Officer Penny
I am passionate about mental health and wellness, and I believe that dogs have a special ability to bring out the best in humans. In 2023, Officer Marissa Vomer from the Utica police department reached out to me about the possibility of getting a therapy dog. I immediately knew that I wanted to support this project. The Utica police department already had a Crisis Response Team consisting of a police officer trained in mental health and a crisis counselor from the Neighborhood Center's Mobile Crisis Assessment Team. Marissa wanted to enhance their efforts by adding a canine member to the team. Finger Lakes Doodles donated an F1 Standard Sheepadoodle puppy named Penny in the summer of 2023 to help bring Marissa's dream to life. Additionally, First Source Federal Credit Union made a $20,000 donation over three years to cover Penny's training, care, and equipment. Today, Penny is serving the community of Utica and providing assistance to people in a way that humans simply cannot. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this incredible journey. It's truly remarkable what positive change we can achieve when we collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations.
Ways We Contribute
Service Dog Donation
In 2024, Finger Lakes Doodles proudly made a donation of a F1b Mini Sheepadoodle to RocDog. We wholeheartedly believe in the mission of RocDog, which is to provide service dogs to individuals who are in need. As a responsible and caring breeder, we understand the immense value that service dogs bring to the lives of those they assist. By partnering with RocDog, we aim to contribute to their noble cause and help make a positive impact on the lives of individuals who can benefit from the incredible support and companionship of a service dog. We are honored to be a part of this important endeavor and look forward to continuing our commitment to supporting organizations like RocDog.
Animal Rescue Work
Instilling the value of community support in my children is something that is very important to me. In 2022, we started volunteering at a local cat rescue organization in our town. Every week, we dedicate an hour of our time to care for the cats at Keller's Kat Rescue. Our tasks include cleaning litter boxes, refilling water and food bowls, and providing necessary medications to cats in need at the cage-free shelter. At times when our puppy room is available, we have also fostered a few litters of kittens and puppies for Keller's. I strongly believe in the significance of animal rescue work. However, it is crucial to do thorough research when supporting rescue organizations. It is important to verify that they are legitimate and registered with the Department of Agriculture in the state where they operate. This ensures that our efforts and contributions are going to the right place and making a meaningful impact..
Therapy Dog Service
Bringing joy and smiles to others is second nature to our dogs. We are proud to have a few dogs that are certified therapy dogs through RocDog, an AKC recognized Therapy Dog Organization. These incredible dogs have undergone specialized training to provide comfort and support to individuals in various settings. We love visiting local schools, libraries, and participating in community events, spreading happiness wherever we go. Did you know that spending time with dogs has been scientifically proven to help release serotonin in humans? Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of happiness and well-being. So, not only do our therapy dogs bring joy and comfort to those they interact with, but they also have a remarkable ability to positively impact the mental and emotional well-being of individuals.