Passionate team dedicated to caring for pets and their owners
Photo by Rebecca Baczewski
By Jillian Chandler
Owners Montana and Jesse Luther are the proud owners of Luthers’ Pooch Parlor, formerly Pooch Parlor, in Ponderay. The couple purchased the business — which has been in operation for the past 24 years — in January of 2024 and have put their heart and soul into the space to reflect who they are and the love they bring to the pooches, and cats, they serve.
“I have always had a passion for animals,” Montana reflects. “I went to school with Duann Chambers, the previous owner of Pooch Parlor (and owner of the Pooch Parlor Pet Grooming Academy), and I fell in love with the whole business. When Duann wanted to lighten her load a bit, I had the opportunity to purchase the business from her, though we are so fortunate to still have Duann working as a groomer here at the shop.”
Within weeks of purchasing the business, and rebranding as Luthers’ Pooch Parlor, a pipe burst in the shop, flooding the entire building with several inches of standing water. As a result, the Luthers got to work, completely remodeling the shop with new drywall, paint, electrical and flooring, as well as replacing all grooming tables, cabinets and counters. Though overwhelming at the time, Montana sees the disaster as a blessing in disguise.
“It was absolutely devastating when I walked into all the water and saw that everything was ruined; so heartbreaking after just buying it,” she recalls. “But thankfully, it allowed us to remodel and make it our own. There was so much hard work, sweat and tears that went into the remodel, but it turned out so much better than I could have ever hoped for! I’m very thankful to be back and work doing what I love.”
To complete the remodel, a beautiful mural was created by Maria Larson Art on one of the shop’s walls, going above and beyond Montana’s imagination. “All the dogs in the mural are shop dogs that are with us when we work. Even my heeler, Zip, who was my very first shop dog, who has now passed, was included in the mural. Maria even managed to include all their names on their collars,” Montana smiles.
When you walk into Luthers’ Pooch Parlor, it’s truly a fun, loving place to be, where everyone loves their jobs and takes pride in what they do. Montana is joined by fellow groomers Duann, Kivia and Jillian.
From first-time puppy grooms to amazing, creative grooms, Luthers’ Pooch Parlor executes each groom beautifully. “We also offer comfort grooms for older dogs that just need to be cooler, or we have dogs that spend time in our Thera-clean bath, which helps with allergies and improves mobility and function in our senior dogs,” Montana notes. Additional services include shave downs and brushouts, nail trims, teeth brushing and scaling. They also offer a selection of collars, leashes, shampoos, oils and brushes.
At Luthers’ Pooch Parlor, Montana and her team aim to deliver only high-quality grooms and strive to give parents exactly what they want while also keeping the animals’ best interest in mind. They have a willingness and compassion to work with all types of dogs — including aggressive and anxious dogs. “We also enjoy doing a lot of owner-stay grooms, where the parents will stay as we groom to comfort their dog if they are anxious or elderly,” affirms Montana.
Montana has called North Idaho home since she was a toddler, while husband Jesse moved to the area in grade school. The couple knew this was where they wanted to raise their family (two sons and a daughter), immersed in a small-town community with values and surrounded by the mountains. Montana is truly fulfilled in her family’s new endeavor, getting to help all the animals who walk through her door while meeting all the incredible people in the area, and being part of the business community.
For those looking for a local groomer who is passionate about caring for your dog or cat, Montana and her team at Luthers’ Pooch Parlor look forward to meeting you and your furry friend.
Luthers’ Pooch Parlor
210 Triangle Drive, Suite D
Ponderay, Idaho
208.255.2699
