From Yogi I wasn't…read morealways this proud 150-pound brindle Akita you see today. I was a scared, reactive dog when my human found me. I'd been abused, and later, after finally finding a safe home, someone broke in... and I was beaten again. I don't trust easily. I bark when I feel unsafe. I protect my space fiercely. I need distance from other dogs--not because I don't care, but because I care too deeply and don't know how to show it safely. But my human understood. They walk me on a 6' lead, often shortened to 2'. They sit on the ground beside me when I'm overwhelmed. They give me time, space, and safety to choose connection. That's how I learned how to say: "If I turn sideways and offer my shoulders or my butt... you can touch me." It's not much, but it's my way of saying "I trust you." And Justine listened. On October 4, 2023, Justine became my personal walker once a week. My human told her the truth--every challenge, every warning. She had every reason to walk away. But she didn't. She stayed. She followed my signals. She gave me 15 minutes. Now we do 30-minute walks once a week. She must really love me. Then, on January 2, 2024, I met Laura--and fate stepped in again. I didn't know she worked with Justine. Now I have two amazing humans who take me out twice a week. They get me. They give me time. And I give them my trust. To the anxious pups, the misunderstood cats, the shy reptiles, the quiet rodents hiding under blankets: You are NOT broken You are NOT too much You just need the right people who will wait for you to feel safe I'm Yogi. I'm a 150-pound Protection Fluff with a gentle heart and a rough past. I don't take love lightly--but once I give it, it's forever. Sloppy kisses and steady eyes, --Yogi From Yogi's Human: Yogi came into my life with scars--some I could see, many I couldn't. And while I helped him find safety... he helped me survive too. Watching him grow from panic to patience, from tension to trust, has been the most powerful journey of my life. We have good days, tough ones, and breakthroughs. But we keep going. To Justine and Laura--thank you for stepping into our lives. You didn't just help my dog. You made it possible for me to breathe a little easier too. To everyone walking a reactive pet journey: Progress isn't linear. Love is a process. You're not alone. #ReactiveDog #AkitaStrong #DogHealingJourney #AdoptDontShop #RescueToRecovery #BrindleAkita #DogLove #AnimalRescue #YogiTheAkita #ProtectionFluff #TraumaRecovery #ServiceDogInTraining #GentleGuardians #YouAreNotBroken #justintimedogwalking

I highly recommend boarding your dog with Justine. She has taken care of my Oliver on so many…read moreoccasions and she treats him like family. I've been able to enjoy my vacation y so much more knowing that he is safe and well taken care of. She also send me updates so I can see how well he is doing.

We could not be happier with Doggy Steps. Our dog goes out for play time two or three days a week…read moreand he always comes back happy and tred He is well socialized with these session. We live in a place with no fenced in area so these play days are very healthy for him. WE also feel that he is safe and well cared for whwn we travel and on his playdates. Highly recommend their services

I can't express enough how great this team is and highly recommend using them. They treat my Lola…read moreas if she was their own. Lola gets so excited to see them. Without a doubt don't think twice about hiring them

I have two "difficult to groom" 60 lb dogs. We have been refused by 3 previous groomers and …read more... then I found Christine. I was amazed at how relaxed my dogs were when they were done. Christine takes all the time necessary to be sure the dog isn't uncomfortable for any length of time. Frequent breaks, lots of love and yummy treats mean it takes longer but so worth it. Stress and anxiety is exhausting for dogs and humans. Grooming an anxious dog isn't fun. Things can escalate if attention to the dog's emotional state isn't monitored. Most groomers simply don't have the time. I can't imagine my boys being groomed anywhere else. No hesitation in recommending Christine. She "soothed their souls" as well as mine even though she no doubt is herself exhausted after our visits.

I'm sharing this review to help other owners of highly anxious dogs. My dog is family and a review…read morelike this would have been invaluable in my decision-making process. My dog is extremely anxious, especially at the vet or groomer, which led me to "Soothe Their Soul" hoping for Christine's specialized help with anxious dogs. My initial visits were promising. I stayed for the first 4-hour session to observe her process, and the second drop-off visit allowed my dog to get used to the environment, even resulting in a successful nail trim. This was great progress, and I was optimistic for the third visit, where grooming was planned. However, the third visit was deeply concerning. When I picked up my dog, he was uncharacteristically low-energy, lethargic and and sad. It took him two full days to regain his normal energy. My interaction with the owner at pickup was also very uncomfortable. Her demeanor was curt, cold, and visibly frustrated, which was a stark contrast to our first meeting. Her body language and tone were unprofessional, making me feel uneasy. Even if it was a difficult day, I expect a level of professionalism and maintain emotional resilience when dealing with her clients - both the dog and the owner. Furthermore, I was told my dog bit someone who tried to pet him. Given his known anxiety - the very reason I brought him there - I expected the business owner to ensure he wasn't put in a situation where he felt the need to bite, and to advise others against approaching him. It is ok that she was not able to have a breakthrough with my dog during that 3rd visit. It is NOT ok that my dog left there feeling deflated and deeply saddened.

Pat truly loves her work and treats your pets like her own…read more The outdoor time she provides is super and my dog returns happy and well exercised, having enjoyed lots of fresh air and off leash time, Pat also boards pets overnight if needed and I know my dog is treated like a member of the family with Pat. Reasonable rates and great care for your pet!

Pat has been walking/sitting for my two dogs now for over 6 years and I thank the Lord for bringing…read moreher into my life!! She is simply amazing!! My three dogs are my children and she looks after them like her own, taking them for long walks at Bronte, socializing them with her other dogs she walks, nurtures them and basically, just loves them to death!! I am sincerely grateful to have her in Brody's, Kirby and Bella's life. If you are looking for a dog walker that genuinely cares for your fur babies, takes care of them like her own, and takes them for long scenic walks on the trails so they are pooped when they get back, Pat is your "Angel in Waiting".. Simply the best!!! Debbie DesLauriers, Burlington, Ontario.

Diane provides outstanding care to our Scottie, Piper when she is in her care. We never have a…read moremoment of worry as we know Diane provides her with a loving, happy home. Piper is always very excited to see Diane and when we arrive she runs from our car, straight to her door....tail wagging! As Piper is part of our family, the trust I have in Diane is very important to me. Diane always goes above and beyond, is flexible and very knowledgeable about dogs. I would highly recommend her to family and friends seeking pet sitting services. She is truly a gem!

My partner and I have , and most importantly our dog loves it here lol. The staff are amazing and…read moreyou can tell they actually care about the dogs, and want them to be happy not just sleepy and rested. My only complaint is the price I do wish boarding was a bit cheaper because it definitely adds up. But at the same time... you kinda get what you pay for. The care has always been great and our dog comes home happy (and exhausted lol). Would definitely use them again.

Dawn and her team are simply wonderful. Professional and caring, thorough and responsive.We have a…read morespecial needs dog, otis. He was born deaf and blind. He is a sweet boy, an aussie shepherd. That said, he is different from other dogs and while he is quite friendly and gentle, does not see or hear cues from other dogs. That simply means he needs some additional attention. They give it in spades, and with love. They have indoor and outdoor facilities, and simply are the best!

This was a money grab experience -business wise. I called t learn if I could have my 11 month…read moreborder/poodle cross join the intermediate corse in training to learn some flyball, but the owner insisted I take the 1st puppy training course to make sure his recall was good - it already was. The day of the 1st class my car broke down. I emailed to discuss options but was told I could nit get a refund of any amount because she loses a seat she could have sold. Nor could I easily defer -she sad she'd call if she EVER had an opening but it would last minute because she did nt want to miss selling the spot. She suggested that I do anything I can to get there. I told her that would mean I would have to rent a car as I did not know how long the garage would have mine. This was met with zero any compassion. I missed that lesson, then rented a car $225 - cheapest I could get just to go to the 2nd lesson. Am at $800 for lessons now. With 1 march break holiday and a rained out day - I think 6 lessons cost $800 because Diane preferred I bust my bank to get to her lessons and to do so she fictionalized that her lessons are full. There were 2 other open spots the whole duration of the lessons. So she would not be helpful but more than that she decidedly caused further financial challenges for me knowing I also had garage expenses. From not having her address properly represented one ( I went to her old location - who knows when they moved - wasn't a recent move!!!! And her lessons provided nothing new. Better puppy lessons at the SPAC! She doesn't want to give your dog socialization unless you pay for it in special classes! A desire for your money at all turns and a lack of business//consumer ethics not providing some sort of solution that didn't just cost me more was too much to ask of her. Most businesses offer a contingency.... She said she does not. As a business woman her sole interest is money. She prefers to sell video access instead of real hands on training. If you join in you're a fool- better dog training from a cat. Goat the SPAC

These guys are fantastic! I've had several dogs here over the years and have never been less than…read more100% satisfied. As far as the reviewers that say they were treated badly, I have to think they were just being thin-skinned. They are say-it-like-it-is kind of people, and they want you to succeed. If you're being obtuse, they're going to do what they need to do to get through to you. Too bad you didn't work through it, your dog would have benefited!

I have not written any reviews yet but I have to write this one for Michele. My boyfriend and I…read morehave a two year old German shepherd who is always so energetic. Michele has been the one and only person that we trust to take care of our German shepherd. Believe me, if she can take REAL GOOD CARE of our German and can SATISFY our German's daily exercise requirements, while taking care of few other dogs in the same time, she can take REAL GOOD CARE of yours as well. She has given us trustworthy, reliable, and accountable boarding services since our dog was 4 months old, out dog gladly jumps on Michele's Jeep when she sees her, that's when you know your dog is having a LOT of FUN AND EXERCISE when he/she is with Michele. You know that you can trust her, count on her and give her your dog babies because not only does she do the "day caring/dog walking", but most importantly, she really does care about your dogs, like they are her own. We were new dog owners and we always ask her questions on dog training, or even dog food, and other general terms; not once has she ever failed us. She cares about your dog enough that she would send you multiple email-length texts on how to better train your dog or solve your dog-related questions, she'd even send you multiple links of related training videos. Oh and btw, she also take really good pictures and videos of your dogs!!! Not to mention that she always take them to large clean and beautiful parks.