Yes, she did... but not till 2:30. I liked her well enough as a person, but she's a real stranger, a real wild card to leave alone in our house for six days. She also has a little toddler without a lick of sense about staying out from under animals, who I'd worry about.
We now have three options:
"Jackie" the yard worker with the toddler who would be willing to stay here, as it turns out, but has no particular skill with the animals. The horses would have to stay out, rain or shine, because the lady has no particular skill catching or moving them.
"Frosty" a paid pet sitter a friend has used, who may be willing, not confirmed yet, and she'd do it for money, she'd come and feed the animals and is skilled, but would not spend any particular time with the dogs. The dogs would be on their own to find their way in and out for six days, which they aren't real good at yet, and the horses would have to stay out, rain or shine.
"Markie" the 17 year old daughter of a FReeper from the Saddle Club, who would do it as a grand adventure. We'd split her airfare, which would be a little more than the pay for the others, but she's a skilled horse person, she'd be here and really provide a lot better quality attention to the animals, including the ability for the horses to be stalled if the weather turns poor.
Ramius, perhaps show this to dad. I'll call in a bit, we're still mulling all this over.
Just my two cents, but I'd go with the Freeperling. You'll worry less, I think, and that's worth the extra money if you can afford it.
Well, even with money considerations aside (although it seems it never is). We think the freeperette from the Saddle Club sounds like a logical choice.
The horses are valuable as well as being family, quality care such as 'putting them in and out at night and during weather' seems to be a paramount consideration.
Plus Gidget and Homer could use the companionship.