Who we Are!
At Willow Creek, animals have always been at the heart of everything we do.
As lifelong animal lovers and the owners of Willow Creek Farm for over 25 years, Jill Sloane Bhatia and Raj Bhatia have built a home, a business, and a community centered around care, compassion, and connection—with both people and animals. Our farm is home to over 45 horses, goats, donkeys, barn cats, and house pets, and for the past 14 years, we've proudly hosted Companion Pet Rescue, giving countless dogs a second chance at life.
With a track record of successful ventures in both real estate and community development across New York and Connecticut, creating a doggy daycare and overnight boarding facility was a natural next step. When Haute Dog Hotel—Woodbury’s beloved dog boarding center—announced its closure, we knew what we had to do. Welcoming them to Willow Creek and expanding their services felt like the perfect continuation of our mission: to offer animals the same comfort, care, and quality of life we give our own.
The Haute Dog Hotel at Willow Creek is more than just a boarding facility—it’s an extension of our home and a reflection of our lifelong dedication to animals. Whether your dog is staying for the day or the week, they’ll be treated like family. Because here, they are.
Meet The Team!
As a lifelong animal lover and proud owner of Willow Creek Farm for over 25 years, I have built not only a home, but a life centered around care, compassion, and connection. Our farm is home to more than 45 horses, goats, donkeys, barn cats, and beloved house pets. For the past 14 years, we’ve also proudly hosted Companion Pet Rescue, helping countless dogs find loving second chances and safe, nurturing homes.
Creating a doggy daycare and overnight boarding space felt like a natural extension of my journey. When Haute Dog Hotel, Woodbury’s cherished boarding center, announced its closure, I knew I wanted to continue its legacy here at Willow Creek.
The Haute Dog Hotel at Willow Creek is truly an extension of my home. Whether your dog joins us for the day or stays for a week, they will be cared for with patience, warmth, and genuine love. Here, every dog is treated like family.
JILL
JODIE
Jodie is the OG! She founded Haute Dog Hotel in Woodbury about 18 years ago, and from the beginning it was a beloved daycare for the town! - MORE TO COME!
I was born and raised in Alaska, and in 2023 my husband and I made the journey to be closer to his family. It has been such a blessing to build our life in this new chapter.
I’m a proud dog mom to Tootsie, my sweet basset hound, and Hoot, my lovable shepherd mix. They aren’t just pets they’re my kids. Animals have been an important part of my life since I was a little girl, and I truly can’t imagine my world without them.
Getting to spend my days caring for dogs is a dream come true. I understand how deeply our animals are woven into our hearts, and I treat every dog in my care as if they were my own. They deserve patience, love, and genuine attention and that’s exactly what I strive to give.
Being located on Willow Creek Farm feels like pure serenity. Some days it truly feels like I’ve stepped into Narnia!
HEATHER
I have been passionate about animals for as long as I can remember. As a child, I was always drawn to dogs, whether caring for family pets or stopping to greet every pup in my neighborhood. At just eight years old, I began pet sitting for neighbors, quickly earning their trust through responsibility, attentiveness, and a natural connection with animals. What started as a small neighborhood job grew into a lasting commitment to working with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and personalities.
Over the years, I’ve expanded my experience through hands-on care and volunteer work in dog rescue. Supporting rescue dogs strengthened my patience, empathy, and understanding of each dog’s unique needs. I believe every dog deserves consistency, kindness, and a safe environment where they feel secure and loved.
I take time to learn each dog’s routine and personality so they feel comfortable and cared for. When you trust me with your dog, you can feel confident they will be treated like family.🐾
MARINA
LIZ
I live in Newtown with my husband and our son, along with our two incredible dogs—Bexley, my sweet, smiley snuggle bug, and Henrik, my goofy, TV-obsessed couch potato. They’re not just pets—they’re family.
Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been drawn to animals. They have always been a central part of my life. Dogs, especially, are my passion. I truly believe every animal—no matter their size, breed, or personality—deserves love, respect, and understanding. Growing up surrounded by so many different animals taught me the importance of patience, compassion, and meeting each one where they are.
I’ve also had the opportunity to work with a dog rescue, where I deepened my understanding of canine behavior and the unique needs of each dog. That experience reinforced what I’ve always believed: every dog deserves to feel safe, cared for, and loved.
When your dog is in my care, they will receive my full attention, along with the patience, love, compassion, and the individualized care they deserve—just like I would give my own.
