Give a hand with looking after my animals in beautiful Valais, Collombey-Muraz, Switzerland

Details

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  Description

  Hi! I'm Aurélie, 45 years old and I live in Illarsaz, a small and peaceful village in the heart of the Valais Chablais, surrounded by mountains and beautiful landscapes. It is a very quiet and pleasant place to live, with that typical Swiss countryside atmosphere, while still being close to everything you need for everyday life: shops, services and easy access to the motorway are all nearby.
  
  I really enjoy being outdoors, walking in nature, doing DIY projects, cooking and enjoying good food, spending time with friends, and keeping active through sport.
  
  I am a professional firefighter, but animals – and especially dogs – are a huge part of my life and one of my greatest passions. I am also a dog groomer and dog trainer, so I have built a large part of my life around dogs and their wellbeing.
  
  And then, of course, there is my animal family! 🐾
  
  I share my home with seven Border Collies and two Working Cockers. They are very social, happy and energetic dogs with wonderful personalities. They are great companions and very easy-going in everyday life, but they are also active, sporty dogs who need plenty of exercise and outdoor time. Walks are usually organised in smaller groups, which makes spending time with them much more enjoyable.
  
  I also have three rabbits, chickens and two lovely little goats. They are all well socialised and comfortable around people. My goats are particularly close to me and, when I have enough time, they even come along on walks with us!
  
  The chickens and rabbits enjoy life in the garden, while the dogs are always ready for the next walk or adventure.
  
  It is a lively home, full of animals and personality, but also a place where I really appreciate peace, simplicity, nature and the small pleasures of everyday life.
  
  For someone who genuinely loves animals and the outdoors, I think this can be a very special place to experience life in Switzerland.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Animal Care

  House & pet sitting
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  Interests

  

  Pets

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Gardening

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Animals

  

  Camping

  

  Cycling

  

  Winter sports

  

  Hiking

  

  Mountain

  

  Fitness

  

  Nature

  

  Outdoor activities
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  I really enjoy sharing knowledge and learning from other people, so I see this experience as much more than simply helping with my animals and home.
  
  Dogs are a big part of my life. As a dog trainer and dog groomer, and someone who is deeply passionate about canine behaviour, I would be very happy to share my experience and knowledge with you.
  
  If you are interested in dogs, you will have the opportunity to learn more about canine behaviour, understanding and reading dogs, communication, education and training, as well as everyday care and handling. With nine dogs, each with their own personality and energy, there are plenty of opportunities to observe, understand and learn!
  
  My work as a professional firefighter has also given me experience and practical skills in many different areas, which I am always happy to share.
  
  Most importantly, I enjoy exchanging ideas, experiences and skills. I would love this to be a mutual exchange, where we can both learn from each other while sharing everyday life in this beautiful part of Switzerland.

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  Help

  I work around 100 days per year, usually 2 days and occasionally up to a maximum of 3 days per week. I am looking for someone who would live with me in my home on a long-term basis and take responsibility for my house and animals when I am away at work.
  
  This arrangement leaves a lot of free time throughout the year. However, during my working days, I need someone who understands that taking care of my animals is a real responsibility and commitment.
  
  The main tasks include:
  
  ● Feeding and caring for all the animals
  
  ● Spending time with them and making sure they are happy and well
  
  ● Walking the dogs – they are very well trained and are walked in two separate groups
  
  ● Keeping the animals’ areas clean and comfortable
  
  ● Doing the necessary everyday cleaning to keep the house and shared living spaces clean and hygienic
  
  On the days when I am working, I need someone who can be quite present at home. The animals are used to company and should not be left alone for long periods, so this arrangement is particularly suitable for someone who enjoys spending time at home and with animals.
  
  As soon as I am back home, I take over responsibility for my animals again, giving you much more freedom and plenty of time for yourself.
  
  For me, the most important thing is to find someone who genuinely enjoys being with animals and spending time with them, rather than seeing their care simply as a list of tasks.
  
  I am looking for a long-term arrangement based on trust, reliability, respect and a shared love of animals, where you can also genuinely feel at home here.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  German: Fluent
  English: Fluent
  French: Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  I’m always happy to discover and learn a new language, and I really enjoy exchanging with people from different countries and cultures. However, it is important that we have a good common basis for communication from the beginning of the stay, especially when it comes to understanding instructions and communicating clearly about the animals, their routines and their wellbeing. I’m very open to improving our language skills together along the way!
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  Accommodation

  You will have your own private, bright 16 m² bedroom, which has been recently renovated, in my comfortable home in Illarsaz.
  
  You will share the common areas of the house with me and will of course have access to the kitchen, living spaces, bathroom and garden. The house offers plenty of space and a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere.
  
  There is a lovely garden and outdoor area, which is naturally also shared with the animals. The surroundings are very peaceful and quiet, with beautiful views of the mountains.
  
  The idea is for you to feel at home here, while still having your own private space when you want some peace and quiet.
  
  Please note that there is no private parking space, although parking possibilities can be found nearby.
  
  More practical details about the accommodation can of course be discussed together before your stay.

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  What else ...

  If you love sports, mountains, lakes and the outdoors, this is a wonderful place to live. We are surrounded by beautiful nature, and it really feels like a privilege to have so much to explore right on our doorstep.
  
  There are endless possibilities for hiking, outdoor sports, swimming, skiing and discovering the mountains and lakes, with so many beautiful places just a few minutes – or a short drive – from home.
  
  If you enjoy being active, exploring and spending time in nature, you definitely won’t run out of things to do here!

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets

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