Hello all.
I am part of the Lindsay Clan and want/have to go to The Gathering 2009 in Edinburgh, Scotland from July 21 - July 31, give or take.
I live in North Carolina, USA. The airfare is expensive, but I've got that covered, and car rental.
What I'm wondering, does anyone know of a House/Pet sitting network, or somewhere I could post an ad? I'm experienced at both, not a kid anymore, responsible and have a Red Cross Certificate in Dog/Cat CPR, etc. I don't drink, or take drugs and have owned my own home for 25 years, I have references. I am 59 years old, female and very capable.
Can anyone help with ideas, websites, anything? I don't have to be in the City, just close enough so the drive won't be too very long. I would appreciate any help - this is a once in a life time event for me.
Thank you.

In addition to house-sitting, perhaps your should lo0ok into an organization like Servas.

"Servas is a worldwide cooperative cultural exchange network established in 1948 and composed of member hosts and travelers working together to foster peace, goodwill and mutual respect. Servas seeks to realize these aims by providing opportunities for person-to-person contacts between people of diverse cultures and backgrounds. Our mission includes providing approved US and international travelers with opportunities to be guests of Servas member hosts around the world."

http://www.usservas.org/about.html

See if you can set up with pet stores, groomers or vets for referrals. I found my dog sitter through a (small independent) pet store.

Maybe you could consider a house swap also? If you do a search here you will find some info on it. Sprin2 is an enthusiastic house swapper for instance.

House exchange?

So, you're looking for someone to watch your pet(s) while you travel? Is that why you are looking for a pet sitting network?

Why don't you cancel the car rental and use public transport if that's possible. Perhaps other family members who have hired a car could drive you to some places. The extra cash might be enough to stay in a youth hostel (age doesn't matter these days). Chances are you will be too busy to have time to worry about someone else's pet.

Hope the gathering is wonderful!

I'd cancel the car rental and stay in the city at a hostel or something similar to save money. I agree, I think you'd be too busy to look after a pet, especially a dog. And you could get by without the car and use public transport.

You might check out this website and the mention under "Survey Questions" about Lindsay group hotel/motel reservations. It might be a little late to get in on this, but I think it's worth an inquiry about lodging or help in finding a house/pet sitting network.

http://listsearches.rootsweb.com/th/...-03/1206966767

You can save a heck of a lot of $$ by not renting a car. So if you can afford a car - then use that money to book a room instead. You definitely do not need/want a car in Edinburgh.

But book something as soon as possible. Things will be very crowded and since it is just a week before the festivals and tattoo start - the city would have been very full even w/o the Gathering.

Here are some housesitting websites that might help. The hard part will be finding something for your dates, in that part of the world. Good luck.

http://www.housecarers.com/
http://www.housesitworld.com/
http://www.mindmyhouse.com/

Kay