Mama Goose say's it's time I made better use of my time the cruise the EF

I'm still floating between here and France so for the next 6 months or so full time work is out. So if anyone needs any general DIY, general admin', help with a project, or just a spare pair of hands let me know. I even raised 3 children, who still have all there own teeth and no criminal records so sproggy watching isn't beyond the realms of possibility.

Uh-oh, here we go.... A familiar story. Yes, unfortunately, having a spouse, children or a job can stand in the way of your EF involvement. I suggest some soul searching and counselling for you to sort out whether those added extras of life are even absolutely necessary.

Sad but true....and who'd argue with a Scots woman (MG). Selling the house and business in France is taking longer than hoped, and mean trips back to Frogland The kids are all at uni' in the UK so it's me an Mama G (and the 3 Labs) here, and she say's I make the apartment look untidy ....so it's a little casual work or a site move to McDonalds for my EF fix

Try dog breeding. (That way, you can supervise while still surfing the EF.) Pedigree dogs cost more than the earth here.

Argus your a mind reader, breeding (the dogs not me and MG) is top of the list, but we have to sell the gites and house in France to release the capital, then we can look at somewhere with the right facilities here. So CH must wait until maybe 2010 before, quality Chocolate Labs are available here....at a price that means you can keep both kidneys

'Quality Chocolate Labs' sound like a fun workplace. Or at least they'll give you delicious work.

Good luck with your sale.

PG, have you thought about dog sitting or other aspects of dog care? There is much demand for professional, responsible, knowledgeable sitters - and a dearth of truly qualified people.

While there are an increasing number people advertising themselves as sitters, IME (and I've interviewed a LOT of them) many of these folks haven't a clue when it comes to dog behavior, nor are prepared to take the job seriously. Most I've spoken to I would not trust to look after a house plant, let alone my precious mutts.

From your posts, you obviously know a thing or two about dogs...

The niche area where you could be quite successful would be with people with 'special needs' dogs - dogs with either medical concerns or behavioral issues. Few sitters are willing/able to take on such dogs, and owners of special needs pooches are generally prepared to pay a small fortune for someone trustworthy, capable... and legal.

Just to give you an idea, my sitter is usually booked months in advance, especially over the holidays/school vacations. Holiday demand is so high that you could charge a premium for bookings over the Christmas/New Year period.

You'd need to register with the BVet as per the new Animal protection law - pet sitters come under the professional category, and you'd likely to take a course (by 2010) in order to qualify. I believe - although please check this out with BVet, as things seem to change frequently - but I think they have now decided that experience will be considered as part of the qualification. You would also need liability insurance, and would to have to jump through whatever hoops are required to keep in good bureaucratic graces. (AHV, etc.)

Could be a good springboard to the eventual opening of 'Quality Chocolate Labs AG'...

I would actually need someone to help me paint a room in my flat (am too short to do the ceiling myself, the last time I tried, I painted myself)...and fill some holes in the walls.

There is a also a place called the Brain Factory that looks for people for ideas etc. Might be worth checking out?

Isn't Bern a hike from Mettmenstetten (showing my ignorance I'm afraid), but feel free to PM me with details