Fifteen years ago, Sherry Shupe made a decision that would change her life and impact an entire community. After years in corporate America, she found herself working long hours without the sense of purpose she was searching for. What she did have was a deep passion for helping animals. Through her work with local rescues, she saw both the need and the opportunity to do something more.
With that vision, she opened a small, 800-square-foot retail space in downtown Milford. What began as a simple storefront rooted in purpose has since grown into something far greater.
“I wanted to build something that mattered,” Sherry said. “Something that helped animals, supported families, and created a place people could trust. I didn’t have all the answers, but I had faith and a willingness to take the first step.”
That first step became Fur Baby Pet Resort. Over the past 15 years, the business has expanded well beyond retail. Today, Fur Baby Pet Resort offers doggy daycare, overnight boarding, grooming and spa services, and premium retail focused on biologically appropriate nutrition.
Five years ago, Sherry and her husband, Bryan, took on one of their biggest projects yet. Together, they renovated a building that had sat vacant for more than 20 years along the Mispillion River in Milford. That space is now home to a 10,000 square foot pet resort facility.
At the heart of the operation is a dedicated team known as Park Rangers, who provide individualized care for each dog while ensuring a safe, engaging, and enriching environment. The growth did not happen overnight. Over the years, the business expanded across four different commercial spaces, each time increasing its services, size, and reach.
Two years ago, the Shupe family opened a second location in Easton, Maryland, continuing to serve more families and their pets. Behind the business is a story rooted in family.
Bryan and Sherry raised their two children, Evelyn, 9, and Theodore, 6, within the walls of the business. They recall early days with cribs and bassinets behind the counter, balancing parenthood with the demands of building something from the ground up.
“We grew this business the same way we grew our family, with a lot of love, a lot of hard work, and a lot of faith,” Sherry said. “There were challenges, but each one pushed us to learn, adapt, and keep moving forward.”
Bryan reflected on the broader impact of their journey.
“We are incredibly thankful to be part of a community that believes in small businesses,” Bryan said. “To take a building that sat empty for decades and turn it into something that brings energy back into downtown Milford is something we are proud of. We have always believed in investing locally, building something that lasts, and helping others see what is possible when you take that first step.”
Fur Baby Pet Resort will celebrate its 15-year anniversary during the Bug and Bud Festival on Saturday, April 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at their Milford location. The community is invited to stop by, meet the team, tour the facility, and celebrate the milestone together.
For more information, visit Fur Baby Pet Resort at furbabypetresort.com.
