Today we’d like to introduce you to Tricia Schmorde.
Hi Tricia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
So I am not a business; I am an extreme hobbyist of raising Exotic Maine Coon cats and Shiba Inus, very small scale. Focusing on temperaments and the in-home raising. This is becoming even more rare for breeders. I focus my program on making therapy animals for those in need. PTSD, Mental health also has a few seizure detection dogs out there and helper dogs. My maine coon cats and Shiba Inus are raised very close to humans, not in some cattery or kennel. This is the difference. This way, they are ready to be good companions to those in need, and what doesn’t go into a therapy home is then offered to the general public. I may only have one therapy animal requested per litter. It can vary.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Some of the challenges and struggles are the proper placement and assessment of the Maine Coon cats and Shiba Inus. It is about temperment assesment for each upcoming need. I have to be diligent and pay attention so I can find the right fit for the right situation. I love what I do, but it is up to me to make sure they are ready and will be what I anticipate for the person in need. Other obstacles are it is very demanding raising litters as I do. I myself am disabled from a head-on car accident years ago. I have memory issues and other cognitive issues as well as spinal arthritis. I do this for myself as well. It gives me worth and something to wake up to. I would feel so alone and worthless without what I do as a hobby in my life with great purpose. I do this for the love of it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in Maine Coon cats from DNA tested Clear lines. Temperament is a must, and my cats are all full-time family members. My two Shibas, this is all I have at this time for I am considering retiring from raising them, are both from amazing, healthy Nippo lines. I want the best for my therapy animals for those in need. I
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I have learned is that nothing is easy. Even being a hobby, it should be relaxing and always enjoyable. It can be hard at times when I am having health issues of my own I deal with. Though they are my therapy and what I do is part of my therapy, it can still be quite challenging. I have learned I have to have lots of notes and alarms because my brain injury makes it harder. I have learned that even with the best efforts nothing is perfect.
Contact Info:
- Website: tps://mainecooncatsoregon.wixsite.com/mainecoons
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dakineshibainusexoticcats/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dakineshibainus
- Other: https://mainecooncatsoregon.wixsite.com/mainecoons/dragonfly-reiki-oregon-california
