Reviews
International (continued) Page 3
Helen and Mark, Tz'ununa, Guatemala
28th February 2016
We had a family emergency​ and Martin was able to help us: within 2 hours he dropped everything he was doing to come at stay at our house (a very traditional Maya village on the shores of Lago Atitlan). We were only supposed to be gone​ 1-2 weeks but our trip lasted 4 weeks,​ so we were so grateful to have him at the house taking care of our furry kids (2 dogs and a cat).
He sent regular updates about their health, "happiness" and well-being as well as dealing with the maid and the gardener. This made the difficult situation we were in better, as we did not have to worry​ about anything​.
He went above and beyond any of our expectations and we'd recommend him to anyone that ever needs someone to stay at their home and treat is as good as it was his own (maybe better). The house was not only spotless when we arrived, but he even offered to go get groceries for us so there was something to eat at the house that we wanted​.
This was the first time we hired a house/pet sitter and Martin was GREAT!!!!!!!
Richard and Peggy Rasp, Teakettle, Belize
30th November 2015
We were able to enjoy a five-week trip to California in September-October and a three-week trip to Panama in November, 2015 without any worries about our home and pets because Martin was at the helm.
He very capably and professionally handled house and pet care matters in our absence. This was the second time that we'd enlisted his help, and we hope there will be many more.
Martin gave our four dogs lots of love and looked after our 'pitaya' fruit harvest operations. He capably handled various maintenance issues associated with our 28 acre property. The house was kept very clean and the dogs bathed regularly given their flea drops and worm prevention tablets.
Martin dealt with an unexpected and protracted loss of internet and persistently attended to find a solution to the problem by extensive contact with phone company technicians, supervisors, and customer service representatives. He kept us fully informed of progress.
Martin is very likeable, and has become part of our extended family. He has all of the qualities that we seek of a pet/house sitter. We will miss him and look forward to the next time he is available. So will our dogs.
Richard & Peggy Rasp
Teakettle, Cayo District, Belize
Michelle and Scott Lyons, Ladyville, Belize
30th October 2015
In October of 2015 We had the good fortune of having Martin house sit for us. If we could only ever have one sitter, it would be him! We live in Belize on the mainland, and took the opportunity to visit our place on the island of Ambergris Caye while Martin was on a break from a long term stay elsewhere in Belize.
He came to us via recommendation, and I'd highly recommend him now as well! Great communication skills up to and throughout our trip. Ours may not have been his easiest sit, but you'd never know it. We only required that our dogs (4 large) be fed twice a day. They are inside/outside with different sets of rules for each. Martin was un-phased, bonded quickly, and compared it more to babysitting, with a chuckle.
The first afternoon we met, neither my husband or I particularly wanted to leave, we were having such a nice chat at our place. Eventually we did go, and Martin continued to impress us. We have a guest house that we rent out, and when a reservation came in, he got it ready with a few simple phone instructions. It doesn't end there... Ladies & Gentleman, I came home to a clean car, detailed stove, and happy pups in addition to him cleaning the room he stayed in!
Michelle Lyons
Sales Associate
Belize Sotheby's International Realty
011 501 634 8010 (contact details appear here with permission)
Jan Williams, Majagual, Veracruz, Panama City
28th August 2015
It is with much pleasure that I add my reference to the other glowing references that Martin has posted.
Martin house sat for me in August for three weeks and very capably looked after our house, our animals (2 dogs and 2 cats) and our staff. He is a very conscientious sitter and all details were taken care of in a calm and caring manner. To have a Spanish-speaking sitter is a huge plus when living in a Spanish speaking country.
I have absolutely no hesitation is recommending Martin as your next house sitter. He gets 5 stars in my book.
Jan Williams.
Casa Pacifica, Majagual, Panama
Laura Houston, Panama City
14th November 2014
Martin was great.
Very communicative before, during, and after the trip. Left the apt in spotless condition, and adjusted well to the sometimes challenging conditions of Panama City.
Tammy Liu, Veracruz, Panama City, Panama
4th November 2014
I can not say enough good things about Martin who did a house-sit for us in Panama City from 25/09 thru to 1/11, 2014. He managed our 3 workers that were doing some construction work in the garden as well as our 3 dogs, 7 fish and all the plants. Everything was well cared-for and we will definitely would love to have Martin back if he is around the next time we are traveling.
A BIG THANK YOU TO MARTIN GRAY!!
And we Highly recommend him to anyone who needs a trust worthy person for their house/pets while they are away.
Marcia Oro, Ojochal, Costa Rica
10th August 2014
Martin was great! I came home to a clean house , clean truck and several flower arrangements throughout the house. He coordinated a small bathroom renovation that wasn't complete prior to my leaving, and the job was done when I arrived.
I would use Martin again.
Thanks Martin
MH, Panajachel, Guatemala
11th July 2014
Martin house-sat for me here in Guatemala from 25th May to 25th June this year and did a great job, caring for my property, my animals, the overall security and running of the place while I was away.
He speaks good Spanish so I felt confident leaving him to organise the gardener (3 days a week) and domestic cleaner (once a week) both of whom need to be able to work with the house sitter to keep the whole place running smoothly.
Especially I was able to trust Martin with the care and attention of my dear pets: 2 cats and 5 rabbits, who needed regular health checks. He did everything I could have wished for including liaising with my pet-specialist to avoid any illness and even sent me photos of their condition from time to time which was a huge re-assurance.
Martin is great at pro-active communication (by email, phone or SKYPE) and in answering my own check-ins.
In the end I returned home, tired but happy to be back into my clean house, seeing that everything had indeed been taken care of to my full satisfaction.
I highly recommend Martin to do a great job for you, especially if that is in Central America where he is obviously fully competent and experienced.
Richard Rasp, Teakettle, Belize
27th May 2014
We were very pleased with the professional manner in which Martin fulfilled house sitter duties. He communicated with us regularly, sent us photos of our pets, and helped us enjoy a carefree vacation.
Martin competently handled the tasks associated with a farm and large house surrounded by rainforest.
He went beyond expectations in caring for our four dogs. He rescued our 14 year old feeble German Shepherd who fell down an embankment and had to be carried up a steep hill.
He watered our garden and ensured survival of our plants during a dry spell. He went way beyond our expectations in weeding a large outdoor patio and cleaning steps overgrown in our jungle environment.
Our house was in cleaner condition than when we left. We would love to have Martin back for another house-sit.