Animals have always played a big role in Allie Tolonen's life.
The 20-year-old Farmington resident said she would spend time walking dogs with the family when she was growing up, assisting her mother who helped with other peoples' pets. She's also been around horses for many years and recently earned her dog grooming certificate.
"I just feel like my love for animals started at a young age, even though animals haven't been my job my whole life," she said. "Growing up, we always had random little dogs in our house we were watching.
"I've always been an animal lover."
Now, Tolonen is the manager of her family's new pet supplies store and spends six days a week helping customers and their pets. Tolonen Family Pet Shop opened its doors in late April at 23320 Farmington Road in downtown Farmington.