Meet Gretchen Spohn | Owner of The Knotty K9, [mobile] dog massage therapist & veterinary cannabis guide

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gretchen Spohn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gretchen, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I came up with this business idea when my last dog Mogul, was nearing the end of his life and I was driving him to and from rehab. He was a big boy, and a tripawd due to bone cancer. He also had some behavioral issues. Having to worry about other dogs and having to load him in and out of my car was stressful (emotionally and physically) and almost everything I was having done for him at rehab could have been done in the comfort of our home. It made me realize there was a need a for more mobile services for dogs. It also really sparked my interest in holistic treatments for animals. When he left his physical body it spurred me to finally leave my job in childcare and go to school for small animal massage. I wanted to be able to help others and their furry dog children/constant companions with whatever issues they were dealing with (from injuries to anxiety to general well-being). Since my last dog was kind of naughty with an “N” and massage helps with naughtiness AND muscle Knots, the knotty k9 came to be with mogul as my inspiration!

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I am a certified small animal massage therapist that does mobile dog massage (I come to YOU so you don’t have to load your dog up/leave the comfort of your home). I think being mobile is something that sets me apart. I am also a veterinary cannabis guide. I help educate people on cbd/cannabis products which can be very overwhelming to know where to start these days. (It complements massage very nicely as well). I am really still learning about owning my own business as I go.

I got to where I am today due to the supportive people in my life and having gone through a terminal diagnosis with my last dog. (Definitely not something I’d consider easy).

I learned so much going through it that I wanted to be able to turn my difficult experience and knowledge into a way to help others and their doggies. I want the world to know how amazing holistic therapies are in combination with veterinary medicine. Holistic looks at the whole body, not just the symptoms. I think it’s a lot about the balance. Dog massage isn’t just for elderly, ailing, or injured dogs. It’s great for puppies (getting used to being handled) and dogs with anxiety or behavioral issues as well and even just maintenance/general well-being. We all (as humans and animals) need help at times relieving our stress. Massage allows for an emotional release just as much as a physical one. Touch is healing and can bridge communication gaps (our dogs communicate in much different and more subtle ways since they can’t “talk” like we can). And I am here to help 🙂 .

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend came to visit for a week, I would most definitely be taking them to the mountains for a getaway! I try to spend time in the mountains whenever I can, hiking and exploring with my dog. One of my favorite mountain towns to hang out in is Salida. If we were hanging in Denver for a couple of days, I’d probably want to take them to check out Red Rocks. For drinks, Family Jones is a fave for cocktails and the frose at “the patio” on sloans is also delish and super dog-friendly! I enjoy the more low-key kinds of places best.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am super lucky to have such a supportive family and circle of friends. I want to shout out to them for the encouragement, advice and believing in this new business venture of mine. I am SO grateful for you guys (And the continued support and guidance as I continue to navigate life as a business owner)!

Website: https://www.theknottyk9.com/information

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theknottyk9/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknottyk9/