Doing Business: Unleashed for Pets

EAST COUNTY — Growing up on her father’s ranch in Salem, Mo., Michelle Wise had no choice but to love animals.

Wise, a self-proclaimed animal-lover, remembers helping her father, Joe, look for a pregnant cow that had escaped.

The two searched in the middle of a rainy night for the pregnant mother with no luck.

Wise, who was a child at the time, went home to bed while her father continued searching for the cow. In the morning, he returned, leading the cow and newborn calf behind him on his horse.

He wore a smile that she still remembers vividly today.

Today, Wise shares her and her father’s love of animals with the community, through her pet store, Unleashed for Pets, located at 8131 Lakewood Ranch Main St.

“He always gave our animals the best, highest quality food, which is what I do in my store,” Wise said. “We offer all-natural, biologically appropriate food and treats for dogs and cats.”

Wise opened Unleashed for Pets in May and has noticed a steady flow of regulars interested in the varieties of dog and cat foods, none of which contain corn, wheat, soy, gluten or artificial colors.

The retailer also features collars, leashes, toys and more unique animal-themed gift items, such as umbrellas featuring faces of different breeds, magnets and other knickknacks.

Unleashed also makes special orders for clients on products that have sold out in the store, or needed items that the store doesn’t currently carry, as long as her distributors offer such items.

The bright pink-walled shop also is a second home to the store’s mascot, Wise’s Welsh terrier, Rex. Rex makes an appearance every few days.

Customers are welcome and encouraged to bring their animals.

Although Wise traded her life on a ranch for a home in Apollo Beach with her husband, Eric, and Rex, she has held onto her love for animals.

Wise decided to make the 45-minute commute to East County after various trips to visit friends in Sarasota since she moved to Florida in 2003.

“Main Street has this great small-community feel and is incredibly dog- and cat-centric,” Wise said. “This is a great area for a shop for people who enjoy and take care of their pets.”

About the Owner
Michelle Wise has experience in marketing and has worked for companies such as Anheuser-Busch, CitiMortgage, Coca-Cola and Purina. She moved to Florida with her husband in 2003 and worked for marketing firms in Tampa until she decided to “do something fun with her life” and opened Unleashed for Pets in Lakewood Ranch in May.

Unleashed for Pets
Owner: Michelle Wise

Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m., Sundays

Location: 8131 Lakewood Ranch Main St., Suite M105, Bradenton

Services: Dog and cat food, animal accessories and gifts.

Website: Unleashedforpets.com

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected]