Toni Unleashed

In this episode of Toni Unleashed , Toni Shelaske is joined by Janine Ling, founder of Project Sudz, a pet care brand built around natural, effective, and eco-conscious grooming solutions. Janine shares how her own dog's environmental allergies led her to develop shampoos that nurture rather than damage the skin's microbiome—using ingredients like apple cider vinegar and neem oil in place of harsh...

In this episode of Toni Unleashed , Toni Shelaske welcomes Carissa Neary of GRIN (Golden Retrievers In Need) and Melissa Parker of Liam Search and Rescue for a powerful conversation about two volunteer-run organizations dedicated to saving lives—both canine and human. Carissa shares how GRIN has rescued over 4,700 dogs in its 33-year history, operating entirely through foster homes, donations, and...

In this episode of Toni Unleashed , Toni Shelaske talks with Kat Donatello, founder of  Austin and Kat , about how to prepare pets for the stress of fireworks and summer noise using holistic, supplement-based strategies. With years of experience in CBD and plant-based pet wellness, Kat breaks down her go-to calming protocols—especially around the 4th of July. They explore the development of Austin...

In this episode of Toni Unleashed , Toni Shelaske is joined by Maria Ryan, founder of Dog Gone Positive Dog Training , for a candid and often hilarious conversation about dog behavior, training philosophy, and the ups and downs of raising a puppy. Maria shares her journey in the industry since the 1990s, her shift away from aversive techniques, and her firm belief in evidence-based, force-free tra...

In this episode of Toni Unleashed , Toni Shelaske chats with John Reider—also known as the Bubble Man—founder of Atomic Bubbles and Bubble Bus. John shares the origin story of his USA-made bubble company and how he turned a love of glowing bubbles into a thriving business that now includes pet-safe scented bubbles and bubble-filled event experiences. They dive into Atomic Bubbles' dog- and cat-fri...

In this episode of Toni Unleashed , the tables are turned as Erik Senders of Mika & Sammy's interviews Toni Shelaske in a laid-back, unscripted conversation about pet nutrition, retail, and the changing pet industry. Toni shares how her career began in fashion merchandising, eventually leading her to purchase and grow Healthy Pet Products, and later sell her Pittsburgh stores to Pedagogy after 16...

In this episode of Toni Unleashed , Toni Shelaske is joined by Emily Claire and founder of Save a Friend Puerto Rico -  Marla Farren, to spotlight the full-scope effort behind rescuing dogs on the island and finding them homes in the States. What begins as on-the-ground work in Puerto Rico—vetting, treating, and fostering street dogs—continues across borders through transport logistics, community...

In this episode of Toni Unleashed , Toni Shelaske sits down with longtime customer and seasoned road tripper Christine to talk all about traveling long distances with pets. With hundreds of hours logged on the road with her German Shepherd and three cats, Christine shares practical tips for making car travel safer, calmer, and more comfortable for both animals and humans. They cover everything fro...

In this episode of  Toni Unleashed , Toni Shelaske is joined by wellness thought leader and Ayurvedic expert Cate Stillman for a deep conversation about the connection between pet health and human consciousness. Cate shares her journey from chronic health issues to healing through Ayurveda, and how that transformation shaped her approach to both personal and pet wellness. They explore how anxiety...

In this episode of Toni Unleashed, Toni welcomes Amanda Jeney, founder of Cali Cats Rescue , to share how a roadside encounter with three abandoned kittens led to a full-scale rescue operation in rural Pennsylvania. Amanda talks about the early days of fostering, the transition to starting a 501(c)(3), and the challenges of helping animals in underserved areas. They discuss the rescue's foster-bas...

In this episode of  Toni Unleashed , Toni Shelaske talks with Jessica Fischer, pet health coach and host of  The Pet Parenting Reset . Jessica shares her path into holistic pet health, explaining how she works alongside veterinarians to support pet parents with nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle changes. They explore the benefits and challenges of raw and fresh food diets, the rising health...

In this episode of  Toni Unleashed , Toni Shelaske chats with Stephanie Garza, founder of Pup Pup and Away, a dog training and enrichment company based in San Antonio, Texas. Stephanie is a certified dog trainer, behaviorist, and nutritionist with over 18 years of experience in the pet care industry. Stephanie specializes in approaching behavior modification from a holistic standpoint combining po...

In this episode of  Toni Unleashed , host Toni Shelaske speaks with Tanya Diable, founder of Joey's Paw, an organization dedicated to helping special needs pets, particularly those requiring wheelchairs and prosthetics. Tanya shares the inspiring story of how Joey's Paw was founded, the challenges faced in securing funding, and the impact of their work on thousands of animals. The conversation cov...

In this episode of  Toni Unleashed , Toni Shelaske welcomes Daron Matsuura, founder of Lotus Pet Foods, for a timely conversation on raw pet food safety in the wake of growing concerns over H5N1 (avian influenza). Daron outlines the extensive safety measures Lotus already has in place, including using human-grade ingredients, a validated High Pressure Pasteurization (HPP) process, and rigorous san...

In this episode of Toni Unleashed, host Toni Shelaske and guest Emily Claire discuss their experiences at the Global Pet Expo, highlighting unique products, retailer insights, and the importance of networking within the pet industry. They explore innovative pet products, sustainability efforts, and the significance of building relationships in the industry. The conversation also touches on the cha...

In this episode of  Toni Unleashed , Toni sits down with Victoria Chester, founder of The Izzie Fund, to discuss her journey in creating a nonprofit dedicated to helping pet owners afford specialized veterinary care. Inspired by her late dog, Izzie, Victoria shares how her experience navigating costly treatments led her to establish a fund that ensures other pet owners don't have to make heartbrea...

In this episode of Toni Unleashed , Toni sits down with Rebecca Rose, owner of In Clover Supplements, for a conversation in honor of Women's History Month. They explore the evolving role of women in the pet industry, from leadership challenges to the progress made over the years. Rebecca shares her journey from biotechnology to pet supplements, highlighting the gender disparities she encountered a...

In this episode of  Toni Unleashed , Toni welcomes her niece, Natalie, for a candid discussion on their journey with pet nutrition. They trace their shift from conventional kibble to raw feeding, spurred by the eye-opening documentary  Pet Fooled . Natalie shares how raw food transformed her dogs' health, from digestion to coat quality, and addresses common concerns about cost, safety, and veterin...

In this episode of Toni Unleashed, Toni sits down with Dr. Caroline Simard - Swimmer and Howard Swimmer from Pets After Dark to discuss the complexities surrounding veterinary care, focusing on the rising costs, the influence of corporate practices, and the challenges faced by veterinary professionals. The conversation delves into the dichotomy between veterinary and human medicine, the importance...

In this engaging conversation, Toni Shelaske and Erik Senders discuss the intricacies of running a small business, particularly in the pet treat industry. They delve into the and the complexities of sourcing quality ingredients, challenges of warehouse operations, and the importance of customer service. Erik shares insights on the growth of his business, the dynamics of his team, and the expectati...

Emily Claire, Toni's former co-host and Cydnee Traversari her former producer join in house to talk about the sale of her company - Healthy Pet Products - and what's on the Horizon.  Listen in to hear how Toni gradually built her mission driven business with the support of so many passionate and dedicated employees along the way, nudges from the Universe and flying by the seat of her pants.  Stay...

In this Episode of Toni Unleashed, we talk with the NEW Healthy Pet Products owners Petagogy! Petagogy is thrilled to welcome Healthy Pet Products into its family, combining over 15 years of pet health expertise with Petagogy's dedication to natural pet foods and wellness. This acquisition strengthens a shared mission to provide top-quality products and expert guidance across Pittsburgh and beyond...

In this episode of Toni Unleashed, Toni interviews Dr. Caroline and Howard Simard-Swimmer, founders of Pets After Dark, an after-hours tele-health service for pets. They explain how their service helps pet parents handle nighttime emergencies by connecting them to a vet when regular clinics are closed. Learn how this innovative solution provides guidance for non-urgent issues and streamlines the p...

In this episode of *Toni Unleashed*, Toni chats with Erik Senders, founder of Mika & Sammy's—a brand known for its top-notch, all-natural pet products. Erik shares how his dog Marley inspired the whole thing, turning a search for better treats into a successful business. We talk about what makes Mika & Sammy's stand out, from their slow-smoked bones to their commitment to quality and customer sati...

Podcast Episode 70: Nutrition is Key to Allergies Allergy Myth:    - Allergies, especially protein allergies, are often overestimated as the cause of skin and coat issues.    - True protein allergies are rare; many problems stem from nutritional deficiencies. Nutritional Deficiencies:    - Lack of quality proteins and fats can lead to dry, flaky skin and inflammation, often mistaken for allergies....