Discover Pet Health in Bentleyville grooming as well as other enrichment services for its furry clients.
Sharee Kalchthaler has always had a passion for animals, making her own dog food and treats for her furry friends’ optimal health.
She was a human massage therapist for 17 years before turning her attention to equine and canine massage therapy and became certified through Holistic Animal Studies in myo-manipulation functional therapy and kinesiology taping.
The latter is the process of reducing pain, managing swelling and providing structural support for horses.
At the time, Kalchthaler didn’t have big plans, but when an opportunity presented itself she was ready.
“There was a spa down the road from me. I’d pass it everyday and I saw a ‘for rent’ sign there. I had been looking for a small space to sell my dog food and do dog massages,” Kalchthaler said. “When the pandemic hit, my partner in the building pulled out and I was left with this large building.”
She adjusted to the circumstances; opened a Bentleyville boutique, Poochique, with pet products and homemade treats and supplies.
She created a DIY bath set up for dog owners, and soon, began fielding requests for grooming.
“I don’t personally do the grooming. I do dog massages and go to the residence to do horse massage, but I’m constantly growing and adding more groomers, and we now have a trainer and are looking to grow the training side of the business,” Kalchthaler said.
Anytime she sees an animal leave cleaner, happier or more content, it’s a win for Kalchthaler.
For instance, the boutique is full of items from local artisans and animal enrichment products.
“So many people don’t realize dogs need their minds enriched and there’s a way to help them with that. So, there’s an educational component I’m working to bring to the business as well,” Kalchthaler said. “When people feel like this dog is out of control and I don’t know what’s going on, it’s often the need for more enrichment.”
She loves to get to know the animals too. After all, they each have a need, and Kalchthaler’s passion is to solve any issues.
“I love their personalities. Every dog has their own personality and just to be able to be creative is fun. It’s the success stories I enjoy most,” Kalchthaler said.
The staff particularly enjoy taking what Kalchthaler calls the “hard cases.”
Many pet owners are all too familiar with the one that doesn’t appreciate a good grooming, a nail clipping or even strangers invading their space.
“We enjoy working with the clients and helping them and their pet. The grooming process can be enjoyable. It might take the client coming in and working with us for a few appointments but eventually, they’re comfortable,” Kalchthaler said.
Making the process even easier, each animal has their own private room. Animals are not crated at Discover Pet Health. They call the client when the grooming is complete and care for one animal at a time.
It’s all part of Kalchthaler’s mission to improve the health and lives of those loveable four-legged friends in her Bentleyville community.
