Meet DogBoy's Team of Dog Lovers!
Paula Baker Prince, CPDT-KA
Director of Training
Paula Baker Prince was raised in North Dakota. A poodle named Biscuit would kick-start her lifelong love affair with animals at the tender age of one. This love affair continued when Paula moved to Austin, where an abandoned, newborn orange kitty named Trout stole her heart.
Then came the dogs. Over time, Paula’s family expanded to three shelter dogs: the loyal and sweet Bee, a deaf, one-eyed Catahoula; Mocha, the cutest Border Collie/Husky mix ever, and a sassy Cattle dog mix named Nikko. Working at DogBoy's has allowed Paula to add more beloved pets to her family without bringing any more home, much to the relief of her husband, Andy…or so he thought. Over the last few years, Paula acquired two more pups: Kippy, a Husky/Border Collie/Poodle mix, and Bug, a Spitz mix.
Paula has a degree in Art History and Ceramics and worked in Retail Management for seven years. Paula spends her free time studying the canine diet and its affect on behavior. She is widely known for her expertise in this area. Paula is also very knowledgeable about littermate dynamics and all aspects of reward based training. She runs our training team - teaching classes, developing trainers and identifying apprentices. You'll see her most evenings showing people how to have fun with their dogs at our Training & Wellness Center.
Marcella Slaughter, CPDT-KA
Kennel Manager
Marcella came to DogBoy's in August 2005 looking to get a receptionist job. We, however, were short kennel staff, so we offered her that position instead. She has always had dogs and just thought that it would be nice to be around them all day, but she had no idea what she was getting into! Marcella has ended up loving it, and we think she's awesome too! So awesome, in fact, that Marcella is now our Kennel Manager. Marcella is also one of our seasoned trainers, and you'll see her quite often teaching puppy classes out at the TWC.
Marcella has a handsome Lab/Pointer mix named Telo, a silly little Rottie mix named Cajun who is a Hurricane Katrina survivor, and a sweet older Dalmatian mix named Dottie.
Carol Swirczek
Office Manager
Carol was raised on a farm in Nebraska and grew up with every kind of animal imaginable (everything from peacocks to dogs). She was in her early twenties when she got her first dog on her own and her animal family started. Carol came from 20 years in the apartment industry, and has gradually added to her menagerie throughout those years due to people leaving their cats behind in apartments.
She lost her first dog (a Chow named Bear) to cancer after 10 years, but always knew that she wanted another fuzzy guy, so when she bought a house in 2002, she got the first boy in her current dog pack (River - a brown Chow Chow). Since then Carol has adopted a a black Chow Chow named Kohl. These two boys currently share her house with 4 permanent cats and the many foster puppies/dogs that come in and out of her life. Carol is a foster mom for both Austin Pets Alive and Austin Dog Rescue. You will often find Carol in her office surrounded by foster puppies, which she hand feeds and cares for with the love of a true dog momma. Carol joined DogBoy's in 2010 and we are excited to have her as part of the family!
Lydia Yancey
Assistant Kennel Manager
Lydia joined the DogBoy’s team in December of 2007 and is now leading the pack as our Assistant Kennel Manager. She was working as a vet tech before coming to DogBoy's, but wanted a job that allowed her more hands on experience with dogs, and a chance to learn about behavior and diet. Lydia is originally from Pflugerville and graduated from Pflugerville High School. She is the Mom of two sweet dogs - Cody and Tasha - passed down from a family member. She also has three cats and plays aunt to her best friend’s dog, Mazie. When she's not caring for dogs, you'll see her teaching classes on the ranch.
Alice Akridge
In 2007, Alice, a Round Rock native, found DogBoy's through a friend. She was looking for a boarding facility that allowed pups time out of their kennel run (and didn’t charge an arm and a leg for “added services”). After one boarding stay for Max, her Labrador, she knew she had found something special.
Alice and Max then began taking training classes and discovered not only was DogBoy's a great boarding facility, they also had a vastly knowledgeable training staff. Max and Alice soon became training junkies. They have taken pretty much every class DogBoy's offers at least once.
When Alice was nine she saw what a positive impact therapy dogs had on children in the hospital. That day she decided that as an adult she would train and take her dog to spread joy to people in need. After much work Max and Alice passed the Delta Society’s Pet Partners certification test for complex environments. They are now part of an international network of Animal – Human teams that bring a little ray of sunshine to those in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.
Alice says making the change from client to staff member was the easiest decision she’s ever made. “It was like officially joining a family I’ve always felt a part of.” You may see Alice around town with Max or at Alamo Drafthouse events. Sing-A-Longs are her favorite.
Rebecca Andrews, CPDT-KA
Rebecca can't remember a time in her life where she didn't have a dog. She came to DogBoy's in June of 2001 from the veterinary industry in search of knowledge on canine behavior after being sucked in by DogBoy himself. After joining the DogBoy's team and working in the kennel full-time, she sooned stepped up to training owners and their dogs. In addition to teaching classes, Rebecca now runs the Board and Train Program as well as Chelsea's Charm School.
Rebecca has an uber-sweet Border Collie/Spaniel mix named Murphy, a Black Lab/Ridgeback mix named Gib, and a cat named June. When she's not at DogBoy's, you might spot her around town with her guitar at an open mic night. She's also an avid reader and enjoys photography.
Jon Campbell
Jon discovered DogBoy’s about 10 years ago when he and his wife, Stacy, had their first child. The demand to visit family in Kansas was high. Their dog, a then 12-year-old Doberman named Rosa, was too old to travel that far, and Jon finally had to relent and board her for only the second time in her life. He picked up Rosa 10 days later and found her curled up on a bed in front of the office fireplace, and he knew he’d found a special place. Since then, Jon and his dogs have taken many classes at DogBoy’s and his dogs have been regulars at daycare. And he still won't board his dog anywhere else.
Jon has had dogs, usually Dobermans, in his life since he was 8, but has always yearned to learn about dogs and their behavior in packs. Jon worked in publishing for several years, then escaped his office to become a stay-at-home dad when he and Stacy had their second son. As the youngest began part-time preschool, Jon began looking for his next ‘real job.’ He jumped at the chance to work part-time in the kennel, and hopes to spend the rest of his working life around dogs. “I marvel at what I learn every time I work a shift,” he says.
Jon, Stacy, and their children Peyton, and Beau share their home with Calvin the cat and a young, sweet Dobie boy named Guinness. In his down time, Jon can usually be found doing laundry, but when that’s finally done, he loves to read books on his e-reader and fly fish the Hill Country from his kayak. And Guinness walks him about 35 miles a week.
Kimberly Crews
Kim first joined Dogboys in 2007. After several years working for the federal and state government, Kim has learned that a traditional office environment is not for her. She is happy to have the opportunity to re-join the Dogboys team while she goes back to school to get her nursing degree. You will find Kim's best friend, a shih tzu named Mo, following her around on most days. When asked about her job, "I feel blessed to be where I am in life. I come to work and am greeted by smiling faces and wagging tails. The pups are genuinely happy to see me---and the feeling is mutual."
Donald Gytri
Donald first started working here while a sophomore at Hendrickson High School. He is a true dog lover and was searching for a job that allowed him to be around dogs all the time. As it turns out, DogBoy’s happened to be the place he had been looking for! He now attends A&M University, but when he comes home for the summer and Christmas break, he heads back to DogBoy’s to lend us a hand. We always want him to come back and help out and we’re lucky he does too! Donald has a sweet Yellow Lab named Lucy.
Cathy Jenevein
Cathy grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana, with a rescued dog named Lucky, who was a year old when Cathy was born. She and Lucky were best buddies throughout her childhood.
When Cathy moved out on her own after college, she welcomed a stray German Shepherd mix into her heart and home. She named him Chaney, after Lon Chaney Sr., a famous silent movie actor. Once again, as with Lucky, they were inseparable.
Chaney passed away at the age of 14 in 2007, and to fill the void in her life, she began volunteering at the Austin Humane Society. There she learned more about dog training and behavior, and realized she had a knack for working with dogs. Crystal, a sweet black GSD came into her life in September of that year.
In 2010, Cathy was introduced to DogBoy's Dog Ranch from dropping off Austin Humane Society dogs for daycare. She was instantly hooked.
Cathy is an artist and had a career as a graphic designer for 20 years. After growing tired of the corporate world, she joined the DogBoy's kennel staff in 2010 to further her education in canine behavior and training.
Thomas Korpi
Thomas came to DogBoy's in search of a fun side job, after hearing about us on KXAN. A freelance writer, web designer, cartoonist and all-around creative guy, Thomas keeps things lively on the ranch. His passion for dogs and art, along with the two mile commute make working at DogBoy's the perfect job. "Life is good if you have puppies and snow cones," he says (so I guess we better buy that snow cone machine we've always wanted!). Thomas shares his home with his lovely wife Melissa, and his dogs Sadie (pictured right) & Zoe.
Jack Krupski
Jack moved from Boston with his soon to be wife, Vicki, in 1995 to not only escape the cold but also to pursue a career in music. After successfully managing a high end audio store for 12 years, a life changing event made him re-assess his priorities, including dedicating his life to the welfare of animals and performing live music again. For the past 3 1/2 years, Jack excelled as a vet tech for a local veterinary hospital. He is extremely happy to be bringing his talents to DogBoy's. You can also see Jack playing with his band all over Central Texas.
Jack and Vicki got their only "daughter" Bela in 1998, a Pitbull/Great Dane mix. And then were promptly evicted from their apartment since no dogs were allowed. After all, it had been 3 days and they had fallen in love. Fast forward 7 years, and Brego, a German Shepherd mix from the Austin Humane Society was added to the family. Two years later they were adopted by two other dogs; Brody, a Great Pyrenees/Flat Coat Retriever mix from EmanciPET and Bruin, a stray Shih Tzu mix who knocked on their door and decided that life at the Krupski house was pretty sweet. Bella has since passed over the Rainbow Bridge, but she will always be remembered as their first love.
But sure enough, as if they hung out a sign, another stray, dragging a leash and a host of medical issues, came into their house and after a brief (half hearted) attempt at re-homing and some tlc. Brisby, a sweet yellow lab, came into their lives and all was good again!
To add to the fun, Jack and Vicki also run 24 Carrot Bunny Bed & Breakfast - a high end rabbit boarding facility modeled in the DogBoy way. Jack's life is a big furry menagerie. He loves it, and wouldn't have it any other way!
Jana McSwain
Jana joined the DogBoy's team in the fall of 2010 after graduating from Texas State University with a degree in Business Management. Born and raised in the Austin area, Jana heard about DogBoy's after two of her best friends began working for us. She was looking for a meaningful job, working with people that she loved and we were the perfect fit! Dogs have always been a big part of her life and she still smiles every day that she gets to come work with them. Jana adopted a young lab mix named Emmy Lou on her 12th birthday and they spent her last years taking care of one another. She is also passionate about and volunteers for the Austin Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen For The Cure. Jana does a great job at our front desk. Her smile and helpful nature is sure to brighten up your day!
Landry Nash
Landry joined the DogBoy's team in the summer of 2010. Her mom went to college with DogBoy & DogGirl, so our history with her family goes back to before she was born! Landry's mom & dad own the Elgin Christmas Tree Farm, and she has been active in her high school's 4H club, so she knows all about having a strong work ethic! Landry adopted Pumpkin, her extremely energetic 2 year old Aussie mix, from the Elgin Humane Society in October 2010. Through the K-9 Cadet 4-H Club, Landry and Pumpkin have shown in rally, tricks, drill, obedience, and agility. They have also taken Level 1 Obedience at DogBoy’s and benefitted enormously from it.
Visit Landry at the Christmas Tree Farm from October through Christmas, and look for her out here at DogBoy's during the summer!
Julia Olczak
Julia found DogBoy's in 2004 after moving from Portland, OR. She started working in both the kennel and office, and now works full time at the front desk. Boy, did we get lucky! She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University in Animal Sciences, and worked for the Oregon Humane Society and a local vet before making the cross-country trip to Austin. She shares her life with an absolutely adorable Blue Heeler named Mika, aka the blue bullet, and a sophisticated yet elusive Maine Coon mix named C.K. Her sweet and gentle nature will surely put you at ease when you check your pups in for a long stay!
Shay Poznich
Shay is another one of our customers turned employee. She learned about DogBoy’s after adopting her Terrier mix, Hazel, through Lucky Mutts Rescue. When they recommended us for daycare and boarding, Shay thought that would be a great way to socialize and exercise Hazel on days that she couldn’t. She and her family soon adopted another dog through rescue and, Vincent, an all around Heinz 57, began coming to daycare as well.
Shay was so impressed by DogBoy’s and it’s staff that she inquired about a job, feeling that this would be a great place to work and learn about dog behavior. To try it out, she first volunteered in the kennel for a few months and, liked it so much, decided she wanted the job! We were delighted to hire her and she has been an enormous asset to the DogBoy’s team.
Since starting at DogBoy’s, she acquired one more dog, Rupert, a Boxer/Mastiff mix, to complete her two-legged and four-legged family. (Even though Rupert is the baby of the bunch, he also happens to be the biggest!) We love that Shay decided to be a part of our gang!
Jay Robison
Jay joined the DogBoy's family in August 2005 after being referred there for agility lessons. Graham, his Corgi, and Hoosier, his Husky mix, love coming to work with him. In January 2007 Jay and his wife Kristi's pack were joined by son Mike.
Jay moved to Austin in 1995 to earn his master's in screenwriting at The University of Texas. While he has yet to get his big break in Hollywood, Jay has sold several short stories to an online magazine, The Grantville Gazette, which publishes stories set in the world of Eric Flint's alternate history novel, "1632." His most recent story is titled "O For a Muse of Fire" and will appear in the upcoming Grantville Gazette #11.
In 2001, Jay appeared on Jeopardy! and was a one-day champion, proving that he's approximately 1/72nd as smart as Ken Jennings--which currently qualifies him to be the DogBoy's Trivia King. Jay is also a contributor to the DogBoy's Blog.
Kate Semple, LMT
Kate has been working at DogBoy's since April of 2007, after being a customer here for over a year. Kate hails from Pittsburgh, PA, and she came to Austin in 2005 after a stint in Monterey, CA. Kate and her husband Rich adopted their first dog, a Catahoula mix named Ralphie, from a shelter in California. They found Max, a Corgi/Shepherd mix, through a local rescue group here in Texas.
As a customer, Kate felt so lucky to find DogBoy's and the staff here, who have always been so supportive and helpful with both of her special needs dogs. Kate has worked in the kennel and the office, and is now working as our Training & Wellness Center Coordinator. She is also a Licensed Massage Therapist (for humans!), and is currently taking Advanced Clinical Training at the Lauterstein-Conway Massage School.
Kelly Webber
Kelly was born and raised in Austin, Texas. When she graduated from Austin High School in 2007, she had no idea where her career was headed or what exciting things were in store for her. Shortly after graduating from high school, she realized her love for dogs when she adopted "Brownie" from a local rescue group. As she experienced the thrills and challenges of being a pet parent, Kelly knew that she wanted to learn more about dogs from a medical perspective. So, when she was given the chance to work at an animal hospital in South Austin, she jumped at the opportunity. Kelly enjoyed working with dogs, but she came to realize that her passion was directed more towards learning about their behavior and not just their physiology. It was this desire to learn more about dog behavior that made her a perfect fit as a DogBoy's employee.
Kelly is looking to become a professional dog trainer but currently loves working as a kennel technician. As a part of the DogBoy's team, Kelly has the opportunity to observe thousands of dogs interacting with each other, humans, and their environment in a wide variety of situations. She and Brownie have also enjoyed deepening their bond through DogBoy's training classes. Kelly's eagerness to learn and passion for dogs has made her an amazing asset to the DogBoy's team!
