Meet Tonie Garcia | owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tonie Garcia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tonie, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
I have always had dogs in my life. One in particular was gluten intolerant. This was before “gluten free” became commerical buzz words. It was impossible to find food and treats that he could enjoy without getting sick. Coupled with the high number of recalls at the time from manufactured dog treats and dog food I was fearful to purchase anything store bought for my dog. I began to work closely with my veterinarian to understand the nutritional needs of my best furry friends. After learning what the ingredients were that are listed on dog food and treats, I understood that I had a new purpose. I wanted to create treats (and eventually dog food) that was affordable, tasty, and enviornmentally sustainable.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My journey began in 2006 with a concept and idea. It has been filled with laughter, fun, and excitement and also frustration, tears, and doubt. In the beginning I knew what I wanted to create but I had no idea where to start. The idea of a “dog bakery” was still new and unchartered. I began with small batch cookies that each had a health benefit for pups. I quickly branched out into horse and goat treats, have flirted with many recipies for cats (epic fails), and have created treats specifically for ferrets and pigs. In 2014 I had completed the rigourous task of meeting state department of agriculture requirements to sell our products and began visiting markets and coordinating pop up events. Our menu grew when we began to add pawstries that included ruffins, pupcakes, empawnadas, chewrros, and small celebratory cakes. I was so proud to open a store front in 2019 and was doing incredibly well until the world fell apart in 2020. The tears I cried as I took my logo off the front door and repainted the space to close was something I did not wish to feel ever again. Thankfully, I was able to create a mobile unit that allowed me to be compliant with social distancing requirments and continue pop ups and trips to dog parks. It was wildly successful and I never get tired of hearing the suprise in peoples voices as they exclaim, “Is that a dog food truck?”. The success I expereinced this year has been overwhelming. The next phase of growth for Pawsitively Appetizing, is finally introducing our dog food line. It has been a long time coming. I am optomisitc for the future and hope that my love of baking for dogs and pets never runs dry.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Albuquerque is such a unique destination. Mountains are a short drive away, there are plenty of hiking and bike trails, local eateries, and every where is dog friendly. This visit would have to include a ride up the Tram to reach the peak of the Sandia Mountains. This provides an amazing view of Albuquerque. A trip to 505 Food Hall is a must where you can sample the flavors of several local restaurants under one roof. Strolls through Uptown and Old Town are always a treat as you never know what new discoveries you might find. Old Town in particular has an incredible history, I always recommend the ghost tour of Old Town as a way to learn about it. During the weekend Old Town comes alive with vendors lining the plaza. Santa Fe is just a short one hour drive away for more incredible food and a trip to Mewo Wolf’s, amazing art museums, and historic churches.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There have been so many individuals and entities that have supported me throughout my journey. Over the years we have met thousands of pawrents who continually supported me and provided invaluable feed back that helped me be better every year. My daughters have been an endless supply of encouragment. They continually remind me to keep going and dream big. DreamSpring of New Mexico believed in my business and helped me get the funding I needed when no other lender would take my calls. The two biggest growers markets in Albuquerque have continually provided a safe space for me to grow as a business owner. Rail Yards of Albuquerque and Downtown Growers Market are phenominal. The city of Albuquerque has been amazing. We had to take a huge step backward in 2020 due to the pandemic. Our mayor stepped up and offered us a grant that allowed us to pivot in a way I did not think possible. Not only did we stay in business, we have grown back bigger and better. Finally, my life partner has been a support whom without, I would never have come this far. Late nights and long weekends have become the norm for us and he continues to be there, with laughter, joy, and love.

Website: pawsitivelyappetizing.com

Instagram: pawsitivelyappetizing

Facebook: @pawsitivelyappetizingNM

Other: Tik Tok: @pawsitivleyappetizing