We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Natalie Gruchow. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Natalie below.

Natalie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

After being attacked by countless off-leash dogs, not only did my dog develop an intolerance of the invasion of personal space, but I developed debilitating anxiety and PTSD which interfered with my quality of life. When the local news contacted me for an interview on the topic of off-leash dogs I was ecstatic to raise awareness on this important societal issue. On camera, I gave a thorough interview about why it’s more than just leash laws, it’s about the rights of humans and dogs to have a peaceful walk without unwelcome encounters.

When the story aired, I was humiliated to see the editing of my story only included a simple statement. “Keep your dogs on leashes.” Even more, I was devastated that this public outreach opportunity did not deliver the message I had intended.

That was the catalyst to be a change-maker. I discovered there were little resources for people like me, that are afraid to walk their dogs due to the anxiety of potential off-leash encounters. This is when the idea for my nonprofit, Petiquette, was born. The mission is to empower pet parents to advocate for their pet’s emotional wellbeing, with a focus on leash etiquette and why it matters. Not all dogs like to say hello and that’s okay.

Natalie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Many of my dreams have come true thanks to networking. Building and maintaining relationships is not necessarily easy, especially for an introvert like me. I’ve received job offers (including my career managing Animal Health Clinic) and even met my dreamy husband from taking risks out of my comfort zone.

As the founder of the nonprofit, Petiquette, and as a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM), providing value to society is important to me, especially as it relates to animals and the people that care for them. There is a need for more education on responsible pet ownership, especially the importance of leash etiquette. I provide support to pet parents with leash etiquette yard signs and easy-to-distribute flyers. We can prevent heartache by teaching children how to ask first before petting a dog, or to make sure pets are not going to escape through an open door. Providing my services to schools is one of my favorite things. Pets don’t need to be warm and fuzzy to need love. Exotic pet awareness is also a societal need.

I am also a Fear Free Certified Professional which means I have training on how to alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets by analyzing body language and seeing the world through the pets’ eyes. Fear Free Happy Homes is a segment that focuses on how pet owners can help their pets live the happiest and healthiest lives. As a member of the Fear Free Speaker’s Bureau, I have incredible opportunities to educate veterinary professionals and pet owners on concepts that will change the lives of the animals and the humans that care for them, through speaking at conferences and webinars.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

My obvious passion for animals and community presence has built my reputation. I’m active with the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo (FMWF) Chamber of Commerce, as well as our local human resources association (FMHRA), and attend every meeting possible to keep up with current trends and to network.

In 2019, Animal Health Clinic became the first Fear Free Certified Practice in the Dakotas. My remarkable team helped implement facility and policy changes that caught the eye of the founder of Fear Free Pets, Dr. Marty Becker. He was so impressed that he invited me to share best practices at the world’s largest veterinary conference in January 2020. The connection with him has changed my life, and since then I’ve been quoted in white papers and designated a subject matter expert in the field.

Your passion has momentum.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In May 2010, I was going through extreme stress. Not sleeping from the noise of late house parties, which my ex would throw against my wishes. Studying for senior-year finals at Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM), interviewing for a human resource internship (which I got!), moving, working part-time, etc. I attributed my vision issues to stress and lack of sleep. My left eye became more and more crossed, until it became “stuck” and I couldn’t move it. MRI images showed many lesions all over my brain. The neurologist asked me if I had any other symptoms, besides the double vision from the crossed-eye. I told him that I have constant tingling legs but never thought anything of it. That was enough to be diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.

Stress and lack of sleep are #1 triggers for relapses. I knew I had to leave my toxic and abusive marriage. In 2014 I found the courage to leave. I’ve been relapse free and my amazing husband, Tim, could not be any more supportive of my health and dreams.

No relapses does not mean no symptoms. There are hard days of chronic pain, debilitating fatigue, muscle spasms, depression, and anxiety. I have an invisible illness and “I don’t look sick.” I’m glad I’m not treated any differently but giving myself grace is really important.

Be kind to yourselves and to each other. We are all fighting battles.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.petiquette.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalie.gruchow/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natgruchow
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natgruchow/