Interview with Katie Petty, Inventor of The Brushless Paw Wash and President of Wild Heart

Lifestyle - Interview

by Mehmet Kaplan

We go out with our dogs and walk. When we come back home, it is enough for us to remove our shoes but their paws need to be cleaned. Katie was thinking of a solution to clean Sadie's muddy paws. In 2002, as a science fair project, she developed and patented The Brushless Paw Wash. And from that moment on, The Brushless Paw Wash became an integral part of her life, as well as providing a solution for those who have the same problem. I talked with Katie Petty, Inventor of The Brushless Paw Wash and President of Wild Heart, about her entrepreneurial side and The Brushless Paw Wash.

Katie, before talking about The Paw Wash, could you tell us about yourself? Who is Katie Petty?

Katie Petty, Inventor of The Brushless Paw Wash and President of Wild Heart

My name was Katie Mulich because I got married two years ago and I am a 28 year old living in the Midwest originally growing up in Louisburg, KS. I enjoy spending any free time with my family and my family I also mean my dog and cat too!

The most important thing in my life is my faith in God. I am beyond blessed to have been born to two loving parents who believed in me and pushed me to always follow my dreams. There is no possible way I could have ever got my invention or business where it is today without them. My sister, Mandy, and husband, Garrett, are my pillars of support and guidance. They are all always there to help and trust me they have put in their work with helping my business!

I currently have one rescue Pitt bull terrier mix named Winnie and a rescue Kitty named Jenny! They are both my love bugs, snuggle buddies and fur-babies! I think it is so important to give back to animal sheathers and I try to always donate products for events or anything I can to help!

The Brushless Paw Wash

How did you come up with The Paw Wash idea? What inspired you?

My company, Wild Heart, was born from my invention of The Brushless Paw Wash products when I was twelve years old. I had the daily chore of cleaning my dog, Sadie's, dirty paws and thought there had to be an easier way than using hoses, towels, and buckets!

With an upcoming science fair project, I decided to fix my dirty dog paw problem forever! I invented and patented the first paw washing product called, The Brushless Paw Wash, from PVC pipe I found in my barn back in 2002. From there my father and I started our company, The Paw Wash LLC. Over the years, I continued to go to middle school, high school than to The University of Kansas for college.

During these years, I went through a lot of ups and downs involving other people/companies infringing on my patent. People would tell me it was a compliment that others where sealing my product, but at the time it hurt. It was a wake-up call on the world of business and the one phrase I still can't stand today is, "It's nothing personal, it's just business." I always understand business, but sealing my idea and calling it your own is just wrong. Today, I focus on making the best quality product I can and always doing what is right no matter what!

At the beginning of last year, I officially rebranded my company name from The Paw Wash to Wild Heart, so I could expand upon my Brushless Paw Wash products into collars, leashes, and new inventions.

The Brushless Paw Wash

When did you discover your entrepreneurial spirit and establish Wild Heart?

I have always loved to create and invent things. My father and grandfather both started and owned their businesses. You can say it must be in my blood to have started a company! I love the challenge and getting to bring products to the market that help solve problems.

The Brushless Paw Wash

Could you tell us about The Paw Wash?

The original patented Brushless Paw Wash is a fast and efficient way to keep your dog’s paws clean. Use The Paw Wash at home or on the go. Perfect for traveling, hiking or trips to the dog park.

The unique hourglass design creates a cleaning solution vortex scrubbing away dirt, mud, bacteria, and allergens in seconds. Also, The Paw Wash is great to use for soaking hurt or irritated paws with medications for flee and tick treatments.

Quickly dry all four clean paws with the Microfiber Mitt.

The Brushless Paw Wash

What are the features of The Paw Wash? What can The Paw Wash change in its user's life?

o Travel Friendly
o Fast & Easy
o Removes mud, dirt, sand, ice melt, bacteria off your dog’s paws and keeps it from getting tracked into your home.
o Keeps your house paw print free
o Used with medications to help elevate pet allergies or cracked pads that need extra care
o Kid Invented Product
o Two sizes available- Large & Small & Combos

1- Gentle effective brushless dog paw cleaner.
2- The natural hydraulic water action creates a suction that cleans & keeps the dog paw healthy.
3- The centerpiece easily lifts (Snaps) in & out to be able to prefill for traveling.
4- Squeegee top helps removes excess water & keep water inside while cleaning the dog paw.
5- All four paws can be cleaned in one filling & it takes less than two minutes.
6- Use The Paw Wash Mitt for the final dry.

The Brushless Paw Wash

Do you use it in your daily life? What do you enjoy most about using The Paw Wash?

Yes, since I invited it to solve my muddy dog paw problem I use it all the time! I would never have put my entire life into it if I didn't believe and have the passion in what I invented.

My husband has always been a huge supporter of my products, but it wasn't until he used it that he was completely in astonishment. The first time he used it he was so amazed at how it cleaned off our dog's paws so easily! He was like "This is incredible! You are a genius!" and it makes me laugh because that is the reaction I get a lot. People think it looks cool, but once they actually use it they then have that light bulb moment and are like I could never live without it!

Do we need different sizes for different paws?

Yes, I have a Large and a Small Brushless Paw Wash. The Paw Wash Mitt will work for any size.

For dogs 0lbs to 25lbs use our Small. For dogs 25lbs to 120lbs use our Large model.

The Brushless Paw Wash

How can our readers buy The Paw Wash? Do you have a worldwide delivery option?

There are many local stores around the country that carry the Brushless Paw Wash, but if you are not by a store Amazon is your best resource to buy one.

Do you have any new designs on the drawing table? What should we wait?

I am always creating ideas for new products. That is my passion and I wish I could just poof them all here, but as I have learned it takes a lot of time, energy and money to get any product going. I plan of bringing new products out as I can!

The Brushless Paw Wash

Social media has become an important part of daily life. What do you think about the power of social media for innovative products?

Social media is huge for my company and products. It is the best most cost effective way to spread the word!

How can our readers follow Wild Heart?

We are very active on all social media and love the support! Also, our website is a great place to learn more about what events we are doing and about us!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildheartco/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Wild_Heart-co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wild_heart-co/
Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/Wild_Heart-co/pins/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wild-heart-co/
Website: www.wildheartco.com

What is next for you?

Keep on the lookout for more products and Wild Heart's growth!

Thank you Katie for your time.

For more information, please click here to visit the website of Wild Heart

This interview was conducted in a Question-and-Answer format. The answers were checked for grammar and punctuation and published without any additional editing. Thursday, January 24, 2019. All photos are the property of their respective owners.