About Us
Our dogs are split between myself and my parents. I live in mid-Michigan and they live in western Michigan. We have owned Shelties since 1997, with Traverse being our first.
The Clarks - Kelly & Derrick
Let me take a minute to tell you a little about myself, Kelly, (the webmaster and owner/co-owner of the dogs).
I am in my late 20s and I have been involved with shelties since 1997. Before that, I was chasing strays down the road and returning them to their owners, training neighborhood dogs, and begging my parents to get a dog. I have worked in animal-related jobs since I was sixteen. These include: Pet Supplies "Plus" (a pet supply store, not a pet shop; employed almost three years), Animal Medical Center of Wyoming (as a Pet Attendant/Kennel Assistant; employed over a year), The Animal Clinic Inc (as a receptionist; employed one year), Chicago Drive Veterinary Clinic (as a veterinary assistant/technician; employed about a year), then, in 2003, I made the move to Lansing, Michigan so my fiancé could attend Michigan State University.
In Lansing, I found a position at Petco part time for a couple
months before working for Mt. Hope Veterinary Hospital as a
veterinary assistant. I took a year off of the animal field to focus
on training and showing my females while working part time at
Celebration Cinema. Since then, I have since returned to the animal
field by obtaining a position at Cedar Creek Veterinary Hospital (&
Exotic Bird Clinic) in Williamston, MI as Kennel Manager for a
couple years. I have worked as an assistant
instructor/volunteer for Diamonds In The Ruff Dog Training, who
works very closely with For Better Independence Assistance Dogs (see
link page). I was thrilled to have the opportunity to assist
in getting these dogs socialized & trained for people who really
need them. Currently, I am working as a web site designer,
amateur photographer and soon-to-be starting up dog classes (most
likely in Grand Ledge).
For schooling, I am following the path to become a veterinarian. I
am currently taking courses at Michigan State University to earn my
degree in "Genomics & Molecular Genetics", at which time my plan is
to apply to vet school.
I belong to the Grand Rapids Agility Club and PAWS Unlimited (Grand
Rapids Area Canines). I feel that shelties are the best all around
type of dog - "agile, obedient, affectionate/loving, independent
thinkers, gentle, playful; you could not ask for more in a dog in my
opinion." It is also very hard to own just one, so that is how
Sympatheque Shetland Sheepdogs came about.
My parents - John & Jan
coming soon