A famous media
personality, Shawna is an avid equestrian, writer and professional speaker. As host
of Pet Industry TV and President of Women in the Pet Industry, she shines as an
advocate for animals.
Welcome Shawna!
Where are you in the
world?
My
horseshoeing husband of nearly 25 years and I share a log home on the side of a
hill in rural Western Oregon with horses, dogs, donkeys, a cat, a goose and a
very confused goat!
Tell me about 'Women in
the Pet Industry'....
This is
the most exciting thing I’ve been involved with in years! We are a network of
pet professionals who are committed to share with each other, continue to grow
ourselves and our businesses and connect for all the benefits connections
produce: partnerships, ideas, referrals, promotions and of course amazing
friendships!
As a host of Pet
Industry TV, what has been your favorite pet-related story?
Our video
centric site is all about providing quick and quirky videos for pet
professionals to help them grow their businesses. Since the shows are all quick
and quirky the stories are light and lighthearted – with a business building
tip in each one.
One of my
favorite stories is about my goat Chester. When we got him as a baby from
deplorable conditions we bottle fed him in the kitchen. The milk formula is
tasty to dogs so at feeding times all our dogs would gather around and lick all
over the little guy’s face, neck, legs anywhere they thought they’d find milk.
Chester
of course accepted it as love from his family so he convinced himself he
belongs to a family of dogs. So he acts like a dog mostly which is fun and
funny, especially when he waits at the UPS truck to get his dog biscuit too.
What is your current
equine configuration?
We have
an equine boarding facility and five horses of our own plus big and mini
donkeys including a baby donk named Danny who was born about the time I took
over as President of Women in the Pet Industry in June.
Tell me about your
horses...
My mare
is wonderful – she can be a handful too of course which makes her perfect.
She’s a Quarter Horse, flea bit white and has taught me much about
communication. I use her as an example when I do my work as an executive coach
helping business people to be better at leadership, presentations and
communication.
Do you have a favorite
breed of horse?
I love
all horses though the Quarters are what we ride. I also ride a handsome red
gelding named Scout who is completely opposite of my mare so whenever I think
I’m doing great I jump on the other one and learn all over again that each
animal is unique and amazing and needs my total attention and skill.
Are you a writer? If so,
tell me about your books, etc...
Writing
is something I do – almost daily. I have two books – one about life lessons
through stories and the other a business book on Voice Mail. I also have
several DVD’s produced by Seminars on DVD and audio programs as well.
In 2002 I
earned the designation of Certified Speaking Professional from the National
Speakers Association which is held by less than 8% of speakers worldwide so I
do travel and have worked with a variety of industries, but my favorite
industry is the pet industry.
What are your future
goals as an animal advocate?
The focus
of my work is all around helping pet professionals – and by doing that, by
helping them be the best people, build the best business and become amazing
leaders, they impact pet parents and pets in every aspect.
What is your best advice
for someone who would like a new pet?
Understand
that it is a lifetime commitment – that this wonderful being you’ve received is
a precious gift and will be your friend, companion and teacher if you are open
to it.
Follow Shawna...
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