Pet lovers can struggle to find quality treats, chews, and toys for their pets, especially when big-box retail stores carry many of the same brands. Animal lover Kady Letosky of Bradenville took on this challenge personally when she decided to open Tails on the Town, a pet supply store in downtown Blairsville.
Pursuing his dream of providing the highest quality treats and toys for his dog Hudson, a mix of standard poodle and St. Bernard, Letosky opened the specialty pet shop in July 2021 at 43 W. Market St. , Blairsville.
“I love animals,” Letosky said. “It had been a dream of mine for some time, and I finally took the leap to make my dream a reality. I spent what felt like forever learning about the pet industry from company from the ground up to be able to provide the healthiest treats and chews available.
Tails on the Town offers a variety of goods and services including treats, toys, chew bar, events/programs, monthly nail clinics and more.
“(We offer) pet supplies that you won’t find at the big box stores,” Letosky said. “Treats made with quality ingredients, unique toys, a chew bar with a variety of healthy chews and much more.”
Much of the store’s inventory comes from small businesses that donate a portion of their profits to various animal charities, according to Letosky. Some of these companies include Beast & Buckle, Dilly’s Poochie Butter, GivePet, The Natural Dog Company and more.
Since opening in 2021, Letosky has expanded the store’s inventory and chew bar, a section of the store where dogs and pet owners can choose from a variety of dog chews. The store also offers a pet scale and a VIP shopping experience for reactive dogs.
Aside from her dog Hudson, who works as a “quality control inspector,” Letosky runs the business entirely on her own, sometimes asking friends to help out at charity events.
“Tails on the Town gives back to local shelters/reliefs through the events we host and by fundraising,” Letosky said. “The most recent event we hosted, ‘Smooches for Pooches,’ raised money for Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, an organization that trains service dogs and matches them with veterans and caregivers. ‘other people with disabilities’.
In addition to “Smooches for Pooches”, a Valentine’s Day kissing booth contest, Tails on the Town is hosting a number of charity events, including pet photos with the Easter Bunny, a “Farmer’s Barket which features local artisans who sell pet items and pet-themed products, a pet blessing, a “Howl-O-Ween” pet costume contest, pictures of animals with Santa Claus and more.
“All of the events we host raise funds for animal-related rescues and organizations,” Letosky said.
Pet store hours are Tuesday through Friday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Store hours extend into the summer months.
“(It’s) a fun, dog-loving environment where your pet is treated like part of our family,” Letosky said. “You know (people) love their pets, and that’s what we’re here for.”
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