The Cat Lady  is owned and operated by a wife and husband team:  Chrystal and Rick Gapinski. 

Chrystal is the primary operator of the business (hence: The Cat Lady) although Rick provides back-up services when needed.  We are newlyweds - having just got married in February on Royal Caribbean's "Navigator of the Seas".  

We both have a special interest in cats, but do love all creatures!  Our fascination with animals is how they each have a unique personality.  It's extremely entertaining watching pets interact with humans and with each other.  The fact that they love you unconditionally, never talk back and will never ask for the keys is always a plus!  We genuinely love spending time with our pets and yours.  Why?  In a nutshell, it's because at the end of the day the love and affection that we get in return is just so rewarding!  We never leave the job feeling overworked and under appreciated!  Even the most difficult pets still give us a warm, fuzzy feeling inside!

My professional background consists of 11+ years in the National Guard; focusing on Human Resources as a Federal Technician.  Of course, in a military setting it is crucial to develop strong inter-personal skills for dealing with Officers and Enlisted personnel, a strong sense of responsibility and integrity, and an ingrained sense of detail and timeliness.  The Cat Lady is a professional business and requires the same attributes.  Having concluded my military service, I now enjoy being "The Cat Lady"  and spending time doing something that I can put my heart and soul into - and that is caring for and loving your pets! 

Rick's professional experience has centered around the financial industry.  He's worked in a banking environment for well over 12 years and was in the accounting world prior to that.  Most of his experience has been in sales and management which requires a high level of detail and organization - the same attributes he brings to The Cat Lady  when back-up is needed.

When not helping me out, he concentrates on our travel businesses - Cruises Inc. (www.cruisesinc.com/rgapinski) and Wave Goodbye Travel (www.wavegoodbyetravel.net).  He loves to talk to people about their vacations and travel, and when you're ready to head out of town for that fantastic vacation - we can BOTH help you find the best trip!