ANIMAL ATTRACTION
Pet owners marry, form dog-training business
BY KELLY GRIFFITH Contributing reporter

Shari and Kevin Curran are celebrating the 10th anniversary of their dog training center, Pads N' Paws. The couple met when they were both volunteers for Therapet. Each had a Bernese Mountain dog, a breed that was once very uncommon in this area.

Kevin and Shari worked together for six years before deciding they should date. The couple became engaged, and before anything else they built the training center in Troup. When they wed the following year, Kevin's Bernese Mountain dog had the honor of being "best dog" in the wedding. The family now has 12 dogs; four are Kevin's, six belong to Shari, and their children, Haley and Taylor, each have a Golden Retriever all their own.

"It's just like having more children," Shari said. "Sometimes they're even better behaved."

Now that the couple's true kids are nine and 10, they enjoy showing their dogs more and more. "I've been teaching dog obedience for 20 years," Shari said. "I fell in love with it after college."

Shari has had a dog since she was five, and even then she was teaching him tricks. "I like developing team work with a dog and being able to compete with them at a national level," Shari said.

In the top photo, Shari Curran, one-half of the Pads N' Paws dog-training center in Troup, poses with two of her dogs. Pads N' Paws is celebrating 10 years in business.

At Pads N' Paws, Shari teaches owners how to train their own pets so that there is a bond established between the two. Classes offered range from beginner to advanced. Service dogs, seeing-eye dogs, Therapets, show dogs and family pets are all welcome.

"Some of the dogs that have trained here are some of the best of their breed in the country," Shari said. "We have had some really good dogs come through."

Though Pads N' Paws is not affiliated with Therapet, they are allowed to use the facility free of charge to train the dogs because Pads N' Paws is equipped with wheelchairs and hospital beds to let the animals become familiar with the types of equipment they will see at ETMC and Trinity Mother Frances. Six of the 12 dogs owned by the family are active in the Therapet program.

With a 170-acre ranch, the family also raises miniature horses that par ticipate in Therapet programs such as camps for children with disabilities. Therapet is always looking for volunteers, and there are opportunities for ever yone, with or without pets.

Pads N' Paws will be starting a beginners class in August for puppies three-and-a-half to four months old that have finished their vaccinations. To enroll in the class, call 903-842-4680.

"Most people think obedience training is strict but we incorporate play," Shari said. "It makes them so much fun to be around on an everyday level."