, ideally someone who can spend 1-2 weeks beforehand at the house getting acquainted with the dogs.
As mentioned previously, these are not the kind of dogs you can take for a leisurely stroll on a summer’s eve.
We need someone who has no fear nor hesitance being around very big, intimidating dogs.
Daily tasks would be to accompany the dogs to the yard to play, being with them throughout the day as company, feeding them, keeping them from barking all day, and, top priority, ensuring they don’t escape (through fault of the gates not being closed after use).
This experience is a great opportunity for someone who is independent and would like to visit the region, which is rich in culture and food and easily accessible by bike (which we can also provide).
Autumn and Winter are lovely times of the year here in this region - there's the Herbstmesse and the Christmas markets in Basel, hiking trails in all directions (the Black Forest, the Alps and the Jura all accessible in less than an hour drive or train ride), and it is a crossroads for many main cross-European bike routes!
This experience is maybe not a fit for you if you are seeking to learn new skills, to have new interesting things to work at daily, to be surrounded by people at all times. It is a definite ‘no’ if you have any fear of dogs, as it puts everyone, dogs especially, on edge.
We live in a large house with our housemate, Darshan, and the 2 dogs.
You would have a large room of your own, the house has the amenities like any other. We are largely vegetarians, sometimes sourcing our food from a local food saving organization of which we’re part of.
We don’t provide for vegans or meat-eaters, but have nothing against either. Victor is an incredible cook who will happily provide lunches and dinners for us all, breakfast will also be provided.
There is much more to be detailed and explained about this experience so if you’re interested please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
The region is very special, with French, Swiss and German influences. We can help you discover this region, most notably the cuisine, as well as cuisine from around the world.
Help
Please read the bio that I've created for this project carefully. The chores and skills listed are very much true to form. Unfortunately this isn't the workaway experience where we can teach you many more skills.
We understand it is difficult to give a concrete amount of time for staying before you even arrive but please be realistic when defining how long you will stay - it helps us greatly in planning the project.
One more thing, if you recognise yourself in the following list please reconsider contacting me as it may not be the workaway for you :)
- broken heart
- extreme mood swings or other psychological imbalances
We've had a couple of bad experiences with workawayers who had some of the aspects listed above. As we live together, we're trying to make the best environment possible for everyone.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
German: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
We live in a large house, currently on our own with the 2 dogs, in the coming months we will have housemates moving in.
The garden is connected to the house next door, the 9 people living there are our friends, we regularly share an apéro, slack line and hangout in the garden together. You would have a large room of your own, the house has the amenities like any other.
We are largely vegetarians, sometimes sourcing our food from a local food saving organization of which we’re part of. We don’t provide for vegans or meat-eaters, but have nothing against either.
Victor is an incredible cook who will happily provide lunches and dinners for us all, breakfast will also be provided.
What else ...
If you contact us, do not send a novel, please be concise and effective in your message :)
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
High speed wifi internet access everywhere including the garden
Space for parking camper vans
Lots of space for a van
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Flexible, max 25 a week
Feedback (25)
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
Thank you again Victor and Rita for hosting me :)
I learned a lot living with these guys: to think less, to be able to take breaks, not to rush, to be more liberated, to feel happiness.
I will not talk about the nuances of being here as a workawayer, because it means nothing to me. Everything was perfect! During this time, I found new friends - it's… read more
I really admire… read more
Thanks a lot for your help, hope to see you again !
Having worked in the construction industry, he has a lot of useful knowledge for everyday life.
:wink: Svein
Victor has created a nice community atmosphere around a big renovation project complete with a permaculture garden. He worked hard to include everyone in different tasks, outings, and activities. I particularly… read more
These few days were far too short. Paul is always willing to work or do common tasks, and always with a smile.
See you soon!
Very multi-tasking and always in a good mood.
You know you're welcome home whenever you want! :)
The house is located in a cute little village next to a nice forest for walks and with easy transportation to Basel city whenever you want to do something… read more
Victor is super easy going and friendly, he will pamper you with the best dishes that you can imagine, and of course, with a lot of good wine!
The tasks are very varied and always done it in a… read more
Thank… read more
