About Shari
Early Roots & Natural Connection
Shari’s family is from Newfoundland, Canada, and she was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario—where her lifelong love for animals began. From early childhood, she showed a rare sensitivity to animals’ emotions and needs, often sensing when something was wrong before others noticed. Neighbourhood children regularly brought injured wildlife to her, trusting her calm presence and natural empathy.
Artistic Beginnings
Along with her deep connection with animals, Shari developed a passion for art at a young age. At just five years old, she began painting animals, starting with an oil paint-by-number horse kit that sparked a lifelong devotion to capturing animal spirit through art. By her early teens, she was creating commissioned animal portraits as a part-time job.
Life with Horses, Dogs & Cats
Shari began riding horses at age seven and formed profound bonds with several horses throughout her life, including training her first horse, Peggy, with her father. She has worked and competed across multiple equestrian disciplines and developed deep respect for horse behavior, communication, and what makes them happy.
Dogs and cats have always been part of Shari’s family. Over three decades, she has shared her life with six Australian Shepherds and many cats, sometimes incorporating them into her work, teaching, demonstrations, and of course spending fun quality time with then in daily life. As Aussies are dogs who need jobs, Shari did many different kinds of work with them including obedience, scent work, herding, agility, brain games and swimming. The relationships she had with all of her animals taught her that every animal is an individual with unique needs, personalities, and ways of being.
A Turning Point in Animal Care
At 17, while working at a busy veterinary hospital in Ottawa, Shari experienced a defining moment that shifted her life’s direction. Witnessing a young dog being discharged after surgery without rehabilitation support sparked her desire to explore holistic, supportive care for animals recovering from injury, surgery, and aging.
Education & Holistic Path
Although accepted into veterinary sciences at the University of Guelph, Shari chose a path that allowed her to specialize more deeply in companion animals. She trained and pursued a career in human healthcare as a Laboratory Technologist while independently studying animal anatomy, physiology, myology, behavior, massage, Reiki, holistic practices, therapeutic modalities, and hydrotherapy.
Pioneering Animal Bodywork
In 1994, while Shari was on her quest to learn how to help animals in a holistic way, she met and partnered with massage therapist Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt to illustrate and edit Equine Massage: A Practical Guide, created educational programs, illustrated and co-authored Canine Massage: A Practical Guide, which became an internationally respected reference. In subsequent years, Shari continued to pursue her studies, hone her crafts, help many animals and has become recognized as a pioneer in alternative and complementary companion animal care.
Facilities & Hydrotherapy
Since 2006, Shari has built, overseen, and worked in four animal wellness facilities featuring hydrotherapy pools, and areas for land-based modalities such as massage, chiropractic, laser … for dogs and cats. Through thousands of sessions, she has supported animals in regaining mobility, comfort, strength, overall wellness, confidence and happiness.
Shari’s Quest Today
With over 40 years of experience and thousands of animals helped, Shari now focuses on sharing her knowledge through consultations, teaching, art, writing, speaking, and mentorship. She continues to support horses, dogs, and cats—through one-on-one time, helping them live healthier, happier lives while empowering their humans to do the same.
Shari L. Seymour
Shari is an artist and compassionate animal practitioner dedicated to honoring the spirit and soul of animals through art, care, and connection. Shari’s Quest is her lifelong journey of creativity, healing, and educating animal lovers in ways to help animals who share their lives.
CONTACT SHARI
Address
305 O’Connor Crt. Cobourg ON. K9A 5X5
Phone Number
(905) 373-5800