.png)
.png)
The Inspiration Behind B&T Pets
.png)
.png)
Meet Baron & Tessa
.png)
Meet Baron and Tessa, two remarkable dogs who entered Tonya’s life at exactly the right moment. More than just pets, they became her constant companions, seeing her through both some challenging and exceptional times in her life.
​
Born from a unique mix of Great Dane and Brittany Spaniel, this pair of littermates had an undeniable bond—with each other, with Tonya, and later, with Chris, who they welcomed with open paws (and a few tasty treats). Tessa, the spunky and sassy sister, and Baron, the devoted goofball, each left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who loved them.
​
Between October 2022 and July 2023, Baron and Tessa both crossed over the rainbow bridge—Baron first, due to an aggressive osteosarcoma, and Tessa followed a few months later, from the effects of intervertebral disk disease and severe arthritis. Their last years brought a series of challenges, with age-related conditions requiring daily injections and a cocktail of other medications for pain management. Their journey led Tonya to reflect on what seemed to be common pet care practices, and an important question emerged: Is there another way?
Inspired by The Forever Dog by Rodney Habib and Dr. Karen Shaw Becker, Tonya embraced the belief that “True longevity isn’t just about extending life at any cost; it’s about extending the years where our dogs are free to play, explore, and simply be themselves.” As they lovingly cared for Baron and Tessa, she and Chris became more determined to enhance not just lifespan but healthspan, which the authors of The Forever Dog describe as “the period of their lives when they’re truly thriving, free from disease and discomfort.” This focus on healthspan—keeping pets healthy and vibrant well into their senior years—became the inspiration behind B&T Pets.
The B&T Pets line was created to honor Baron and Tessa's legacy, curating wholesome, minimally processed treats and supplements designed to enrich pets' health and well-being. Each product is crafted with natural ingredients to support longevity and vitality, so that other pets might enjoy more years filled with play, exploration, and joy. This is more than just a product line; it’s a tribute to the love and companionship that Baron and Tessa gave, now passed forward to benefit pets everywhere, including Tonya and Chris’ new pup Bullet.
.png)