Testimonials

Hiking and boarding with the same trustworthy dog trainer are essential for my goldendoodle's happiness and wellbeing. I am so grateful to have found Loukia & Wholistic to take care of my dog's needs. We have been regular customers since we met about 6 months ago. If you are lucky enough to grab an open spot for your doggie, take it! Loukia & Wholistic are reliable and trustworthy. Having a safe and loving environment to board your dog is a must and Loukia takes exceptional care of all her dogs. She feeds them what they need to thrive, multiple hikes each day for exercise and specialized play to train is a bonus. More importantly, during those unexpected emergencies that might arise, Loukia is just a text away from saving the day and being there for your pup!

Loukia is the best! No joke though. She really is. Our dog Roo had a few behavioral quirks that we were trying to work out (a general high level of anxiety, fear/dislike of strangers, and chasing down things he shouldn’t), so we left him with Loukia for only 1 week and when he returned we could already see massive improvements! It was truly incredible. What I love most about leaving Roo with Loukia is that her lifestyle simulates a natural dog lifestyle more than basically any other boarding place. They go on hikes in the woods as a pack, which builds a pack-mentality amongst the dogs and helps dogs like Roo understand that random joggers don’t need to be chased – the pack doesn’t do that. She also prepares wonderful meals for the pups that I would thoroughly enjoy eating if I were personally part of the pack. Her communication skills are incredible and you get to see videos/pictures of the dogs throughout their stay, so you’re never left wondering if everything is okay. I would give her an A++ rating and would 100% recommend her to my friends (actually I already have) whether their dogs have behavioral issues or not!

Words can’t adequately express how grateful we are to have found Loukia and the difference she’s made for Bella, our ten-month Black Mouth Cur rescue. Loukia’s house and yard are set up for dogs to have a great time and be kept safe…basically it looks like a dog spa. When Loukia met Bella she was having digestion issues and was terrified to be in the car. Now, with Loukia advise and support, Bella rides in the car without drooling all over the place, walks off leash with all the dogs when they go on their trail hikes and dog outings, and eats food that’s great for her and easy on her stomach. Loukia has been a tremendous resource for all dog related topics (e.g., food, supplements, bones, training, where to buy certain supplies, etc.). Most importantly, Bella totally loves Loukia and her kids. I’m actually happy for Bella when we go out of town because I know she’s going to have a great time and be in the loving care of Loukia and her family.

Loukia has provided us the needed comfort and ease while boarding our two labrador retrievers. It’s considered more to be vacation for the pups then “boarding” after all! We first left our young labrador retriever, Rigley, with her when he was just 6 months old and very last minute. As any pet parent, we were nervous to leave our baby, but Loukia assured us he would have a field day at her palace, and that he did! She continuously posts daily videos on you tube of their hikes, even rest time, and will send photos upon your request! She gives informative updates and even will suggest training tips and healing remedies you may need for your fur baby. There have been a few incidents where I have reached out to her about our dogs wellness before our vet because of her holistic and truthful approach. We all adore Loukia and appreciate her love and affection for our dogs. Thank you for your tremendous services so we can enjoy “human” travels!
Love,
The Parker Family

I hardly know where to begin in expressing thanks and praise to Wholistic Pet Services. My charming, adorable but extremely headstrong two-year-old Beaglier (Ranger) was dominating my household, and turning my elderly Labrador (Riley) into a virtual basket-case. Ranger had been to two trainers before; one had her for three weeks and returned her with little to show for it except the comment “Ranger is just going to be Ranger."

I found Wholistic Pet Services when I needed to board her, and I was immediately impressed by Loukia’s insightful observations about both Ranger and Riley. I knew Ranger would be in good hands, but I wasn’t completely prepared for the amazing and awesome change in her behavior - after only one week she returned to us as charming and playful as ever, but also tangibly more cooperative and acquiescent. This, coupled with advice from Loukia about handling at home, has made Riley feel secure once again in his position in the family. Ranger is now one of the regular hikers (off leash, remarkably!), and comes home tired and happy.

After trying a few dog walkers and boarders (who were just ok), we stumbled upon Loukia and decided to give her a try. I am extremely glad we connected, because there is no comparison. Loukia is so in tune with her dogs and attentive to their needs. She takes them on long hikes as a part of her daily routine, and sends great videos of her excursions. I have absolutely no worries that our dog will be well taken care of when we go away. As a working mom with two young kids and a dog, there are many logistics to keep track of, and I can always count on Loukia to be reliable, communicative, and flexible. She's a wonderful woman who really cares about the families she works with.

We recently got a puppy who was having tummy troubles and Loukia quickly helped to get his intestinal problems solved. 

Our 13 year old Whippet has suffered from a terribly sensitive stomach for years. We were feeding him the kibble prescribed by our doctor and had him on a constant diet of low dose antibiotics in order to keep his digestion healthy.  Loukia noted that he disliked his own food and decided to try an alternative diet of boiled ground beef, sushi rice, steamed sweet potatoes, mashed carrots and pasta.  After a month back on this  new diet he had regained the 10lbs (a third of his weight) lost over the years, rebuilt muscle, stopped counter surfing and returned to being energetic, happy, playful and content.  

"We love WholisticPet! Loukia is amazingly knowledgeable about training, socialization, and nutrition. Our dog hated his puppy kibble and was eating the bare minimum. He was constantly having diarrhea and gas. Loukia introduced a new diet which he loves. He has been thriving with the new food and the play and exercise he gets on his hikes. He is so happy in his new routine. It makes life so much easier to know he is getting what he needs when we are at work. Check out Wholistic Pet!"

Best dog care ever, and more! 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ We are so relieved to have found Loukia. I do not relish leaving my Yorkie at all, let alone at a kennel. Even though he is so transportable sometimes there is no other way. After much research I found Loukia, tried her, and my search was over. Harvey, my dog is a guest, not a boarder. We go to Loukia for all the family dogs, my daughter's Malamute/German Shepard, her Wheaton mix and and my son's Australian Shepard. She even arranged everything and had my son's dog shipped to the west coast. Perfection.

We really appreciate the special treatment; the pick up, drop off possibility is an added plus. Don't know how it could be any better. She even cooks for them!

I don’t know what I or my two dogs would do without Loukia and Wholistic Pet Services!  Wylie and Pippie are super high energy and love to play, and they also love other dogs.  Having Loukia take them out with her pack for an extended romp a couple of times a week is a life saver for me.  She also boards when we go away, and I always know they are well cared for.

Perhaps the best testimonial I can give is from the dogs themselves:  Loukia sends me regular videos of their play sessions.  When I play the videos at home and the dogs hear her voice on them, they run to the door and go crazy with excitement!  They love their twice-weekly playdates and love staying at her house, where they get spoiled, get to hang with other dogs all the time, and get lots and lots of love and attention.  I love my pups and couldn’t be happier that they are so well taken care of when I can’t do it!

I recently moved to CT with two special needs dogs and was very worried about what I would do with them while traveling. Most boarders would not take them, and while the vet would, it was terrible knowing they would spend most of their time crated up for the week. I found Loukia and Wholistic Pet Services online and figured I would make one last effort to find someone other than the vet, and I am so grateful that I did! 

While speaking with Loukia I explained that Susie & Rascal are both rescue dogs that require some special attention. Rascal specifically was born with a birth defect that caused permanent brain damage - he requires special medication, can't be walked on a leash, can't be trained in any way, and requires daily handling in a very specific manner or his behavior will regress. Even knowing all this, Loukia agreed to meet me and my two pups. 

Upon arriving I was a bit nervous because many of the other dogs were so much larger than my two and I was afraid it would be too much for my little ones. However, Loukia has an excellent handle on all the dogs, she made sure to do slow introductions and because she exercises the larger dogs so well - none were too hyper or overbearing. Loukia had a great backyard that was completely fenced in and the indoor area was clean and set up with pillows and beds everywhere to accommodate the dogs. 

Anytime I have to travel for work, my dogs go stay with Loukia and I don't have to worry about a thing. I know that they are safe and happy, and Loukia will send me pictures and videos of them playing, eating, and sleeping. Susie gets the free roam that she is used to having at home and Rascal gets to play all day in the yard and has a special area set up just for him at night. Loukia is incredibly patient with Rascal and makes sure that he gets the daily attention he needs to help with his socialization and development. There is nowhere else I would bring my dogs!!

If I could give a rating higher than 5 stars I would.  Where do I start?  Well ... my children and I moved to CT from CA in July and then the "adventure" began.  Long story short we ended up with no home (our rental was condemned due to being unsafe and unhealthy (a whole different story) and so we ended up living with the children's grandmother.  We arrived in the children's grandmother's house with 2 kids, 1 adult, 3 cats and 2 dogs.  Now this is a woman who is 1) very particular and 2) does not like pets.  

After about 2 weeks our two dogs were literally destroying the house. 

They were anxious and my 4 year old dog had a paw that looked like a plucked chicken due to her licking it obsessively out of nerves.  My male puppy was a basket of energy and very destructive - again due to nerves and not able to have the space they needed.

Finally a friend of mine found me Wholistic Pet Services.  The dogs stayed with Loukia for about 2 months and my older dog who used to charge other dogs and had a random aggressive streak was more mellow, responsive to voice control and her paw - that looked like a plucked chicken - was all filled with a beautiful coat of fur!  

She literally looked 3 years younger ... looked like a puppy.

My male puppy also had calmed down and Loukia had unleashed the issue with him which was a bit of competition.

Long story short to say:

Loukia has an amazing facility -- it is like a hotel for dogs .. a 5 star hotel for dogs! She is loving, dedicated, talented.   She is tireless in her energy she gives the dogs --- she gives them a home, love and amazing walks an hikes

I cannot recommend her enough .... she is amazing!

Loukia and the whole team at Wholistic have been absolutely amazing to our Puggle Ozzie.  From the first day when we went up to meet Loukia and the dogs we have felt so comfortable leaving Ozzie with her.  It took such a long time to find a place where you are totally happy to leave your best friend and in Loukia we have that very special place.  Ozzie now absolutely knows we are getting close to the house for drop off.  He starts getting excited as soon as we take the turn off the 95!  I think Loukia's home cooked meals have been the key to Ozzie's heart.  Thank you so much for taking care of Ozzie, you are his second home.

Loukia is the most incredible doggy mum EVER and I could not recommend her service more. After hours of careful searching, I stumbled on her service, contacted her, and heard back in a few hours. Having recently moved to NYC and needing to house our boisterous 4yo dog just a few weeks after this unsettling time (and for 3 weeks, no less) I was looking for a difficult ask: Someone who knows dogs well, takes care of them like their own and manages different personalities. Loukia is all that plus more. My dog came back much more socialised, happy and better behaved! She also took great care of his eyes and health. She was flexible, understanding and considerate. A true gem. We've already booked the pup in for Christmas. Thanks again Loukia - you ROCK! X

Our cream golden retriever - Charlie had serious intestinal issues and we went to several different vets for help without any results. We were given antibiotics and temporary solutions. Wholistic Pet Services helped us get our puppy's stomach in order with solid advice about diet change and supplements. Within a few weeks our struggles were over!  

Loukia is a rockstar!  We recently moved to Norwalk, CT from the city and couldn't be happier with the exceptional service that Loukia provides.  I'm one of those crazy dog Moms that worries constantly about my "child" (#dogchildren).  I was put at ease when Blair began with Loukia.  She was right at home with Loukia and her pack.  In the past, we had issues with A.  Blair chasing anything and everything and B.  over excitement around other dogs and C.  a need to roll in anything that smelled even remotely foul.  Since Blair has been with Loukia, we have not experienced any of those issues.  Blair walks off leash freely without even a look at squirrels and has not (fingers crossed) attempted to cover herself in anything foul.  Loukia is amazing!  She's taken a city pooch and turned her in to a country princess!  And not only that, she is amazingly trustwothy and reliable.  My situation is often in flux as I travel frequently, so having Loukia always there to help has been beyond amazing.  I'd recommend this wonderful woman to anyone that has a pooch and wants their dog to experience something special in Connecticut.  The Adventure Walks are wonderful for Blair and of course, I enjoy seeing the pictures of the entire pack frolicking in Cranbury Park!  Thank you, Loukia for everything that you do for these dogs...and their humans.  You're a rockstar in every way and I'm not sure where we'd be without you 🙂

We were looking for a dog sitter during the summer of 2013 and met with quite a few people. We enjoyed meeting Loukia from Wholistic Pet Services as she is by far the easiest to work with, very flexible and the most knowledgeable. She has a passion for animals and is able to help us with nutrition, training and socializing our boy,Jaxon.Jaxon is a 1 year old boxer with an above-average energy level. He needs constant attention and can sometimes be a bit of a pain! Loukia has no problem handling him, tiring him out and making sure he gets along with all of the other visitors. Jaxon is like our child and leaving him with a stranger for the first few times was very difficult. After watching the videos Loukia sends and reading her emails while we were away, we were completely at ease and have a lot of trust in her care.Before finding Wholistic Pet Services we had worked with a number of other dog sitters in the Stamford &Greenwich area.Wholistic Pet Services is the only one we would confidently recommend and are happy to sendJaxon to each and every time.

 

We recently moved to the US with our year old Vizsla, Smudge, who had taken some time to adjust to his new environment. When we had to find someone to look after him whilst we went for a week's holiday, we were determined to find someone who wouldn't leave him in a crate but would provide him with the same love, attention and exercise he gets at home. We found Wholistic Pet Services and went to meet Loukia and her beautiful dogs, Max and Grace. From the beginning, it was clear that Loukia "gets" dogs. She lives and breathes them and understands how individual breeds and individual characters interact with each other and why. We found this to be so important having come across so many dog sitters who bundle a load of dogs together without giving any thought to how they will react to one another. Loukia is devoted to making sure her dogs and the dogs she looks after have the best possible life. This starts with advice on the best possible diet, hints and tips on holistic preparations for your dog (versus the sometimes unsafe alternatives), twice daily exercise and socialization, and ends with comfy doggy beds, sofas, pillows and humans to cuddle up with. Smudge runs to Loukia's gate and doesn't look back. We know he's having a great time because we get videos and photos of him having a ball. We are so grateful to have found Wholistic Pet Services and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Loukia

It is with great pleasure that I offer my testimonial in honor of the remarkable care and the services provided by Loukia and her team at Wholistic Pet Service. I must begin by saying that I am a very protective "Mom" with regard to my 5-year-old (rambunctious!) female Airedale. It took enormous confidence on my part to allow her to be boarded outside our home. Finding Loukia was the best thing that ever happened for my Airedale and myself! Right away, I just knew that Loukia and her team truly understood my dog as an "individual"-her behavior, patterns, likes and dislikes. Even though I provided an extensive list detailing all of my Airedale's habits and preferences, there were many nuances that Loukia intuitively figured out immediately and also as she got to know my dog well. Loukia is remarkable in her ability to understand what makes a dog "tick". It surprised me time and time again when Loukia would mention a trait or an aspect of my Airedale's personality that would only be recognized by me, or a family member who knows our Airedale well. This proved that Wholistic Pet Service intensely focuses on what is best-specifically--for your dog. And, most importantly, the perfect balance between firm control, continual affection, abundant exercise, and nutritional emphasis is consistently evident during every boarding experience at Wholistic Pet Service. I am extremely grateful to Wholistic Pet Service, because they make it possible for me to feel completely relaxed and confident that my dog is receiving the best care possible, just as she would receive at home. And, her excitement says it all, and surely shows, when she knows that we are on our way to Loukia's "Resort"!

We have 2 Bernese Mountain Dogs, Jillz and Charlie, that we love very much. Until we moved to the US, we only let family members take care of them when we were not around. Since that is not possible anymore, we are so happy we found Wholistic Pet Service! We couldn't have found a better place for our ladies than this! They are treated wonderful!! They get great walks, they socialize with other dogs, they get great food and most important of all, lots of LOVE!! The dogs adore her, and are so excited when they are picked up for a walk or a stay over! A great feeling that our dogs are well, when we can't be around. We even get movies and pictures, which is precious!!

I have been a client of Loukia’s since 2010 and highly recommend her services! I’ve always felt completely comfortable leaving my dogs in her care while I am away – she is trustworthy, devoted to excellence and treats my dogs as if they are her own.  Unlike many boarding facilities, a stay with Loukia includes exercise, socialization in a safe and caring environment and sleeping accommodations in the “dog living room” filled with pillows, blankets and beds! I know that my dogs are happy and enjoying their own “vacation” while I am away.  In addition, she is very knowledgeable in the area of holistic care and nutrition.  Before meeting Loukia, I was unaware of the benefits of feeding my dogs a diet of “whole foods” including fresh vegetables and protein.  She also introduced me to the use of natural herbal supplements and nutraceutical remedies to improve my dogs’ immune system and overall health.  I believe these all natural products work better than traditional (and often unsafe) alternatives.  Three years after following her nutritional guidance my dogs are healthier than ever!

I am incredibly grateful to Wholistic Pet Services , and feel truly lucky that when I am out of town they are the caretakers of my most adored dog, Mushi Luv Bunni.  Holistic Pet Services is not simply a boarding facility and that is why I love it.  I could not bear the thought of leaving Mushi some place where he would be locked in a crate for most of the time he was there.

The folks at Wholistic have so much passion and integrity for their work.  They have an uncommon and gifted understanding of dogs.  They love what they do and are fantastic at it.  I trust how much they love it when I see how Mushi reacts to their presence...his whole body wags with joy.!

Unfortunately, when I travel I can't bring Mushi along with me, but thanks to Wholistic Pet I can leave Mushi behind with peace of mind that he will not only receive the best care possible, but will also have a blast and be given the love and adoration I feel he deserves even when I am not there to give it to him.

Mushi started training to be a therapy dog at a very young age and I didn't want him to lose ground when I am away.   Loukia helps him stay on task with his manners and obedience and Mushi also gets the opportunity to socialize with other dogs.  I know he gets plenty of exercise, and lots of attention.  It's great that I can call and get an update about how Mushi is doing.     And as an added bonus they take the best photos and videos!    We are discovering that Mushi is a very photogenic puppy!!  On one occasion, Mushi was having some minor GI issues and without hesitation Loukia nursed him back to health with her healing real food recipes.

So with the utmost of gratitude, I thank you Wholistic Pet Services!   You go above and beyond simply keeping Mushi happy, nourished, and healthy...when he stays with you it's like going to visit his extended family and the best doggy resort all in one.

Wholistic Pet Services was a wonderful addition to our family's routine.  We started with them for daily doggie day care services and they were able to consult with us on everything from vet services to training and diet.  Their attention to our pets needs was tremendous and their all-around knowledge about all dog matters was refreshing.  Their flexibility around our schedules was ideal for our hectic schedule.  We had an overall great experience with their services.

About a year ago Wholistic Pet Services gave us Tilly - a shepherd mix that they had rescued in Greece.

Tilly has the best manners possible in a dog and is very calm, very affectionate and super easy to take with us wherever we go. Loukia’s healthy food and herbal supplements have also made her a very healthy and low maintenance dog. Her coat is thick and shiny and we receive endless compliments wherever we go. Thank you Loukia for our Tilly – don’t know how we ever lived without her!!

I can't thank you enough for all of the love and care you have shown Bronte, the "meows" and me. We couldn't have managed the last 8 months without you! I'd say we will miss you, but I fully expect to plan to meet up for some gossip and play dates! Come visit us any weekend in our new home!

Alan and I, thank you so very much spending all of the time & work you did with Neo!   I'm so very impressed with the love & care you put into all of the dogs you take under your wings! Neo is an exceptional dog that has adapted so well and quickly into our family!   My other Corso - Mac Kenzie has gained so much more confidence since Neo has been brought into our lives I can't thank you enough.........Keep up the great work!

Thank you for being so dedicated to The Life of Lacy!

Getting a rescue dog  can be overwhelming, especially if it is a dog with special needs. You were there from the beginning teaching me about the right foods, snacks, collars, paw care, how to take her in public and you even got into our pool and taught her how to swim, which is now her favorite all-time activity. What I appreciate most is that your concern and love for the dog come first.  Lacy felt comfortable with you right away and your magic with her started immediately.  On your first visit, you taught my daughter and I how to make her (and us) feel relaxed and calm which was especially important considering her neglectful background and numerous homes.

One of the best things you told me was not to treat her like she was handicapped.  When we got her we were told that couldn’t swim and couldn’t climb stairs…now she does both.  She has no idea that she only has three legs! Thank you for always being on time, your patience, answering all my endless questions and even inviting me into your home and treating me to one of the best coffees ever. I don’t know who is luckier to have you in their lives…the dog or the owner!

I highly recommend Wholistic Pet Services.  The care they put forth into their work comes natural and they enjoy what they do.   It is wonderful to know that Sienna is safe and happy staying at the “Resort” whenever we travel.    Loukia is very flexible with pick ups and drop offs and any changes in our schedule which is unique in the dog boarding world.     I am also very pleased to be learning of the holistic treatments that are available to us through Wholistic as well!

The team at Wholistic is without a question passionate about dogs!

They took excellent care of our 2 years old shepherd mix Ginger for a full week. They sent us updates, photos and videos throughout the week so we knew that she was having a blast and was really happy with the Wholistic dog pack.

On top of providing our dog the exercise and socialization that she needs,  they corrected unwanted behavior and gave us lots of professional advice. It is very reassuring and Ginger will definitely go back on our next vacation!