[ManicMum]

Just a thought - your vet or village shop (?) or friends might know a reliable teenager who would jump at the chance to try living alone for a bit with support from their parents nearby so could house/garden and animal sit.

We have floated this idea with a friend's daughter of 18: she was thrilled to try moving out in a protected sort of environment as her parents would be only a few miles away if she were to need back-up.  So nice when what you need fits with what someone else wants!

Good luck with your operation: I'm sure you'd get better quicker if you're happy the animals are well cared for.