Nessie's Legacy: Our Journey to Holistic Pet Health
Our family’s journey into holistic pet food and wellness began with our German Shepherd, Nessie.
Nessie developed chronic allergies that slowly began to affect her daily life. She was constantly itchy, uncomfortable, and struggling despite our best efforts. Under veterinary care, she was prescribed Apoquel to help manage her symptoms. While it offered some relief, Nessie was never fully comfortable, and the itching always returned.
After our veterinarian had done all they could to support our beloved family member, we knew we had to keep searching. We began exploring holistic options — focusing on higher-quality nutrition, targeted supplements, and gentler grooming products designed to support skin and coat health from the inside out.
The results changed everything.
With a combination of holistic food, supplements, and grooming care, Nessie was able to live the last three years of her life Apoquel-free and itch-free. She was happier, more comfortable, and finally able to enjoy her days without constant irritation.
Nessie’s journey became the foundation of our belief in holistic pet wellness and continues to guide how we choose the foods, supplements, and grooming products we offer today. Her story is the reason we are so passionate about helping other pets find relief, comfort, and better health — naturally.
About Us
Tolonen Family Pet began with a simple dream shared around our family dinner table: to create a pet supply and grooming store where every pet and every owner feels truly cared for. As a locally owned, family-run business, our family poured our whole hearts into this little shop from day one — and no one embodied that spirit more than Madeleine Tolonen.
Madeleine was the funniest, most clever girl you’d ever meet. She always had the perfect words for every moment and worked tirelessly behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. She knew every product inside and out, and her dedication, care, and attention to detail helped shape Tolonen Family Pet into what it is today.
Though we have lost her, Madeleine’s spirit continues to guide us — in every kind gesture, every wagging tail, and every happy customer who walks through our doors. We are proud to carry on her legacy with the same care, humor, and heart she brought to all she did. This business is her legacy as much as it is ours, and we are endlessly proud to carry it forward in her honor.
Our Mission
At Tolonen Family Pet, our mission is to provide a thoughtful, personalized experience for both pets and their people. We believe every pet is unique, and their care should be too. Everything we do is guided by compassion, trust, and a genuine love for animals.
Professional Grooming, Personalized Care
We offer gentle, breed-specific grooming tailored to each pet’s individual needs. Our experienced team prioritizes comfort, safety, and low-stress handling to ensure a positive experience every visit.
Curated, High-Quality Products
Our shelves are carefully stocked with premium pet foods, healthy treats, durable toys, and reliable accessories. Every product is thoughtfully selected to support your pet’s well-being — with no fillers, gimmicks, or guesswork.
Natural & Holistic Options
We specialize in natural, grain-free, and holistic products, providing smart solutions for pets with allergies, sensitivities, or special dietary needs.
Expert Support for Every Life Stage
From playful puppies and kittens to senior companions, we offer trusted advice and appropriate products for every phase of your pet’s life.
Specialized Skin & Coat Solutions
Our grooming services and retail selection include high-quality shampoos, conditioners, and treatments designed for pets with dry skin, allergies, or ongoing coat maintenance needs.
Locally Sourced & Artisan Goods
We proudly support local makers by offering handcrafted treats, collars, and accessories you won’t find in big box stores.
Godspeed, our Maddy
02/04/04 – 11/02/23 🕊️
