[ Elsie's ]

About Me

Hi! I’m Gabrielle Hector. My journey into the world of pet care started with a simple, deep-seated love for animals, but it quickly grew into a lifelong professional calling. With a background as a veterinary technician and experience as a kennel technician and bather, I’ve spent my career learning that high-quality pet care is about much more than just a bath—it’s about health, safety, and trust.

At Elsie’s Boarding and Spa, I’ve combined my medical knowledge with my passion for pet care to create a space where your pets are treated like family.

Why Choose Us?

When you leave your pet with me, you aren’t just getting a sitter or a groomer; you’re getting a professional who knows how to spot the small details that matter. My experience in the veterinary field means I prioritize your pet’s well-being in everything I do, from skin and coat health to stress-free handling.

As a business owner and a devoted parent, I know how hard it can be to find someone you trust with the members of your family. That is why I built this business on the values of transparency, patience, and professional excellence.

The Wings of Inspiration

Elsie’s Boarding and Spa is a tribute to the two biggest inspirations in my life: my late fiancé/father of my children, Justin, and our dog, Elsie.

Justin was my biggest supporter—the person who first saw my potential and truly encouraged me to turn my professional vet tech background into my own business. After losing them both, I knew I wanted to build a legacy in memory of them for our children. Elsie wasn't just a pet; she was a member of our family. I rescued Elsie from the St. Martinville Animal shelter when Justin and I first moved in together and she stuck around long enough to welcomed home our 3 babies. Her memory is the reason I treat every dog that walks through my doors with the same level of devotion and care.

A Mission for Awareness

When you see the purple and teal in our logo or the symbol of broken chains, you’re seeing our heart for Substance Use and Mental Health Awareness.

Losing Justin to his battle with addiction changed my perspective on the world. It taught me that life is full of unexpected hurdles, and it inspired me to ensure that Elsie’s is more than just a grooming facility—it’s a place of empathy.

Our Future: The Advocacy Project

My goal is to eventually launch a non-profit branch of the business. We want to provide Crisis Boarding—offering a safe, loving place for pets to stay while their owners are in 30-day recovery programs or facing medical crises. We believe that a person’s path to healing should never be blocked by the worry of who will care for their four-legged family members.