Marcela

Hello, Marcela here. I love animals, nature, arts and travelling to discover new places. I've had different types of pets and houseplants all my life and grew up surrounded by animals in Brazil - lots of dogs, chickens, ducks, geese, horses, sheep, rabbits, a donkey, some cats...

I missed my pets before I missed my family when I moved over, so I rescued Yuppi the dog. She was a very active and attention-seeking Pyrenean Shepherd, whom I had for 13 years. As she aged, Yuppi had lots of medical issues so I am used to pets with great and poor health, very active or less mobile, and I love them all.

Yuppi left this world aged 18 a couple of years ago, and I miss having a pet very much but am not ready for another one yet. So looking after other pets fills a big gap in my heart.

I would love to help you with your beloved pets, homes and plants while you go away. I started my life in the UK in 2006 as a housekeeper, so I am careful and tidy with spaces and will also look after your home as my own. I also love plants and have a big collection myself, and have some experience growing veg and permaculture.

I eat a mostly plant-based diet, I don't smoke and I rarely drink alcohol - and never alone. When chilling at home I read, try out new recipes and watch films. I have a small car so can reach remote places and run errands if needed. Equally, I can leave the car in London and travel to sits using public transport with maybe my bike, if parking is a problem.

I have lived in London for most of the last 18 years, but as of December, my landlord increased the rent beyond affordability so I have started sitting full-time while I identify where to move to. I am also using the Trusted Sitters platform.

I work for Hackney Council managing community grants to help residents and charities make their buildings more energy efficient. I typically have to be in the office on Thursdays or/ and Mondays, but that can be flexible or skipped if planned in advance.

I do some other freelance work, mostly remotely, supporting schools with governance management. I am also a school governor and have volunteered in/ developed community projects for the last decade. I have a recent DBS certificate I am happy to share a copy of.

Here in England, as well as in London, I lived in Norwich for a few years. I lived for a few months and at different times in Paris, the lakes region in northern Italy, Vilnius, and the Amazon rainforest. I want to fly less so sitting will bring two passions of mine together - pets and travel - and in particular give me a chance to see parts of England/ UK I haven't seen :)

I look forward to seeing new places, helping fellow Londoners, and meeting your pets and plants!

Thanks for reading my profile :)