Carol Boerio-Croft's Biography
Cozy Inn's Mission Statement
"Cozy Inn's mission is to create and provide a loving, sensitive, healthy, safe naturally controlled environment for our guests; take care of them completely: mentally, emotionally, medically, spiritually and physically. And to always treat them with love and respect"
- Carol Boerio-Croft Owner
"Cozy Inn's mission is to create and provide a loving, sensitive, healthy, safe naturally controlled environment for our guests; take care of them completely: mentally, emotionally, medically, spiritually and physically. And to always treat them with love and respect"
- Carol Boerio-Croft Owner
Carols' Personal/Professional Biography
In the early 50’s – 70’s, I was labeled as dumb, slow and/or slightly retarded growing with an inability to comprehend even the simplest of studies in reading, writing, spelling and math. It wasn’t until an eye exam around the age of 14 that I had some sort of mental/brain problem and was later diagnosed as an Audio & Visual Dyslexic and ADHD with continued diagnosis in the late 80’s & early 90’s. It was through “the gift” of this learning disability that I was capable of manifesting my unique relationship with the animals. I was able to develop a deep relationship with animals, develop my senses fully and tap into the canine way of life. It is this love of animals that helped me personally get through years of school teasing, and continuous judgements of others to not quite be able to adapt to the “normality” of which most conceive the world. My disability was instrumental in enabling me to develop a multi-million dollar company, a concept of Zen approach to pet care.
My scholastic days, as well as my relationships with humans, were very strained, especially with my father who was an extremely intelligent man: a Doctor from a family of Doctors. The special gift that dyslexia brought to me was learning to utilize the brain’s ability to alter and create perceptions. I “think” in pictures and perceive multi-dimensionally, using all the senses. The development of my senses to the fullest, with creativity, vision, imagination, intuition, and insightfulness…. enabled me to survive in a not-so-understanding society.
I’ll struggle with dyslexia for the rest of my life…….but, my disabilities gave me a gift of ability to develop this philosophy in pet care and I thank God every day for this problem. Because life and experience of life as most know it didn’t come to me easily I had to be stronger, smarter, and more creative, develop more endurance, and the ability to be resilient on a day to day basis.
Despite the skepticism of many people my amazing “way of life” has developed beyond all my dreams.
I was able to manifest a deep understanding, and an extraordinary communication with animals, and felt safest among them primarily canines. After graduating from high school and mastering dyslexia, I worked my way through college by selling real estate. I then went on to study Respiratory Therapy became a technician and worked at Latrobe Hospital for 6 years. I started working at the age of 16 for a local veterinarian and maintained this job until I married my husband Dr. Henry Croft DVM through till 1987 thus Cozy was born.
While working at the hospital I worked with terminal patients, strokes, heart disease, cancer and accident victims in the respiratory division of medicine. I felt very distressed with the deaths of the patients and decided to go back to school. I also continued selling real estate, and had acquired my Real Estate Brokers license at the early age of 21 becoming one of the first women Brokers in the State of Pa. Also, while working for Dr. Donovan the veterinarian I went to school nights and acquired the biology/animal husbandry classes and challenged the veterinary technician exam to become a Veterinary Technician while finishing school once again to get an Associate Business Degree graduating in 1975.
After graduating from college I was the Managing Broker & Appraiser for Martin Real Estate for about 14 years while maintaining my Veterinary Technician job because of my love for animals. I still felt unfulfilled in my career although I was an outstanding Broker and maintained sales beyond $1,000,000.00’s per year receiving many rewards and statewide recognition. I began to search for something more in my life than a job that just paid well.
This led to a visit to a priest who gave me guidance. He simply told me, “Look in your heart and find what you love the most, and do it! Even if the pay is poor, do it!” So I went home that night and sat down with my dogs “Pooh, Lady and Mozart”. I realized there was no love more loyal, satisfying and secure than my life and relationship with them
That’s how it started. I took an inheritance I received from my uncle, and formed an organization called Action For Animals, Inc. in 1980. We saved abused and abandoned animals, and we were a “no kill” shelter. I met my husband, Dr. Henry L. Croft Jr, VMD through interviewing veterinarians for low cost neutering and spaying. We married in 1985 and I worked for him as a veterinary technician at his clinic. I also helped manage the front desk. I assisted in all procedures in veterinary medicine.
As I worked, I listened to clients’ fears and unhappiness with existing kennels and the lack of real care for pets. So, with the money my pet Mozart made by performing in television commercials, along with the sale of my pre-marriage residence, I announced to my husband that I was starting my own business; a Pet Resort with an environment where pets could have fun! My mission was to create an all-inclusive safe, entertaining environment for pets.
Also, early in the 80’s just prior to starting Action for Animals (which actually developed from the column because of so many letters to me). I was approached to write a column for the Tribune Review’s local paper Community Edition each week and called it “Petpourri” which became very popular. My reputation grew as a true animal person. The column focused on education the public on responsible pet care. I wrote the column for about 7-8 years and grew Action for Animals out of it. Also, I developed and educational class for children and with the support and co-operation of my husband became a very successful class we called it “Pet Prep” we took to local schools and organizations. My husband would lecture on all aspects of veterinary pet care while I dressed up as a large dog or cat for him to demonstrate his classes. I also formed one of the first “Pet Therapy Groups” in the area…which visited nursing homes, mental institutions, hospitals, VA hospitals, Children’s Hospital, etc. I also encouraged others to realize their dreams and to believe in themselves to be whatever they wanted to be.
As a serious reader now, and researcher of physiology & veterinary & human medicine I have become well known for my knowledge and experience in the animal world. I taught myself to be a professional groomer/stylist back in 1988 specializing in scissor & creative styling and thus “Orchid’s Spa” was born.
I am also studied in post-surgical rehabilitation; massage therapy, physical therapy, and hydrotherapy for animals (canine). I also find the PDR (Physicians Desk Reference) on medications, drugs, and diagnostic medicine/side effects a very interesting area and fascinating. I continually study updates on animal behavior, veterinary medicine, animal behavior, etc. I would definitely call myself a “work in progress”.
My concepts and developed philosophies of pet care relating to companion animals (through their senses… sight, hearing, touch, smell, taste and energy), and our Zen approach to animal care via “Feng Shui” have received National and International recognition.
In 1996-1999 I was offered the opportunity to build my resorts in Walt Disney World in Florida. After careful competition and consideration I turned down the opportunity in hopes to build a “state of the art” prototype in the Pittsburgh area. On July 1, 2002, Cozy Inn Pet Resort & Spa second facility, and prototype was born in Pittsburgh. As my negotiations with Disney are still active I have been considering re-opening our relationship. Which of course I have maintained a relationship with them over the years and would love to invite them to our Pittsburgh grand opening someday.
My personal mission is to make the world a better place for animals and in doing so serve humanity in teaching as example: kindness, love, empathy, compassion, peace.
In 1999 I was diagnosed with Graves Disease and spent a few years putting it into remission.
2003 I had a Lemon size benign (thank goodness) mass removed from my jaw below my tongue.
Also, in 2004 I was diagnosed with Malignant Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the bladder underwent surgery and am now celebrating 10 years cancer free.
And unfortunately my marriage ended in 2005 to Dr. Croft and my pets and my company we started our life all over again.
I believe I’m still here for the vision and mission of my company, “Cozy Inn’s mission is to create and provide a loving, sensitive, healthy, safe naturally controlled environment for our guests; take care of them completely: mentally, emotionally, medically, spiritually and physically. And to Always treat them with love and respect.”
I truly believe if I can spread love, kindness, empathy & compassion, respect in the animal world hopefully I can make a difference in the human world.
I work now as “Chief Creative Officer & Founder/Owner of my company” I’ve moved to this position because I’ve trained the team all too well!
I also am a motivational speaker nationally talking at conferences, etc. in all areas about my company and the challenges of my life in hopes to motivate these people to follow their dreams. And have taken up writing again for local Pittsburgh papers & magazines.
My visions and dreams are to build “ Pet Town, USA” in Pittsburgh Resort & site, And to develop “The Cozy Inn Pet Foundation” and market along with Pet Town/Cozy Inn all in an effort to teach the nation the importance of Domestic pets in our life. My other vision is building a School/Campus for training anyone who wants to specialize in any area of the Pet Industry: Grooming, Spa Services, Pet Technicians, Canine Rehabilitators, etc.
Just developed a new Corporation called GOLD PAW, INC. which is a National & International Management, Consultant & Educational Corporation to assist others to take care of pets correctly. Just had a personal invitation to go to Asia to start teaching.
In 2008 I formed Gold Paw Pet Health Care Corporation and purchased a Veterinary Hospital and started the Pet Health & Wellness Center in Plum next to my Pet Resort.
Working now on developing another foundation……… Cozy Inn Pet Foundation………to enhance the life of Children, teenagers or anyone with a disability whether it is physical or mental through the use of Domestic Pets. You see I believe and truly believe that EVERYONE has a gift and if I can help the ones who love pets as deeply as I do to find themselves through the use of animals….well I just couldn’t ask for a better life could I.
Last but not least I am in the process of writing 2 books right now: Feng Shui for Canines & Canine Sense (Autobiography of my life & company).
I have had over 200 stories Nationally & Internationally written magazines, newspapers, etc. And over 160 Television programs, Documentaries, News Shows, etc.
My mission is to continue to raise the bar in the pet care industry. And inspire and support my love of nature, and animals………to empower humanity to share the love not only with all creatures and nature but with each other.
Carol
In the early 50’s – 70’s, I was labeled as dumb, slow and/or slightly retarded growing with an inability to comprehend even the simplest of studies in reading, writing, spelling and math. It wasn’t until an eye exam around the age of 14 that I had some sort of mental/brain problem and was later diagnosed as an Audio & Visual Dyslexic and ADHD with continued diagnosis in the late 80’s & early 90’s. It was through “the gift” of this learning disability that I was capable of manifesting my unique relationship with the animals. I was able to develop a deep relationship with animals, develop my senses fully and tap into the canine way of life. It is this love of animals that helped me personally get through years of school teasing, and continuous judgements of others to not quite be able to adapt to the “normality” of which most conceive the world. My disability was instrumental in enabling me to develop a multi-million dollar company, a concept of Zen approach to pet care.
My scholastic days, as well as my relationships with humans, were very strained, especially with my father who was an extremely intelligent man: a Doctor from a family of Doctors. The special gift that dyslexia brought to me was learning to utilize the brain’s ability to alter and create perceptions. I “think” in pictures and perceive multi-dimensionally, using all the senses. The development of my senses to the fullest, with creativity, vision, imagination, intuition, and insightfulness…. enabled me to survive in a not-so-understanding society.
I’ll struggle with dyslexia for the rest of my life…….but, my disabilities gave me a gift of ability to develop this philosophy in pet care and I thank God every day for this problem. Because life and experience of life as most know it didn’t come to me easily I had to be stronger, smarter, and more creative, develop more endurance, and the ability to be resilient on a day to day basis.
Despite the skepticism of many people my amazing “way of life” has developed beyond all my dreams.
I was able to manifest a deep understanding, and an extraordinary communication with animals, and felt safest among them primarily canines. After graduating from high school and mastering dyslexia, I worked my way through college by selling real estate. I then went on to study Respiratory Therapy became a technician and worked at Latrobe Hospital for 6 years. I started working at the age of 16 for a local veterinarian and maintained this job until I married my husband Dr. Henry Croft DVM through till 1987 thus Cozy was born.
While working at the hospital I worked with terminal patients, strokes, heart disease, cancer and accident victims in the respiratory division of medicine. I felt very distressed with the deaths of the patients and decided to go back to school. I also continued selling real estate, and had acquired my Real Estate Brokers license at the early age of 21 becoming one of the first women Brokers in the State of Pa. Also, while working for Dr. Donovan the veterinarian I went to school nights and acquired the biology/animal husbandry classes and challenged the veterinary technician exam to become a Veterinary Technician while finishing school once again to get an Associate Business Degree graduating in 1975.
After graduating from college I was the Managing Broker & Appraiser for Martin Real Estate for about 14 years while maintaining my Veterinary Technician job because of my love for animals. I still felt unfulfilled in my career although I was an outstanding Broker and maintained sales beyond $1,000,000.00’s per year receiving many rewards and statewide recognition. I began to search for something more in my life than a job that just paid well.
This led to a visit to a priest who gave me guidance. He simply told me, “Look in your heart and find what you love the most, and do it! Even if the pay is poor, do it!” So I went home that night and sat down with my dogs “Pooh, Lady and Mozart”. I realized there was no love more loyal, satisfying and secure than my life and relationship with them
That’s how it started. I took an inheritance I received from my uncle, and formed an organization called Action For Animals, Inc. in 1980. We saved abused and abandoned animals, and we were a “no kill” shelter. I met my husband, Dr. Henry L. Croft Jr, VMD through interviewing veterinarians for low cost neutering and spaying. We married in 1985 and I worked for him as a veterinary technician at his clinic. I also helped manage the front desk. I assisted in all procedures in veterinary medicine.
As I worked, I listened to clients’ fears and unhappiness with existing kennels and the lack of real care for pets. So, with the money my pet Mozart made by performing in television commercials, along with the sale of my pre-marriage residence, I announced to my husband that I was starting my own business; a Pet Resort with an environment where pets could have fun! My mission was to create an all-inclusive safe, entertaining environment for pets.
Also, early in the 80’s just prior to starting Action for Animals (which actually developed from the column because of so many letters to me). I was approached to write a column for the Tribune Review’s local paper Community Edition each week and called it “Petpourri” which became very popular. My reputation grew as a true animal person. The column focused on education the public on responsible pet care. I wrote the column for about 7-8 years and grew Action for Animals out of it. Also, I developed and educational class for children and with the support and co-operation of my husband became a very successful class we called it “Pet Prep” we took to local schools and organizations. My husband would lecture on all aspects of veterinary pet care while I dressed up as a large dog or cat for him to demonstrate his classes. I also formed one of the first “Pet Therapy Groups” in the area…which visited nursing homes, mental institutions, hospitals, VA hospitals, Children’s Hospital, etc. I also encouraged others to realize their dreams and to believe in themselves to be whatever they wanted to be.
As a serious reader now, and researcher of physiology & veterinary & human medicine I have become well known for my knowledge and experience in the animal world. I taught myself to be a professional groomer/stylist back in 1988 specializing in scissor & creative styling and thus “Orchid’s Spa” was born.
I am also studied in post-surgical rehabilitation; massage therapy, physical therapy, and hydrotherapy for animals (canine). I also find the PDR (Physicians Desk Reference) on medications, drugs, and diagnostic medicine/side effects a very interesting area and fascinating. I continually study updates on animal behavior, veterinary medicine, animal behavior, etc. I would definitely call myself a “work in progress”.
My concepts and developed philosophies of pet care relating to companion animals (through their senses… sight, hearing, touch, smell, taste and energy), and our Zen approach to animal care via “Feng Shui” have received National and International recognition.
In 1996-1999 I was offered the opportunity to build my resorts in Walt Disney World in Florida. After careful competition and consideration I turned down the opportunity in hopes to build a “state of the art” prototype in the Pittsburgh area. On July 1, 2002, Cozy Inn Pet Resort & Spa second facility, and prototype was born in Pittsburgh. As my negotiations with Disney are still active I have been considering re-opening our relationship. Which of course I have maintained a relationship with them over the years and would love to invite them to our Pittsburgh grand opening someday.
My personal mission is to make the world a better place for animals and in doing so serve humanity in teaching as example: kindness, love, empathy, compassion, peace.
In 1999 I was diagnosed with Graves Disease and spent a few years putting it into remission.
2003 I had a Lemon size benign (thank goodness) mass removed from my jaw below my tongue.
Also, in 2004 I was diagnosed with Malignant Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the bladder underwent surgery and am now celebrating 10 years cancer free.
And unfortunately my marriage ended in 2005 to Dr. Croft and my pets and my company we started our life all over again.
I believe I’m still here for the vision and mission of my company, “Cozy Inn’s mission is to create and provide a loving, sensitive, healthy, safe naturally controlled environment for our guests; take care of them completely: mentally, emotionally, medically, spiritually and physically. And to Always treat them with love and respect.”
I truly believe if I can spread love, kindness, empathy & compassion, respect in the animal world hopefully I can make a difference in the human world.
I work now as “Chief Creative Officer & Founder/Owner of my company” I’ve moved to this position because I’ve trained the team all too well!
I also am a motivational speaker nationally talking at conferences, etc. in all areas about my company and the challenges of my life in hopes to motivate these people to follow their dreams. And have taken up writing again for local Pittsburgh papers & magazines.
My visions and dreams are to build “ Pet Town, USA” in Pittsburgh Resort & site, And to develop “The Cozy Inn Pet Foundation” and market along with Pet Town/Cozy Inn all in an effort to teach the nation the importance of Domestic pets in our life. My other vision is building a School/Campus for training anyone who wants to specialize in any area of the Pet Industry: Grooming, Spa Services, Pet Technicians, Canine Rehabilitators, etc.
Just developed a new Corporation called GOLD PAW, INC. which is a National & International Management, Consultant & Educational Corporation to assist others to take care of pets correctly. Just had a personal invitation to go to Asia to start teaching.
In 2008 I formed Gold Paw Pet Health Care Corporation and purchased a Veterinary Hospital and started the Pet Health & Wellness Center in Plum next to my Pet Resort.
Working now on developing another foundation……… Cozy Inn Pet Foundation………to enhance the life of Children, teenagers or anyone with a disability whether it is physical or mental through the use of Domestic Pets. You see I believe and truly believe that EVERYONE has a gift and if I can help the ones who love pets as deeply as I do to find themselves through the use of animals….well I just couldn’t ask for a better life could I.
Last but not least I am in the process of writing 2 books right now: Feng Shui for Canines & Canine Sense (Autobiography of my life & company).
I have had over 200 stories Nationally & Internationally written magazines, newspapers, etc. And over 160 Television programs, Documentaries, News Shows, etc.
My mission is to continue to raise the bar in the pet care industry. And inspire and support my love of nature, and animals………to empower humanity to share the love not only with all creatures and nature but with each other.
Carol
Just some of Carol's Awards:
-2007 Western PA SBA Business Person of the Year
-2007 PA Business Central's Top One Hundred People in Business in PA
-2008 Best 50 Woman in Business by PA Dept of Community & Economic Development by Governor Rendell
-Latrobe BPW Employer of the Year 2009
-Pennsylvania Federation of Business & Professionals Woman's Club Employer of the year district 3
-Certificate of Appreciation from New York City Fema-Dr-1319-NY World Trade Center Attack September 11, 2011
& many many more!
-2007 Western PA SBA Business Person of the Year
-2007 PA Business Central's Top One Hundred People in Business in PA
-2008 Best 50 Woman in Business by PA Dept of Community & Economic Development by Governor Rendell
-Latrobe BPW Employer of the Year 2009
-Pennsylvania Federation of Business & Professionals Woman's Club Employer of the year district 3
-Certificate of Appreciation from New York City Fema-Dr-1319-NY World Trade Center Attack September 11, 2011
& many many more!
