Eureka Moonhill -- you've hit the jackpot. I have been living in Lake Chapala year around for 7 years and house/pet sitting for 6 years. I love what I do and although I maintain a 2 bedroom/2 bath casita in the Raquet Club, I am sitting 9 months out of the year with a number of clients just like you -- they rely on me.
Like any longtime reliable house/pet sitter, I do get booked up months in advance and many of my regulars actually plan their trips around my availability -- how lucky am I. After all, I am their fur babies' Tia Stace.
Would luv the opportunity to discuss this with you in person -- and if you send me in a PM your email, I will send you a published article I wrote a few years ago about being a Lakeside Sitter and how I consider it such an honor to take care of people's pets and homes.
Looking forward to our connecting.
Stace -- the Dancing Queen