Denian Shelties was formed in Kennesaw, Georgia by Lisa Kosel. She has had shelties since she was nine years old and they have always been a part of her life. In Georgia, Lisa started showing in the conformation ring, training puppies for several area breeders and was a member of the Georgia Shetland Sheepdog Club and the Kennesaw Kennel Club. When relocating back to her roots in the Chicago area several years ago Lisa met a wonderful friend and her now-partner, Karen Ferraro, who shares the same goals and passions for the breed. Lisa and Karen have more in common than the dogs - they both have two boys and their sons are great at socializing the puppies.

Karen Ferraro has always been passionate about dogs, but never seemed to find a breed she liked until she purchased her first sheltie, Sable, years ago from a pet shop - a big mistake! Karen learned the hard way how devastating a pet shop puppy purchase can be, since Sable died at an early age of an avoidable, hereditary defect. Her search for another Sheltie brought her to her dear friend and now-partner, Lisa Kosel. Lisa and Karen share the same vision for the Sheltie breed, and only do what they feel is right. As a team, Lisa and Karen advocate testing of all breeding stock, as well as responsible pet ownership. Both Karen and Lisa are active members of the Chicagoland Shetland Sheepdog Association, and they both look forward to a long and fruitful partnership that is Denian Shelties.