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Designer Mixes
About Shari Shidate
Shari Shidate
Designer Mixes contributor
I’m Shari Shidate, a Veterinary Assistant based in Frisco, Texas, and I’m so glad you’re here. Designer Mixes was created out of equal parts curiosity and care: curiosity about what makes mixed-breed dogs so wonderfully unique, and care for the everyday choices that support their health, comfort, and quality of life.
My work is hands-on and people-centered, because pet care is never just about a checklist. It is about understanding the animal in front of you, listening closely to the family who loves them, and making practical decisions that support long-term health. In a typical day, that can look like helping with appointments and intake, assisting the medical team during exams and treatments, and sharing simple, doable home-care tips so families feel prepared after they leave the clinic.
My background
My professional path has always pointed toward animal care. I studied at the University of Texas at Dallas, where I strengthened the foundation that supports my day-to-day work in veterinary medicine: observation, critical thinking, and the ability to translate complicated information into steps pet parents can actually use.
Today, in a busy clinic setting, I support patient care from the moment a pet arrives to the follow-up guidance that helps families feel confident at home. I have a deep respect for the veterinary team approach, because the best outcomes happen when compassion and consistency meet evidence-based care.
I am a strong animal welfare advocate. For me, advocacy is not a slogan. It is a daily practice that shows up in how we handle animals, how we talk about them, and how we make decisions when they are scared, injured, aging, or misunderstood.
One of the most meaningful parts of my journey has been volunteering with the Collin County Humane Society. Supporting humane organizations keeps me grounded in what animals need most: safety, stability, medical care, and people who are willing to show up consistently.
In my experience, education is one of the most powerful forms of prevention. When families understand things like parasite prevention, dental care basics, body language, and early signs that something is off, more pets get help sooner and fewer situations turn into emergencies.
Life outside the clinic
When I am not working, I love running. It clears my head and reminds me how much the basics matter: steady effort, good habits, and listening to your body. Those same principles apply to animal wellness, too. Small, consistent choices often matter more than quick fixes.
What to expect
This site is here to make your life easier and your dog’s life better. My goal is to keep the tone warm and the guidance realistic, because perfect is not required for progress. In the articles you will find:
- Clear, practical education for caring for popular mixes and mixed breeds
- Wellness-focused routines you can actually keep up with
- Supportive guidance that encourages prevention, not panic
- Compassionate reminders that every dog is an individual
I aim to keep information grounded in current veterinary guidance and reputable references, then translate it into real-life steps you can use. When a topic is opinion-based or experience-based, I will say so.
Important: I’m a veterinary assistant, not a veterinarian. The content on Designer Mixes is for general education and support, not diagnosis or treatment. If your dog is sick, injured, or in pain, or if you are unsure about what you are seeing, please contact your veterinarian.
Thank you for stopping by. If you have a mix you want covered, or a question you would love to see addressed, you are welcome to reach out or suggest a topic. I hope Designer Mixes feels like a helpful resource you can return to whenever you need clarity, direction, or reassurance.
