Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheri Stevens
Hi Sheri, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in a home with brothers who were severely allergic to animals and so I was not allowed to have pets, despite having a deep love of animals. I would often read all I could about horses and dogs – finding large reference books in our local libraries and book fairs about these subjects. We couldn’t have pets, but my grandpa and grandma had a beautiful Irish Setter named Meg. She was a lot of fun – and it wasn’t until later in life that I found out that the fun building we used to play in on their property was where my grandpa bred and raised hunting dogs and Roller Pigeons.
After graduating from college I got my first job in a veterinary hospital. I loved working there, seeing the animals, assisting with procedures and surgeries, being in an environment where we were helping animals and the people who loved them. I spent my lunch time in the vet’s office reading his dog breed books – I have always loved learning and this was a special treat for me. I learned a lot about animal care, breeding, whelping and ownership from our clients, the vets and the other staff.
Our first pet was a beautiful AKC Brittany Spaniel who was exceptional in every way. She had her first litter in 2000 and I haven’t looked back since. I have dedicated myself to learning as much as I possibly can about my favorite breed, the Shih Tzu, as well as continually learning as much as I can from other breeders, veterinary studies, and other reputable sources. It is my goal to provide the healthiest, happiest, and well socialized puppies that I can to my clients. In building my business it has always been important for me to do what I do with integrity, honesty, and a mindset focused on continual improvement. It’s something I’ve loved doing for over 24 years now.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I feel like the road is never smooth for those who are innovators and those who are continually striving for excellence. There’s always more to do, something to change, processes to convert, and all of this is the continual metamorphosis of an entrepreneur.
As with any business, dog breeding can be filled with all sorts of people who have various goals and motivations. I feel like some of the same challenges exist in most small businesses, but some of the obstacles and challenges of dog breeding can be unique.
Because I want to produce healthy puppies and I want to use the best breeding stock, latest breeding techniques and technologies for the best outcomes I have regular obstacles that those with lesser goals and aspirations never consider. Breeders are dealing, on a daily basis, with living beings in a field where quality matters, temperament matters, puppy raising curriculum matters, and shortcuts do not produce our desired results. Building a program that I can stand behind is the result of many sacrifices and choices that have been difficult.
Wearying choices come when I try to surround myself with like-minded breeders. I have met many breeders on my journey to where I am now, and there are a lot of good breeders out there. I have found that there are fundamental things that some breeders agree on even when our practices and procedures are different. I don’t feel like every successful breeder needs to have the same breeding practices that I do in order to succeed. There is always beauty in diversity. The true difficulty comes though, when we find that there are ethical differences. There are certain practices that I refuse to participate in, as well as breeders with whom I choose to not associate because of their repeated use of those unethical practices. So, I have left behind a few breeder friendships after finding out about the unethical practices, continual bashing of other breeders, deceitful interactions, and continual involvement in the constant drama on social media. I want what is best for my dogs and my clients and refuse to lower my standards to accommodate a friendship.
Another difficult obstacle is dealing with the loss of a momma, puppy, or a dog that does not meet breeding standards, or had to be cut from breeding stock because of health challenges. Each of these can be an emotional and financial setback. As breeders, we invest a lot of time, money, and energy in raising dogs that can contribute to the betterment of a breed an add quality to our breeding programs. Occasionally we do see losses. Illness happens, puppies don’t thrive, or dogs may not turn out the way we hoped. So we have to make hard decisions and sweeping changes in our programs that can feel like taking two steps back or starting over at square one.
An obstacle that is often exciting to me is the ever-changing world of genetics, testing, and the science involved in a good breeding program. Understanding the basics of genetics – and often – knowing every nitty gritty detail surrounding a genetic trait or subject can be daunting and exciting. Keeping abreast of the latest studies, tests, and tools that have been developed can take a lot of time and dedication. Because of the scientific nature of genetics, inheritance, and epigenetics the breeding of dogs is an everchanging field. There are always new studies to learn about and opinions that surround the findings. This is an obstacle that thrills and excites me regularly!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Creating my own business was just an organic kind of thing. After a few litters I decided that I needed to be a bit more professional and have an actual business name, logo, etc. I wanted my business to reflect ME so it would be unique and not dependent on a landmark or something that could change as life unfolded for me and my family. So I used my childhood nickname as a base.
When I was a child my family called me Sherbet or Shurbee. So, I knew that was unique and could set my business’ name apart from others. Hence, Shurbeez Shih Tzu was born. I had already used that name for a few things I had been involved with, a few online accounts, so it was easy to see that as a reflection of the business I was creating with my dogs and puppies as well.
I have created all of my logos by myself (I did ask a graphic designer to create several Shih Tzu images for me to use- and she is amazing! I’d be happy to share her info with anyone who is looking for an graphic artist.) I have created my website on my own, my spreadsheets that I use, and all of the material that I send home with my clients, including the wellness spreadsheet that I take to the vet and have signed at my puppy’s wellness exams, I create all of the graphics for my puppy ads as well as the graphics, reels, and infographics that my sister and I use in our Breeder Knows educational series – It is such an enjoyable outlet for my creative side!
I was joking with my sister today, because she asked me if I hired someone to come and remove the 7 trees from my yard that needed to be cut down and hauled away. I told her, “no way, why would I pay someone to do something for me that I could do myself? Don’t you have that same gene?” We had a good chuckle about it. It is just in my nature to do everything for myself that I can – and figure out how to do the things I don’t already know how to do.
So, this trait carries into my professional life as well. I love being creative in so many ways. Puppy curriculum, go-home bag designs, record keeping, charts, storage of supplies – to me these are all exciting opportunities to be able to use my own creative talents.
Having purchased dogs from breeders where I was guessing at what had been done for and with my new puppy, little information shared, no knowledge of vet care, and less known about the parents they came from – all of these things and more have driven me to be able to share as much as I possibly can with my clients. I know what it feels like to know little to nothing about a dog I’ve purchased, and I also know what it feels like to deal with a breeder who is never available to talk to or never answers calls, emails or any other questions. I feel like today’s puppy parents want more information, to be included more in the process of growing up, to see regular updates, and be able to come back to me anytime with questions and triumphs to celebrate.
Everything I do and have created in my business, is geared toward helping my clients have a positive experience with their new puppy. I want to help prepare them for the journey they will embark on for the life of this puppy I will entrust into their care. I stand behind everything I do, every puppy I produce, and every interaction I have with clients and anyone who comes to me to learn.
So you ask what sets me apart from other breeders? I’ll tell you. There are a lot of really good breeders out there who have exceptional dogs and puppies. I hope that what sets me apart is my willingness to be honest and forthright in all that I do, to encourage a depth of relationship so that clients can depend on me to always be there for them and the dogs that they have, and that I love what I do so much that I want to always be doing my best, the most I can, and fulfill the needs that my clients have for their new companion. There’s literally a little piece of me in all that I do for my business.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
People matter.
I have found that people are most important in life. The relationships we have cannot be replaced. There is nothing more important than connection with those who are most important. We all have needs and wants in life and when we are doing our best to create a good life for ourselves – it comes down to people.
I feel like it is one of the main reasons that I love what I do, and love the business I have created. It increases the wellbeing of people. The love we share with animals in our lives helps us feel fulfilled. They can help fill a void, do a necessary job, create meaningful companionship, and bring people together whose lives wouldn’t necessarily have touched if not for the dog or puppy that brings them together.
The relationships with people in my life are not sacrificed for my business, they are enhanced and enriched because of what I choose to do with my time and effort. That connection with my family, friends, fellow breeders, clients, neighbors, congregation members, and many more – all of these people are important in my life. They make me who I am, they enrich my days, and help me focus on improving myself daily. Surrounding myself with those I care about and who care about and for me, that is irreplaceable!
Experiences come and go. Income flows and fluctuates. Time marches on with or without us. Technology and science are always evolving. But, our lives would never be the same without the lives that are intertwined with ours.
People matter.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shurbeezshihtzu.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shurbeezshihtzu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shurbeezshihtzu
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShurbeezShihTzuLLC
Image Credits
Sheri Stevens, Lisa Knott