Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gretchen Spohn . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Gretchen , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I came up with the idea because of my last dog, Mogul, that was becoming immobile at the end of his life. I was hauling him to and from in the car to a rehab center then carrying him in, which made me realize most of the treatments could be done in the comfort of my home and the need for more mobile services. It was hard on my back and hard for him (emotionally and physically) to have to go in and out of the place. It definitely would’ve been easier having someone come to me. I felt this would work because I know I’m not the only one out there that considers my dog my kid and by making it that much easier to help them and their dogs and work with their schedule by going to my clients and not making them have to come to me!

Gretchen , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hey everyone! I’m Gretchen and I am a Certified Small Animal Massage Therapist providing mobile dog massage in the greater Denver and Boulder areas. I am also a Veterinary Cannabis Guide (I help dog owners navigate the CBD world for their furry best friends). Dogs have always been my people! I have worked in several different industries in the past, the last being childcare. I was starting to feel stagnant, unhappy and unfulfilled in that industry. When my last dog was diagnosed with terminal bone cancer it opened up my world to holistic care for animals and the need for more mobile services. I amputated his front left leg, which gave us almost an extra year together. I wanted to set him up for success becoming a tripawd and so I started taking him to physical therapy, acupuncture and hydrotherapy. He did amazing on 3, but ultimately the cancer spread. It was when he left his physical body that I decided I wanted to go to school for small animal massage and to be able to offer mobile services to people and help others with their dogs. (I have a sweet spot for difficult/ behaviorally challenged ones due to my last dog being that way). I founded ‘the knotty k9’ in honor of Mogul, my 3-legged best friend.
Massage has so many benefits for our dogs, just like it does for humans. It benefits ALL dogs, from puppies to middle-aged dogs to seniors. One great thing about massage is it’s way to have a regular nose-to-tail check for lumps and bumps and any changes you might not normally notice (early detection of cancer can save your dogs life!). Here are some other benefits of massage therapy for your dog:
•Increase blood circulation
•Assist in lymph movement
•Increase muscle health, flexibility and efficiency
•Increase body awareness
•Pain relief through endorphin release
•Prevent injury
•Reduce healing time post-surgeries and injuries
•Increase emotional health by alleviating depression, separation anxiety, grief, shyness and aggression
•Promote comfort, relaxation, trust, self-worth, bonding, emotional well-being and love
I think the thing I am most proud of is being able to turn my grief into a way to help other dogs and their owners. I also volunteer at Maxfund animal shelter once a week giving massage to some of their overly anxious dogs. Touch is healing!
The main thing I want people to know is how Holistic therapies like massage can enhance and complement traditional and alternative veterinary medicine. I am here to help bring peace, balance, health, comfort and well-being to their canine companions.
When I’m not doing massage, I enjoy hiking and visiting the mountains with my current rescue dog, Hatch.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Social media has probably been the most effective for me. It’s free advertising! Also, networking with others in the dog industry has been wonderful and something I wish I would’ve started doing earlier on!!!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I told myself for the first year of business I would make a post every single day. I try to post things about dogs in general, not only about dog massage. Who doesn’t appreciate dog things?! :) I also try to follow as many local dog people, dogs, and dog businesses I know. I’m still building but its definitely helped bring traction to my biz!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theknottyk9.com/information
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theknottyk9/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknottyk9/
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits
Carleen E. Olson Kelly Shroads