Tao, “the path or the way”. I had no idea when I named my dog, Tao, how she would live up to her namesake and change the course of my life and who I have become. With Tao by my side for 13.5 years, TAO DOG® Wellness was born, a community formed and we have evolved into what we are today. She taught me to live fully, be present and encourage others and their dogs to do the same. Since her death in December 2025, I have reflected on her long, beautiful life. Although she is not physically by my side, the love, trust and her guidance are still very much alive in my heart.

Tao lived her life with quality up until the very end. A combination of holistic medical care, whole food nutrition, exercise & rest, enrichment, variety and a life full of adventure, allowed her to live a life she absolutely loved into her senior years. Tao’s care was shaped by my lifetime spent with my own dogs, learning from each of their health journeys and two decades working professionally in the animal field. I truly believe animals are our best teachers, and I am so grateful to my own and also all of the people who trust me to guide them with their dogs, the knowledge gained and our shared journeys.

Each dog is an individual. Your dog deserves to live the happiest, healthiest life for as long as possible with you. To live a life authentic to who they are and who you are together. Our transformative 8-week wellness coaching programs are designed to support you and your dog to achieve just that.

Thank you for being here. Thank you for loving your dogs. We can’t wait to share this journey with you.

Stef, River, Relic & Tao in our hearts

Meet Your Trainer & Dog Wellness Coach, Stef Corbeil

Bachelor’s in Animal Science, Certified Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, Professional Canine Fitness Trainer, Certified Pet Loss Grief Coach & Educator, Companion Animal End-of-Life Doula

Stef’s love and connection with animals began at a very young age. Her relationships with her pets shaped her childhood and began her passion to want to spend her life working with others and their pets. A lifelong learner, Stef began her formal studies at University of Connecticut receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science.  Her experience includes extensive work with working dogs from guide dogs to detection dogs, veterinary technician for an emergency hospital, shelter outreach with Petfinder.com, and training and behavior consultations for shelters and private clients. 

For 15 years, Stef worked at a guide dog school as a Certified Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, Puppy Program Coordinator and Supervisor of Breeding and Early Puppy Development. Developing these programs led her to connect with Suzanne Clothier, and join her team as the Director of Program Development. In this role, she assisted in training seminars, created online courses for dog trainers and performed evaluations for dogs, puppies, and litters.  

With her own dogs, Stef loves to go on camper van adventures, explore new places and train her dogs in sport. She attributes her success on the field to a balanced life with her dogs, a regular practice of dog yoga, and supporting herself as she grieves Tao and learns to carry the love she has for her forward.