West Hartford Top Business Nominee: Wagging Tails

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Recently, West Hartford Patch asked readers to nominate their favorite local business for a Business of the Year series. Many area businesses have managed to navigate the turbulence of 2020 with steadfast determination and an unwavering commitment to the clients they serve.

Welcome to Wagging Tails at 635 New park Ave. in West Hartford. It's a hotel and grooming service for dogs and has been known to get the skunk stink out of a pinscher in a pinch.

According to one customer, "The staff is amazing and truly cares about every dog that walks through the door."

Krista Cugno Lofquist, the owner and top dog, said the business began with an adorable black lab puppy face.

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"Over 20 years ago, right after I graduated from Syracuse University and moved to the big city of Boston to start my career in corporate America, I decided that I was ready, on my own, to fulfill my life-long dream of having my very own black lab puppy," Lofquist said. "Little did I know then, what work it would be to raise a puppy, especially while working full-time in a big city. Bella, as she was aptly named, is the reason Wagging Tails is here today. She and I took the step together to start this venture."

Here's what some of the nominees had to say:

• "Besides the doggie daycare that my dogs love, they did an emergency grooming after we had a little skunk issue. They checked both locations for availability and got her in for an appointment." — Nancy Levesque
• Twenty-Five years in business. Wagging Tails is truly unlike any other doggy daycare or boarding/grooming facility. 100% family-run by amazing, generous animal lovers. They are sooooo creative with their programming and offerings, especially for the holidays. They're diverse and inclusive, and overnight boarding means that the dog sleeps in a bed with one of the family members. They are simply PAWSOME. — Susan Lennon
• "Great staff, clean facilities, positive atmosphere and cute dogs." — Mya Grenier

Wagging tails also offers mobile grooming services.

Wagging Tails is known for its fun events like pictures with Santa and an ugly sweater contest.

See more about wagging tails here.