Finding New Purpose: Our Journey from Ministry to Dog Breeding

Paul & Cyndy Teas with Camp Barnabas CEO, Bernadette Losh.

My husband and I were in our mid-40s when we founded a Christian camp program for people with special needs. By the grace of God, it grew into an incredible ministry, serving children and adults with disabilities and medical challenges. With my background as a pediatric nurse and my husband’s experience in leadership and ministry, the program felt like a perfect fit for us. We were deeply fulfilled by the joy it brought to campers, staff, and volunteers. For over 20 years, this meaningful work became the center of our lives.

Then, in 2012, everything changed.

Our board unexpectedly decided it was time for us to step aside and allow younger leadership to take over. Suddenly, in our 60s, we felt lost—like new graduates trying to figure out our next steps in life.

We spent countless hours in prayer and deep conversations, seeking direction. We knew one thing for certain: whatever we did next had to be more than just a paycheck—it had to be fulfilling. I found great joy working as a pediatric hospice nurse for about 18 months, but life had another twist in store. Circumstances led us to move, and by that time, we had welcomed two adorable Labradoodles into our lives.

People constantly asked us, “Where can I get a dog like yours?” My brother-in-law and sister were breeders, and after referring several potential buyers to them, we began to wonder—why not give dog breeding a try?

We prayed about it, researched extensively, and ultimately felt led to pursue this new path.

It helped that we both love dogs and animals in general, and I’ve always been fascinated by the science of birth and raising babies. Now, almost four years into this journey, we wouldn’t trade it for anything. While breeding can be demanding, we are passionate about raising healthy, happy puppies and matching them with the perfect families. We truly believe that dogs are an integral part of a family, and we strive to ensure that every puppy we place is a perfect fit for its forever home.

Entrepreneurial work is both freeing and challenging, but it’s incredibly gratifying when we hear from families who love their new furry companions and feel they were meant to be together.

And so, our journey continues with each litter—learning, growing, and being reminded daily by these precious puppies what unconditional love truly is.

This blog is a space to share our experiences, lessons, and insights to help every dog owner become the best version of themselves.

If you’re at a crossroads in life, unsure of what’s next—just start. Take a step forward. Maybe even start with a dog… they have a way of leading the way.