This is a dream opportunity for anyone who would love to live for free in the countryside and look after animals while doing it.
A business offering husky sled dog rides is inviting anyone to apply for a double bedroom at its 13-acre smallholding. With 20 dogs, plus cats and chickens to look after, owner Joe Swiffen is looking for an extra pair of hands so she can occasionally take a break with husband Mark and their little boy.
As well as providing a newly renovated bedroom, the lucky applicant will have their own lounge with a log burner. They will also have access to a kitchen and office space so they can work from home.
Joe runs Mynydd Sleddog Adventures, the only outdoor activity provider in Wales specialising in husky rides. Operating from Alwen forest, near Cerrigydrudion, Conwy the business has a five-star rating on Tripadvisor but suffered during Covid lockdowns, North Wales Live reports.
“We are still recovering from the pandemic,” she said. “We literally lost all our income and I took a second job to make ends meet. I’m working hard to get to keep the business going but with so many animals to look after, and no one to help, it means I can never leave the place. When my little boy asks if we can go out for the day, it’s so difficult explaining why we can’t.
“I’d love to employ someone, but as the business is still struggling to turn a profit, I can’t afford to. A friend of mine offered accommodation in return for help and said it worked out really well, so I thought I’d give it a go.”
Applicants must be prepared to help out on some weekdays plus a few weekends and during family holidays. “Light duties” only are required, such as feeding the animals and overseeing the dogs when they run out in a field. Joe shared her offer on two Facebook pages. At first, she was horrified: top comment was from a woman lambasting her for apparently wanting unpaid labour.
“It was horrible,” she said. “I had a meltdown and spent most of the day in floods of tears. I didn’t know what I’d done wrong - it was devastating. With rental costs being so high, and rising quickly, I thought the offer would help someone – perhaps a person looking to save up money for their first house. When I saw the comment, I quickly deleted the post.”
She neglected to delete the second post, scheduled to be published on a Colwyn Bay page on Tuesday evening, June 20. “I woke up this morning and there were loads of notifications on my phone,” said Joe.
“I was dreading looking at the comments. But from what I’ve seen so far, they’re all lovely.”
Mostly, people were coveting an opportunity they were not in a position to take up. “At 79 I don’t think I qualify,” said one woman. “But it would have been my dream 60 years ago.”
Some were clearly tempted. “My absolute dream!” said a local woman. Another added: “OMG, I would in a heartbeat.”
Among the early bidders was a Bangor dog owner recently made homeless. "I would absolutely relish the opportunity to have somewhere to stay that’s comfortable for me and my dog,” he said. “I would consider the opportunity to look after other dogs to be a huge bonus.”
Applications are still open. Individuals must be “caring, capable, trustworthy, reliable, friendly and an animal lover”. They must be non-smokers with “no alcohol issues”, and have their own transport – the farmhouse is remote and bus services are limited.
Joe said the arrangement would suit someone who is “happy to live in a remote and stunning location rent free”. Ideally, candidates can work from home, or can rearrange their work to be on site when Joe and Mark are away.
Personal references and details of previous experience with dogs will be required. People who fit the criteria with a “genuine” interest can message Joe via the Mynydd Sleddog Adventures page on Facebook.
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