Meet Tracy Lund

We were lucky to catch up with Tracy Lund recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tracy, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from my mom, who was the strongest and most independent person I’ve known. From the beginning, she instilled in me the belief that I could overcome any challenge. She was the kind of person who never backed down, even when life got hard, and watching her inspired me to adopt that same strength. Growing up with her example showed me that resilience isn’t just about getting through tough times—it’s about finding purpose and learning along the way. Every time I face a difficult moment, I can almost hear her voice telling me “You can do anything you set your mind too”. She taught me that resilience is more than just enduring; it’s a commitment to living fully and facing life head-on, no matter what.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m often asked what drives me, what’s the story behind my business, and what hurdles I’ve faced along the way. You might think it’s an easy answer, especially given that this journey has consumed my life for the past 8 years, but truthfully, it’s a tale that stretches back over two decades.

Let me start by sharing a bit about who I am. I’m a 35-year-old woman with a deep-rooted passion for animals that has guided my path for over 20 years. From interning at veterinary hospitals to volunteering at animal shelters, working in pet boarding facilities, and becoming a certified dog trainer, my journey has been diverse and enriching. I’ve immersed myself in every aspect of the pet industry, grooming dogs for 18 years and earning certifications in K9 First Aid and CPR.

But beyond the professional accolades, who am I as a person? I’m someone who grew up dreaming of becoming a veterinarian, only to realize through experience that my true calling lay elsewhere. It was during my time at Petco, where I unexpectedly found myself becoming a groomer, that I discovered my profound connection with dogs. Dogs have always been drawn to me, earning me the affectionate title of “dog whisperer.” And it’s this innate connection, this ability to understand and resonate with a dog’s energy, that fuels my passion.

One particular grooming session stands out vividly in my memory – a challenging encounter with a Lhasa Apso named Lovey. Lovey was anything but loving; he was feisty and resistant, seemingly determined to resist any attempts at grooming. But it was through this challenging experience that I had a breakthrough. I realized that Lovey’s resistance stemmed from a lack of trust, and I made it my mission to earn that trust, to convince him that he was a good boy deserving of care and kindness. And as we connected on a deeper level, I witnessed his transformation from a difficult client to a cooperative companion. It was in moments like these that grooming transcended its role as a career and became a true passion.

In loving memory of Bowie, Bowie was the one who truly inspired me to pursue my dream of opening my own pet services business. He was there from the beginning, accompanying me through the long days of gaining experience as a groomer and serving as my loyal homework buddy as I worked my way through college. He exemplified the essence of unconditional love, teaching me selflessness and what it meant to be the guardian of a soul that couldn’t speak for himself.

Bowie battled epilepsy, enduring frequent Grand Mal seizures that led to complications, ultimately resulting in his untimely passing at the tender age of 3. Bowie’s struggle ignited my passion for pet health and nutrition. I devoted myself to finding a solution for him, though tragically, my efforts were not enough to save my beloved Bubbies.

Bowie set me on the path to creating a pet business where the welfare of the pet comes first. A place where every furry friend is cared for as if they were our own. I have stayed true to this vision, building Mountain Dog Lounge into a sanctuary where pets are cherished members of our family. I am profoundly grateful to Bowie, my “Heart” dog, for inspiring me to confront my fears and pursue my dreams. Though I love and miss him dearly every day, his legacy will forever live on in the love and care we provide to every pet who enters our doors.

Losing a pet at such a young age to a tragic ailment was one of the most difficult experiences I’ve faced, compounded by the overwhelming guilt that consumed me. The guilt of feeling powerless to fix him, of not being aware of the latest research on supplements that might have helped, and of unknowingly exposing him to potential toxins due to my own ignorance weighed heavily on my soul.

When I was fortunate enough to welcome my baby boys, Moose, a French bulldog, and Ruger, a Vizsla, into my life, I made a solemn vow to never again turn a blind eye to these vital aspects of pet care. I pledged to educate myself thoroughly and to spare no effort in ensuring their well-being. Moreover, I was determined to share this knowledge with other pet parents, sparing them the anguish of guilt that I had endured.

Today, Moose and Ruger are thriving at 11 years old, a testament to the over 13 years of dedication and passion I’ve poured into pet wellness and nutrition. Their vitality serves as a constant reminder of the importance of staying informed and proactive in caring for our beloved furry companions.

When I founded Mountain Dog Lounge in 2016, my vision was clear – to create a haven for dogs where their well-being was prioritized above all else. I wanted to build a business that not only provided top quality grooming services but also addressed the holistic needs of every pet – their mental, physical, and emotional health. It was about going beyond superficial fixes and nurturing dogs from the inside out.

After launching Mountain Dog Lounge from the confines of my basement, I knew it was time to turn my vision into reality. Yet, with limited resources and a humble background, my husband Joel and I made a bold decision. We sold our home, embracing a nomadic lifestyle by moving into an RV full-time to invest everything we had into my dream. We poured our own funds, along with blood, sweat, and tears, into every aspect of building the business.

Our journey demanded sacrifices beyond measure. We found ourselves advocating for change, even appearing before city officials to update outdated zoning laws. Together with my husband and our 14-year-old niece, we spent four months transforming our newly acquired lease space into the foundation of Mountain Dog Lounge. Balancing full-time grooming, managing the business, construction work and working odd jobs at the RV resort where we resided became our daily reality. From dawn till dusk, we dedicated ourselves to the construction work, converting a dilapidated space into the welcoming haven that Mountain Dog Lounge is today.

Finally, after overcoming countless obstacles, we opened our doors in September 2019, only to be met with the unforeseen challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. These past six years have been an arduous journey, testing our resilience and determination at every turn. But through it all, our passion for serving dogs and our unwavering commitment to our dream have kept us moving forward.

Mountain Dog Lounge has been the realization of a dream that began when I first picked up a pair of clippers straight out of high school. It’s been a journey filled with challenges, yes, but also with immense gratitude for the clients who have entrusted their pets to me and the team who has supported me every step of the way.

So, what motivates me? It’s the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of dogs. It’s the chance to create a space where dogs feel loved, cared for, and truly understood. And it’s the joy of seeing tails wag and faces light up – not just from a job well done, but from a genuine connection forged between human and canine.

We’re not just building a business; we’re shaping an industry, redefining what it means to care for our furry companions. And with your support, we’re poised to make a difference not only in the lives of pets but in the hearts of everyone who believes in the power of love, compassion, and holistic care.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Reflecting on my journey, there are three qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that have been most impactful. First, resilience and adaptability have been essential. Building Mountain Dog Lounge was not without challenges, from fighting zoning battles to enduring extensive renovations and facing the pandemic soon after opening. Each setback taught me to adapt, keeping my vision alive and staying flexible in the face of adversity. This resilience has allowed me to build a thriving business that prioritizes pet well-being, even when the journey felt insurmountable.

Second, a deep, evolving knowledge of animal care and wellness has shaped everything I do. My experience across various facets of animal care—veterinary clinics, training, grooming—has expanded my understanding of holistic care. My journey with Bowie, my “Heart” dog, especially inspired my commitment to nutrition and wellness. He taught me that true care goes beyond grooming; it involves looking at the whole pet’s well-being, from the food they eat to the trust they feel with us. This knowledge and commitment to wellness are cornerstones of Mountain Dog Lounge and have guided my path in pet care.

Finally, empathy and connection with animals have been vital in building a place where pets and their families feel safe and cared for. This connection, first deeply realized through my time with a challenging Lhasa Apso named Lovey, has made all the difference in my approach. I’ve learned that understanding an animal’s needs and emotions requires patience and compassion. It’s not just about providing a service but forming genuine bonds with each animal and their family. This approach has strengthened relationships with clients who recognize the care and dedication we provide, knowing we treat every pet as a valued family member.

For those early in their journey, I would say to build resilience through passion; let your love for animals fuel you, especially when challenges arise. Educate yourself at every opportunity—experience across different facets of animal care can offer invaluable insight. Finally, cultivate empathy and patience with animals. The more connected you are to their needs, the more rewarding your work will be, and it will help you build meaningful, lasting relationships with pets and their families. These qualities have helped me stay true to my purpose and create a sanctuary for animals that embodies compassion, dedication, and holistic care.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, I think of Bowie. He’s my “why”—the reason I started this journey and the reminder of my purpose when things feel most challenging. Bowie’s impact on my life was profound; he taught me selflessness and what it means to protect a soul who can’t speak for themselves. When I’m facing difficult days, I remind myself that this work is a tribute to him. Even in my darkest moments, remembering that Bowie inspired this journey gives me the strength to continue building Mountain Dog Lounge as a place where pets are genuinely cared for and prioritized.

One of the most effective strategies I’ve developed is to reconnect with that core purpose. When I feel overwhelmed, I pause and reflect on why I began this journey in the first place. Often, taking a step back allows me to regain focus and remind myself of the meaningful impact we’re making for animals and their families. Another strategy is to focus on self-care and breathing techniques. Simple practices like taking a deep breath, going for a walk, or spending time with my own pets help me reset. These moments allow me to recharge and come back to work with renewed energy.

For anyone struggling with feeling overwhelmed, I recommend finding that core purpose or motivation to lean on. Having something deeply meaningful as a guidepost can give you the clarity and strength to keep going, even during the toughest times. It’s also essential to find practical ways to care for yourself, no matter how busy things get. Remember to breathe, to step away when you need to, and to give yourself grace. Compassion for yourself is just as important as compassion for others, and it’s something Bowie helped me realize.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mountaindoglounge.com
• Instagram: @mountaindoglounge
• Facebook: @mountaindoglounge
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/kpjz7S0544M

Image Credits

Liz Dranow with Time Punk Pet Photography