Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Dehn.
Stephanie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Contigo Dogs started in May of 2020 as a project that would bridge the gap between quality dog gear and affordable, handmade products. I started Contigo at one of the worst times in history, in the middle of a global pandemic. Jobless, living in my parents’ basement, I figured the only way I could go was up (quite literally). With my stimulus check, I poured my savings into this dream project and hoped something good would come out of it. Fast forward to today, we are wholesaling to trainers, boarding facilities, and shops all over the continental USA. Our small staff includes 2 dogs, myself (Stephanie), and a few volunteer friends and family members.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Unfortunately, like most businesses today, Contigo has faced many issues, from manufacturing and shipping delays to my personal health problems it has, at times, been extremely frustrating.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Alongside with owning and operating Contigo Dogs, I work part-time at a vet clinic. You could say my life revolves around animal care and quality of life. Most of my friends and close community come to me for vet/ pet health questions and concerns as well as Service Dog and Rescue Organization information. Some of my favorite and proudest moments has been fostering dogs and cats for local rescues as well as raising service dogs for local nonprofits. Through Contigo Dogs, we have been able to provide hundreds of collars and leashes to service dogs and service dogs in training nationwide via Freedom Service Dogs (CO), Leader Dogs for the Blind (Rochester Hills), Custom canines, and Seeing eye dogs (MI).
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
I’m from São Paulo Brasil originally, so my childhood is a bit different than most. Some of my favorite memories as a child are from when I sailed (boat and windsurf). I had regatas almost every weekend, and till this day, I have a huge passion for sailing and all things water.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.contigodogs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contigodogs
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/contigodogs
Image Credits
Taylor Featherstone
