Erinn

Travel information

I am currently

Description

I just finished my PhD here in the UK, and I’m hoping to explore the country a little now that I finally have the time! I’m very fond of going for long walks, ideally with a canine companion. I’m particularly hoping to find a placement where I can assist in animal care and gardening; after spending so much time in the library studying the history of agricultural science, it’d be lovely to get back to spending time with real animals and plants.

Interests

Pets

Culture

Plant care

Music

History

Gardening

DIY & crafts

Cooking & food

Books

Animals

Outdoor activities

Nature

Languages spoken

English: Fluent

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Charity Work

Eco Projects

Creative DIY projects

Teaching

---

Some knowledge of:  

Light gardening

Animal Care

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Helping around the house

Light maintenance

House & pet sitting

Helping with Computers/ Internet

---

Able to teach about:  

Art Projects

More details about your skills

With regard to animal care, I have a great deal of experience caring for and training dogs. I have spent most of my life around large dogs (weighing about 54 kg), a few of whom were particularly excitable. When I’m visiting my parents during holidays between terms, I look after Clarence, their Leonberger, and Hildegard, their St Bernard mix. Since Hilde has several environmental allergies, I’ve had quite a bit of practice monitoring if she’s experiencing a flare-up and helping her stay comfortable. Clarence has enough energy for three dogs, so I help him stay busy with toys, games, and extra walks.

On the opposite end of the size spectrum, I spent three years as an undergraduate working in a mouse research lab. I learned how to handle mice safely and respectfully and how to contribute to their upkeep (for example, tagging, feeding, and washing cages). I also worked for a couple of summers as a docent at a small aquarium, where I led visitors on tours and had the privilege of spending my days telling kids cool facts about sharks.

I have had a casual interest in hobbyist gardening for many years now. I have no formal training in horticulture, but I am used to working outdoors in small gardens. (My undergrad degree was in ecology, so I’ve also spent a fair amount of time doing field work. One memorable research project required crawling through 100 meters of dense forest, counting piles of deer poop to estimate population density. After that, most outdoor projects have seemed fairly tame in comparison!)

I’ve had quite a bit of practice with keeping my own home tidy, and I’d be very glad to help with housework.

Age

28

What else ...

I’m a longtime knitter, and I’ve become very fond of dyeing wool myself to knit the most garishly colorful socks I possibly can. I’ve also been trying to learn crochet (with admittedly limited success).

I’ve also become really interested in bookbinding. As part of the process, I’ve been trying to learn how to make marbled endpapers. Progress is slow but very rewarding!

Some more information

• 

  Smoker

• 

  Driver's licence

• 

  Allergies
  No

• 

  Special dietary requirements
  No