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 and Kat’s best-selling Bailey’s No More Wiggles line, the benefits of CBD and CBDA, and how early, consistent dosing can make a big difference for noise-sensitive pets. Kat also explains the importance of safe spaces, enrichment, and brainwork in keeping dogs balanced during stressful events.

The conversation also dives into daily anxiety management, the importance of product sourcing, and what sets Austin and Kat apart—including their Seattle-based manufacturing facility and recent NASC certification. Kat and Toni wrap with a powerful message: support indie retailers, read your labels, and don’t wait until July 3rd to take action.

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 training.

They discuss everything from bite inhibition and socialization windows to crate training, chew safety, surfaces, and the importance of ongoing enrichment. Maria shares the story of adopting her new puppy Tony—who overcame a traumatic jaw injury—and what it’s like to manage teething, training, and building trust from day one.

The episode also digs into real-world examples of behavior challenges, the role of medication in behavior cases, and why training is about teaching people just as much as their dogs. It’s a fun, grounded reminder that dog training isn’t a phase—it’s a lifelong journey built on communication, patience, and mutual respect.

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-friendly formulas, which use enticing scents like bacon, peanut butter, and real catnip oil—plus the newly launched calming lavender bubble made with real lavender essential oil. John and Toni discuss the importance of non-toxic ingredients, sensory safety for pets, and why fragrance should never overpower a pet’s environment.

John also talks about the rise of the Bubble Bus: a traveling bubble party on wheels that entertains all ages at weddings, schools, and community events. From hand-painting school buses to franchising a nationwide brand, his story is all about family, joy, and keeping it fun.

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 years.

They dive into raw feeding, kibble quality, and Toni’s top recommended supplement and treat brands. From the realities of tooth cracks to supplement scams and chew safety myths, Toni offers no-nonsense takes on what’s worth feeding—and what’s just marketing.

The episode also touches on industry dynamics, the impact of COVID, and how small businesses are adapting to online pressures and slim distributor margins. Toni and Erik reflect on building customer relationships, the role of education in retail, and their hopes for the future of independent pet stores.

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 outreach, and long-term support for fosters and adopters.

The conversation traces the entire rescue process: from emergency care and holistic protocols to navigating flight restrictions, managing supply shortages, and building lasting partnerships with foster homes and veterinary teams. Toni and Emily also share details of their upcoming trip to the island, where they’ll document the work and bring dogs back for adoption.

This episode highlights how Save a Friend Puerto Rico operates as a full-spectrum rescue—one that doesn’t stop at saving animals from the street, but follows through with every step until each one has a chance at a new life. It’s a deeply collaborative effort that requires time, coordination, and a caring community—both on the island and in the mainland U.S.

https://saveafriendpr.rescuegroups.org/
https://account.venmo.com/u/saveafriendpr

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 from how to organize your vehicle and manage overnight stops to the value of small comforts like used scratchers, familiar litter, and portable food and water routines. Christine also shares hacks like using bungee cords to reduce noise fatigue, harnessing routine to ease anxiety, and why Airbnbs and motels often beat hotels for pet travelers.

Whether you're planning your first road trip with pets or looking to improve your next one, this episode is packed with actionable advice, thoughtful planning strategies, and a focus on minimizing stress—for everyone in the car.

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/