Laura Stapleton, Shane Pernice, and their two Shih Tzus have been American Idogs team members since 2009. Star is seven and a half years old, and Tikki is seven years old. Laura decided she wanted to own this breed because she loved her parents%u2019 Shih Tzus, even if they can be very stubborn at times. Laura had owned a Cockapoo and a Portuguese Water Dog before owning Tikki and Star, so she knew how great owning a pet could be. She is an elementary school teacher, and loves bringing both dogs into her classroom to see the kids. In fact, one of the students in her classroom even believes that Tikki is her long lost relative. The Shih Tzus are always looking cute and get plenty of attention when they are brought out with Laura and Shane to the local bars and restaurants. They are normally very relaxed, quiet dogs, and have a cat and a pit bull as best friends. Tikki and Star might be some of the smallest dogs on the team, but they sure are great at the mummy game during the shows!