People’s Choice Best Of Directory

THE OWNER:

Tonya, the owner of Must Love Dogs, was born right here in Grand Haven. We won't say what year... She grew up here and is an alumni of Grand Haven Senior High School (when it was on Cutler). She spent her childhood shopping here downtown and spending much of her time enjoying the waterfront and currently resides in the City. Who would've know she would some day own her own downtown store.

Tonya has always been an animal lover. She started her career with animals at just 16 years old with a local pet store. Then came to manage another local pet store at 18 years old. She started a career in Mortgages and Title Insurance but always remained active with dogs. Tonya showed Whippets and Basenjis for 8 years, was Vice President, Recording Secretary and Trophy Chairperson for the Greater Muskegon Kennel Club (not all at the same time) and still currently involved with the club.

She also became involved with Basenji Rescue and Transport, Inc. 10 years ago. Her involvement includes fostering, rehabilitation/training of foster dogs, rescue evaluation, home evaluations and transport - and is Stationmaster for Grand Haven.

Tonya was President of the Muskegon Lakeshore Obedience Training Club (2010 & 2011). This club offers obedience training, from puppy and beyond, agility, rally obedience, drafting/carting, water rescue and even freestyle dance! She currently competes in Rally Obedience with Pumpkin (whom you can find in the store sometimes) when time allows.

She has taken numerous (ie - TONS) of seminars on subjects ranging from holistic care to behavior to training. Tonya feels that this is her purpose in life - to enhance the bond between dogs and their people and speak on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves - guiding their people to better nutrition, behavior modification and training for their dog(s).