A
sign stating "This
home is maintained for the sole purpose of care and comfort of the
cat"
is displayed prominently near
Beth Allen's desk. This expresses the very heart of The Cat's
Pajamas Pet Sitting Service. The more than 15 year old
business has grown by pounces and purrs due to her dedication, love
and willingness to go the extra mile for kitty clients and their
human guardians.
"My
clients know that nothing is too much trouble when it comes to providing
service for their cats. The single most important job that I do is
to develop a relationship with my kitty friends so I know their unique
mannerisms just as well as their guardians. I compile as much
information as possible to allow me to make the best decisions about
their care." The road has been a long one and Beth has had a
multitude of experiences that have lead her to become an accomplished
pet care professional.
After
graduating from the University of Delaware in 1979, Beth taught social
studies in the Delaware Public school system. An
entrepreneur at heart, she decided to go into business and purchased a
hair salon in the Wilmington area. Within 5 years her staff had
grown from twelve to thirty six employees and she had tripled her gross
income. Her attention to customer service and business savvy
earned her stellar success.
She
sold her salon in 1995 and decided to venture into a helping profession.
Her training and background qualified her for a position as an
addictions counselor. She enjoyed working with adolescents and
adults with substance abuse and mental health issues. Her career
was successful but short; there was something else pulling at her heart
strings.
Always
an animal lover Beth experienced guilt while dropping her pets for
boarding as she headed out for vacation. They became anxious, sick and frightened and had no way
of knowing that she would be back to pick them up. Although they
received adequate care, they were caged in unfamiliar surroundings and
she knew they were sad and scared. "Many times my vacations were
ruined because I worried so much about my pets." The business was
born from necessity and love. She decided to open her pet sitting
service in North Wilmington and provide individual, hands on care for
cats in their homes. The rest is history.
Today
The Cat's Pajamas services over 400 kitty clients. "I know every
kitty friend by heart. I know their names, feeding routine, their
likes and dislikes, who wants to play and who prefers to nap. I
know all the secret hiding places and all the special ear and neck spots
they like scratched. I know who the escape artists are and which
kitty will be first on my lap. Most of all I know
what they need in order to care for them exactly as they are cared for by their
human. I want to be their guardian angel until their moms and dads
return."
When
not visiting kitty clients, you can find Beth in her office
surrounded by her 10 cats. There are cat trees,
scratch pads, multiple food bowls and lots of treats. "I'm the happiest I've ever been in my entire
life. I have a business dedicated to those I love. I
couldn't ask for more; I am truly blessed."
