Small quiet town and home available to you....if you like dogs! in Bowling Green, USA

Details

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  Description

  I am 72 year old active independent woman, retired back to my hometown. I was a masters level teacher of Deaf and Hard of Hearing children. I am a nationally certified American Sign Language Interpreter still working part time. I volunteer with deaf and blind dog Rescue organizations. My house is dog focused, as I own 3 deaf and partially blind fuzzy kids. I have a small guest bedroom available. I can not afford to pay anyone but would be happy to provide meals, snacks, sign language lessons, transportation and perhaps basic dog behavior and obedience lessons in exchange for general help around the yard and house.
  
  As of April 23, 2024, I applied for a full passport and am waiting to receive it so I can verify my ID.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Elderly Companionship

  Gardening

  Animal Care

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  I have had experience with friends and college students from Germany, Austria, India, Pakistan and Turkiye. I am not necessarily an example of a typical American culture and enjoy showing another side to living in the USA, as well as, learning about other cultures. I live in a small college town with a variety of cultural exposures without the big city environment. Quiet. Quaint. Historical. Manageable. Only 30 minutes away from larger cities.

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  Help

  I am not able to kneel down on my knees or reach up high. I can climb a ladder but feel unsafe to do it alone. Walking on uneven ground is a balance challenge. I have had both knees artificially replaced. I seek help with yard work, house cleaning and minor home repairs. Help with brushing and feeding dogs would be appreciated but not necessary. Examples: reaching up to change batteries in smoke detectors, raking leaves in the yard, shoveling snow, mopping the house floor, flipping the bed mattresses, etc. Nothing complicated nor strenuous.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  Sign language (American): Fluent
  English: Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  I'll tutor you in spoken English and/or American Sign Language in exchange for learning your native language.
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  Accommodation

  Small ranch home in a quiet residential neighorhood. Big trees. No traffic. Wood privacy fenced backyard. 3 bedrooms. One for me. One is my office and the other is the guest bedroom. The only fully private area is the bedroom. Your room would be the small guest room with a small closet, but all yours while you are here. The entire house, including the bathroom would be shared with me and 3 dogs. I enjoy cooking and will provide all meals. I buy organic as much as possible. I can cook vegetarian, or not. I lean toward a Mediterranean diet.(Vegan is probably not an option.) I would love it if you would cook a few of your country's dishes or share recipes!

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  What else ...

  My family is all gone now. I am the only Shaffer alive. When I think about this, it saddens me. However, I like living alone and my quiet solitude but miss having companionship and family around. I have lived alone (with dogs) for many many years. I'm a good communicator with an equal sharing of talking and listening and prefer you to be the same. I am bluntly honest and direct in my communication. I would appreciate the same from you.

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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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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  One

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  Hours expected

  Varied time. Maybe 2 hours per day. Maximum 2-3 hours a day, 5 days a week.