Best of Boston

1981 Best Housesitter, All-Purpose

Warren Asnes, Peace of Mind

A couple of years ago, Warren Asnes was a bureaucrat in the state’s Office of Human Services. But last year, he decided to become a full-time housewatcher—a move inspired by his musing whether he or the other occupant of a two-family home was responsible for filling the house’s boiler. Today he’ll tend to the care and feeding of your home while you’re away by walking your dog, watering your plants, forwarding your mail, even stocking your refrigerator for your return—all for seven bucks a trip. He comes with references, is fully insured, and is not put off by large numbers of pets: he once baby-sat 34 cats.

Newton, 617-964-7153,