My
name is Leslie LeFave and I live in Sunny Clermont, Florida with my
husband, our Shih Tzu, 4 cats, koi fish and chickens . We live on an
1/2 acre in a secluded area where our animals
can run and play. Everyone gets along at Tian
Mi. Our cats love our fish, our dogs love our cats, and our cats love
our dogs. Shih Tzu love everyone. I say at least once a week, "We
are so lucky to live with a house full of sweet little souls." I
feel that our pets enrich our lives. There is never a dull moment at
Tian Mi!!!
At
the time of this writing, I have been owned by Shih Tzu for
seventeen (2018) years. I been involved in Shih Tzu rescue for thirteen
years and have been showing Shih Tzu for fourteen years. The Shih Tzu at
Tian Mi are pets first and Show dogs second. Showing and keeping Shih
Tzu in coat is a lot of work. Sometimes I ask myself, "Why do I
keep doing this?" And then there is another dog show. I am
addicted, as all my fellow exhibitors are. I love seeing a Shih Tzu in
the ring with their long flowing coat, head held high, with that mushy
face constantly looking up at their handler for approval. In my eyes
there is no competition; the Shih Tzu is by far the most beautiful of
show dogs and the most endearing couch potatoes, who never miss a chance
to give their humans a big wet kiss.
All
Shih Tzu at Tian Mi receive exceptional care. Our vet is a fellow
exhibitor. I believe she is better at her job because she is PART
of the dog world. She does not just take care of client dogs she has
many of her own, as well as her own breeding program. Her experience
leads me to drive an hour from my home for all my veterinary needs.
At
Tian Mi we do not breed for the purpose of making money on Shih Tzu.
Breedings are always done with thoughtful planning for health and
temperament first and foremost, while always look to the AKC standard.
Proceeds from any companion placement is always reinvested in our
precious dogs.
My
Shih Tzu bring out everything good in me. The simple feeling of sitting
on the couch surrounded by all my precious little angels makes me feel
at peace with the world. Giving them lots of snuggles and talking baby
talk to them, makes me realize they really do put up with a lot from me.
Showing is demanding, yet they continue to be happy just being with me.
I
have days when someone gets an upset tummy, when show dogs coats are
stuck to their rear end, and when wiping up one more accident someone
had in the house feels somewhat overwhelming: When show dogs
decide for what ever reason they are not going to take one more step in
the ring or they want to do loop de loops, then the thought does enter
my mind that I am totally out of my mind to have more Shih Tzu. Thank
God these days are very few and far between. When peace is restored once
again I fall under the spell of The Shih Tzu!!!
I,
personally will not cut corners regarding the care or quality of my Shih
Tzu. I will not compete with the lowest price in the paper or on the
internet. I do however, promise every Tian Mi Shih Tzu will meet or
exceed your greatest expectations.
"I
guarantee, Owning a Shih Tzu will change your life forever"
Warmest
Regards,
Leslie
LeFave
Bailley's
Blog - Bailley was diagnosed with Cushing's
in November of 2014. We lost Bailley 8/15/17
This
is a record of our journey and how I chose to treat her. It is my hope
others will find comfort and answers.
