Toni Unleashed

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 and energy imbalances in pet parents can transfer to their animals, and how grounding routines, meditation, and intentional habits help bring regulation and connection. Cate also touches on primal health concepts, including raw feeding, microbiome health, and the impact of modern consumer culture on both humans and pets.

Together, Toni and Cate challenge conventional wellness norms and offer practical ways for pet parents to take ownership of their own health while supporting the well-being of their animals.

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-based model, the development of a new brick-and-mortar space, and how their community room will provide enrichment and better visibility for adoptable cats. Amanda also shares insights into the importance of trap-neuter-return (TNR), public education, and building a strong volunteer network.

With a grand opening scheduled for May 18th, Amanda outlines plans for future community classes, partnerships, and outreach—emphasizing the impact of education in preventing cat overpopulation and improving animal welfare.

https://www.calicatsrescue.com/

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 issues in pets, and the importance of removing ultra-processed foods. Jessica also discusses the role of pet food regulations, HPP (high-pressure processing), and the impact of synthetic premixes on diet quality.

The episode highlights the power of education, the need for advocacy, and building a care team that includes trusted experts. Jessica encourages pet parents to start small, stay curious, and take ownership of their pets' wellness journey.

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 positive reinforcement training techniques and holistic pet care. But most importantly, Stephanie is the proud dog mom to Sully and Reishi, her two Miniature Schnauzers.

Stephanie shares her path from elementary school teaching to launching her own canine-focused business rooted in positive reinforcement and fear-free methods.

They discuss how Stephanie built her team, developed programs like day training and enrichment, and created a space where dogs can thrive without traditional punishment-based techniques. She also talks about the challenges of pet parent education and the importance of clear communication and realistic expectations.

Stephanie and Toni dive into misconceptions around behavior training, the nuances of canine body language, and how enrichment activities can help prevent behavioral issues. With a strong focus on compassion—for both pets and people—Stephanie offers a refreshing take on what it means to support dogs holistically.

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 covers the application process for pet owners seeking assistance, the importance of training pets to use wheelchairs, and heartwarming success stories of animals who have thrived with the help of Joey's Paw. Tanya also discusses upcoming fundraising events and the future aspirations of the organization. Joey's Paw's mission is to enhance the quality of life for special-needs dogs by providing custom wheelchairs and prosthetics. Your support helps bring the joy of mobility and independence to these deserving pets. https://www.joeyspaw.org/

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 sanitation protocols.

Daron shares how the company went a step further by partnering with a biosafety level 4 lab to test every batch of raw food for the H5N1 virus—an unprecedented move in the industry. They also discuss the importance of ingredient sourcing, with Daron detailing his recent trip to New Zealand to observe the humane and pasture-based farming practices used for Lotus's venison and lamb.

The episode also dives into the benefits of feeding raw and baked pet food, debunking common misconceptions around kibble and processed ingredients. Toni and Daron stress the need for transparency in labeling, the problems with "natural flavors," and the value of choosing foods that prioritize health over profit.

With nearly two decades of experience, Daron reaffirms Lotus's commitment to food safety and animal wellness, making a strong case for thoughtful, science-backed nutrition in the pet world.

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 challenges and opportunities faced by retailers and the role of trade shows in fostering community and collaboration among pet professionals. In this conversation, Toni and Emily explore various themes related to the pet industry, including the joy of customization in pet products, innovative retail strategies, the importance of community engagement, and the need for education in dog grooming. Toni also brings us two interviews live from Global Pet Expo with Mike Palmer from Premier Pet Supply, and Ada Lopez from Dog Groomer Academy.

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 heartbreaking decisions based solely on finances.

Victoria details the challenges and successes of running a small but impactful nonprofit, from fundraising and grant applications to building a strong support network. She shares emotional stories of the pets The Izzie Fund has helped and highlights the growing need for financial assistance in veterinary care.

The conversation also covers the upcoming Izzie Fund Birthday Bash, the nonprofit's participation in the Pittsburgh Marathon, and how listeners can get involved through donations, sponsorships, or volunteering. With passion and purpose, Victoria and Toni emphasize the importance of community support in keeping pets and their families together. The Izabela Dior Bouvier Foundation (operating as The Izzie Fund) exists to provide financial support to responsible dog owners when there are still medical options recommended and available. theizziefund.org

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 and how she overcame them. Toni and Rebecca discuss the importance of mentorship, amplifying women's voices, and the unconscious biases that still exist in leadership.

They also examine the broader impact of women in the pet industry, from retail to distribution, and the need for more representation at executive levels. With humor and insight, they reflect on the power of collaboration, support, and advocacy in driving meaningful change. https://shop.inclover.com/

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 veterinary skepticism. They also explore the benefits of titer testing over routine vaccinations and offer practical advice for pet owners considering a diet change.

With humor and personal anecdotes, Toni and Natalie highlight the importance of informed feeding choices and the impact of quality nutrition on pet health. Check out "Pet Fooled" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XC1rUWWnxI