Meet your Cook County Neighbor: Samantha Bretheim
Jul 29, 2024 07:24AM ● By Editor
Images provided
A Boreal Community Media Exclusive - July 27, 2024
Samantha is the owner of Spa Fur Paws, a mobile pet grooming business in Cook County.
For those who do not yet know you, you own a mobile pet grooming business. How did you get started out in this?
I've always loved animals since before I can remember. I started volunteering at the vet when I was 14. After 4 years of being there, I started volunteering at the Wildlife Science Center working with all different species of animals. Shortly after that is when I was introduced to grooming (with some past experiences at the vet).
I started the Spa Fur Paws business just under 10 years ago specializing in senior animals, high anxiety and disabled animals. I do both cats, dogs and sometimes goat hooves. I actually do things a bit differently than most groomers. Because of specializing in these pets I go into clients' homes. Set up in the bathroom, bring everything needed to groom and clean up, including our own drain cover to catch hair (we do tubs and walk-in showers). Your bathroom will look as clean if not cleaner when we're done. We have found that all pets have a better experience this way. I sit on the floor with them where they're most comfortable, and they tend to enjoy the grooming much better! I even take the hair and nail trimmings with me when I leave so it looks like I was never even there! We also don't charge any mileage fees!
A Boreal Community Media Exclusive - July 27, 2024
Samantha is the owner of Spa Fur Paws, a mobile pet grooming business in Cook County.
How did you land in Cook County? What journey led you here?
I grew up in Minnesota and went to UMD. During my college I found the North Shore to be so peaceful and the community to be amazing. I've always wanted to land here. A few years after college I met my now fiancé who lives here. We both love this area and cannot see our future anywhere else.
I grew up in Minnesota and went to UMD. During my college I found the North Shore to be so peaceful and the community to be amazing. I've always wanted to land here. A few years after college I met my now fiancé who lives here. We both love this area and cannot see our future anywhere else.
For those who do not yet know you, you own a mobile pet grooming business. How did you get started out in this?
I've always loved animals since before I can remember. I started volunteering at the vet when I was 14. After 4 years of being there, I started volunteering at the Wildlife Science Center working with all different species of animals. Shortly after that is when I was introduced to grooming (with some past experiences at the vet).
I started the Spa Fur Paws business just under 10 years ago specializing in senior animals, high anxiety and disabled animals. I do both cats, dogs and sometimes goat hooves. I actually do things a bit differently than most groomers. Because of specializing in these pets I go into clients' homes. Set up in the bathroom, bring everything needed to groom and clean up, including our own drain cover to catch hair (we do tubs and walk-in showers). Your bathroom will look as clean if not cleaner when we're done. We have found that all pets have a better experience this way. I sit on the floor with them where they're most comfortable, and they tend to enjoy the grooming much better! I even take the hair and nail trimmings with me when I leave so it looks like I was never even there! We also don't charge any mileage fees!
Do you have a funny story/experience about your job that you will share with us?
Working with animals can always be unpredictable and surprising. There are too many great/funny stories to share. I tend to talk or sing with the animals as we groom. One of my favorites would be one husky I had as a regular client. Every time I would come to do his spa day he would sing with me in the bathroom for the entire groom, hitting every note with me.
Working with animals can always be unpredictable and surprising. There are too many great/funny stories to share. I tend to talk or sing with the animals as we groom. One of my favorites would be one husky I had as a regular client. Every time I would come to do his spa day he would sing with me in the bathroom for the entire groom, hitting every note with me.
What are some of your favorite things to do in the County when you are not working?
I love to hike, kayak, and go fishing. Anything outdoors. I couldn't have asked for a better community and environment to be in.
I love to hike, kayak, and go fishing. Anything outdoors. I couldn't have asked for a better community and environment to be in.
Do you have a favorite childhood memory that always brings a smile to your face?
My siblings and I grew up with dogs and they loved to tow us around the yard with our sleds. These are some of the best memories!
My siblings and I grew up with dogs and they loved to tow us around the yard with our sleds. These are some of the best memories!
Lastly, if someone wants to set up an appointment with you, how do they go about contacting you?
The best contact for an appointment is text or call 651-308-8910. Otherwise, Facebook message or email through the website can also be used.
https://spafurpaws.net/
The best contact for an appointment is text or call 651-308-8910. Otherwise, Facebook message or email through the website can also be used.
https://spafurpaws.net/
