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Candice Scheibel, KPA-CTP
Candice Scheibel, KPA-CTP
Although I’m the person behind The Shire, this journey is far from a solo effort. It truly takes a village, and I’m deeply grateful for mine. My husband Ron, our children, my mentors Sidney and Polly, and a circle of like-minded breeders and friends all play a vital role in shaping the dogs I raise and the thoughtful decisions behind each breeding. Their support, wisdom, and collaboration are at the heart of everything I do.
I’m a lifelong learner, continually working to deepen my understanding of canine health, behavior, population genetics, and ethical breeding practices. I regularly attend seminars, take courses, and engage with experts to ensure my approach remains rooted in current science and best practices. I am also a founding member on the International Windsprite Club Health Committee and am passionate about collaborating as a club to improve the health of the breed.
Professionally, I’m a certified training partner through the Karen Pryor Academy and have spent over a decade working in the animal field—including at zoos, municipal shelters, and even with free-flighted birds at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This broad experience continues to shape my philosophy and guide my commitment to raising confident, well-rounded dogs.
My time working as the behavior coordinator at an open-intake shelter had a profound impact on me. I worked with hundreds of dogs, many facing heartbreaking behavioral or medical challenges. I saw devoted families forced to surrender pets due to severe bite histories, overwhelming fear or anxiety, or devastating health conditions. It became clear how much pain could be traced back to poor genetics, lack of early socialization, and irresponsible breeding. That experience drives my commitment to raising well-rounded, behaviorally and physically healthy dogs who who fit into a family’s life instead of turning it upside down.
That dream led me to Windsprites. They’re charming, sweet, silly, and unassuming, with an ideal temperament and size for a variety of homes. When I brought home my first Windsprite, Eevee, she became everything I hoped for. Her gentle, intuitive nature made her a natural therapy dog; especially with my young son, who she often comforts and helps regulate emotionally. I knew then I wanted to help more families experience that same kind of connection.
Of course, no dog is perfect, and no breeder can promise a challenge-free life. But I believe in being transparent and intentional. I make every breeding decision carefully guided by science, current research, and my deep understanding of animal behavior. My goal is to raise sound, stable, joyful companions: dogs who are fun and easy to train, who can hike or snuggle, and who thrive across a range of environments and lifestyles.
My kennel name, The Shire, is a reflection of this philosophy. It’s the nickname for our family's home, and a nod to my lifelong love for The Lord of the Rings. Just like Tolkien’s Shire, our setting is quiet and peaceful, built on the simple, enduring joys of everyday life. That’s the life I hope each of my puppy families gets to experience with their Windsprite: peaceful walks in nature, silly moments of play, deep companionship, and the kind of stillness that fills your heart.
Welcome to The Shire.
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