Member for
1 year
Petals & Paws/ Michelle Newsome
Teaberry, KY
ID Not Verified by iDenfy
Email Address Verified
Phone Number Verified
Licenses
None for USDA
None for State
Other Contacts
About Michelle
How It All Began
People often ask me how I became a Shih Tzu breeder, and the answer is simple—it all started with one very special little dog named Tilly.
Tilly came into my life already facing challenges. She was born very sick, and as she grew, so did her medical needs. Vet visits became frequent, and the expenses continued to mount. But to me, none of that mattered. She wasn't "just a dog." She was family. I wanted to give her the very best medical care, the very best life, and every opportunity to thrive.
Long before Tilly, I had spent nearly twenty years working in animal rescue on and off. Loving animals has never been something I did—it has always been part of who I am. People often joke that I "speak fluent dog," and honestly, they're probably right. Understanding them, caring for them, and advocating for them has always come naturally to me.
As I watched Tilly's medical expenses grow, I knew I needed a way to continue providing the level of care she deserved. That's when an idea began to grow in my heart. I prayed about it often.
I remember telling God, "I'm willing to work hard. I'll have the faith—but You're going to have to open the doors."
And He did.
One door after another began to open. Opportunities appeared that I never could have planned myself. I stepped through each one with gratitude, determination, and faith, and I hit the ground running. I poured myself into learning everything I could about responsible breeding, genetics, health testing, nutrition, puppy development, and raising well-socialized, healthy Shih Tzus.
I never looked back.
What started as a way to care for one little dog has become something so much bigger. It has become a calling.
Every puppy I raise is loved from the very beginning. They're handled with care, raised inside my home, and treated as if they were my own. My goal has never been simply to breed dogs. My goal is to produce healthy, happy companions that will bring the same unconditional love to another family that Tilly brought to mine.
Looking back now, more than two years later, I can honestly say this journey was built on love, sustained by hard work, and guided every step of the way by God's grace.
Tilly changed my life in ways she'll probably never know. She wasn't just the beginning of my breeding program—she was the reason it exists.
About Petals & Paws/ Michelle Newsome
Our Philosophy
At Petals & Paws, we are a very small, in-home breeding program where quality will always come before quantity. Every decision we make is centered around one goal: raising healthy, well-tempered Shih Tzus that will become cherished members of their forever families.
Health and temperament are the foundation of everything we do. Every adult in our breeding program undergoes genetic health testing so we can make informed breeding decisions and give each puppy the very best start in life.
From the very beginning, our puppies are raised right in the heart of our home, surrounded by love, everyday household experiences, and gentle handling. Beginning on Days 3 through 16, each puppy participates in Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), a series of carefully designed exercises that introduce mild, age-appropriate stimuli during a critical stage of development. This early foundation helps encourage resilience, confidence, and adaptability as they grow.
For me, this isn't simply a breeding program—it's my passion and my calling. I pour my whole heart into every litter, investing countless hours in their care, socialization, and development. Each puppy is loved long before they ever meet their forever family.
My greatest hope is to share with others the extraordinary love, unwavering loyalty, and joyful companionship that only a Shih Tzu can give. There is something truly special about this breed. They have a remarkable way of filling a home with laughter, comfort, and unconditional love.
When you welcome one of our puppies into your family, you're not just bringing home a pet—you are welcoming a little heart that has been lovingly nurtured from its very first days of life. It is my privilege to be part of that journey, and I am committed to supporting both you and your puppy for a lifetime.
Media of our place
Testimonials
This user hasn't received any testimonials yet
When they do, they'll show up here
