Today we’d like to introduce you to Lani Moon
Hi Lani, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My passion for Preppy Paws is based on four things; family, education, community and of course happy, healthy, pets. I got where I am today in the most indirect route possible, it’s not so much that I took the path less traveled, it’s more that I was on a 6-lane highway in a storm with an old map and vague directions written on a post-it note. I started my adult life at the University of Utah working in human molecular genetics which was a natural beginning to ending up in a PhD program in political science studying ancient political philosophy which naturally, of course, meant I would end up opening a pet supply store. That’s mostly where my story begins.
My family provides me the motivation and the strength to embark on all my adventures. My son has severe and often debilitating social anxiety. We learned early on that while he didn’t feel comfortable talking to humans, he was quite the wordsmith when it came to the four-legged. In the summer of 2013 we started our first business as pet sitters/dog walkers. Our endeavors taught us that while dogs bring us the most joy, there is nothing easy about being their stewards. Unlike their human counterparts they can’t always tell you what’s wrong, they rely on us for everything including the very basics of needs and any neglect can be devastating. They give so much love to us yet we can’t possibly give them the requited love they deserve. It’s just not in our fallible human DNA.
We learned that keeping a dog happy and healthy meant all aspects of their life. They need nutritious food, mental stimulation, physical activity, and faithful companionship. It became our mission to find out what products, techniques, and services would help us help them live their best lives. That journey began with our own dog. He was 10 when the vet told us he was old and probably wouldn’t last the winter. He suffered from allergies, arthritis, and other random health issues. We had him on medicine, ‘prescription’ food, and physical therapy. It wasn’t enough, we were watching our once vibrant pup become sullen, in pain, and withdrawn. I walked into a pet store (much like mine now) and told them my story and asked what they recommended for some treats and goodies to keep him happy during his final days. We talked and they recommended a cleaner diet, products for mental stimulation, and some holistic care for pain. I shrugged my shoulders and desperately spent the money to give him a chance. He lived another five YEARS after that. It gave him life, it changed our life, and it meant everything to us. I want to share that with everyone and it begins with education.
I have been working with dogs professionally for 15 years. I don’t like to call myself a dog trainer because it sounds like the dog has the responsibility to be trained. Instead, I like to call myself a dog owner educator. I feel like it is my responsibility to educate owners on how to provide for their dogs. I believe it begins with good nutrition and exercise (not unlike humans) but another key aspect is communication. A lot of what we view as training is teaching a dog our language. If you think about all the things we ‘train’ our dog to do; sit, lay down, stay, etc. they already know how to do all of those things. It is our responsibility to teach them our language and how and when those things are appropriate for their safety and for living a harmonious life. We only use positive methods to achieve this because science is well founded in showing that it works. When we are rewarded, we are more likely to do something (reliably) than if we are punished. My dogs don’t respond to ‘commands’ they respond to respect, love, and trust. They listen to me because I listen to them. They are safe because they trust me to navigate them through a strange human world with wildly different rules than a planet dog. This is why I prefer the title dog owner educator because it isn’t about how the dog performs it’s about the responsibility of the dog owner. This is how we become a community of Canine Good Citizens.
Community is key to my business. Many of us were isolated throughout the pandemic and we learned the importance of caring for one another. Towards the end of 2020 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and spent most of 2021 in treatments. I survived and continue my battle everyday but what I valued and missed the most while having to be isolated from the people and pets that I love was how important it is to have a vibrant community. I can’t think of a better group of people to be around than people who love and care for their dogs. We take great care to foster and grow that love at Preppy Paws. We do have book club, paint nights, game nights, bubble parties, etc. We hold events with local companies like Canines and Coffee with Split Leaf Coffee, how to choose a healing stone for your dog with Mighty Pebble Rebel, learning about dog chakras and doing an energy sound bath Utah Energy Healing Center. We care about our rescues, like Fawns Family Cat Rescue and The GoldenBark Foundation and hold fundraising and adoption events. We offer free adoption baskets for rescues. Every Saturday we have socials that bring our dogs who have been through classes in and help them keep their skills fresh and offer a sanctuary for people to be together. We hope to be a safe haven for all and what better way to do that, than with the love of a pet.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There of course are obstacles and challenges but I like to think of them as opportunities to learn and course correct.
As you know, we’re big fans of Preppy Paws . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We specialize in healthy high-end food that you can’t find at a big box store. We also focus on the AKC Family Dog Values and promote the Canine Good Citizen programs.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up on a farm with a father who loved history and a professional working mother. I learned the value of hard work, having fun in the dirt, and I got to ride my horse to school. I am a lover of knowledge and am relentless in that pursuit.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.preppypawsutah.com
- Instagram: @preppypawsutah
