Golden Puppies, a Louisiana-based Golden Retriever and Goldendoodle breeder, announces donation of a Goldendoodle puppy to American Red Cross volunteer

AMITE, LA / ACCESS Newswire / July 1, 2025 / Golden Puppies, a Louisiana-based Golden Retriever and Goldendoodle breeder, announces donation of a Goldendoodle puppy to American Red Cross volunteer, Kelly Domingue. This donation is a part of Golden Puppies' service initiative, Operation Friendship, connecting service dogs to veterans and individuals with disabilities

The donation event was held on Sunday, June 8, 2025 at 10:30 AM at Golden Puppies' campus in Amite, LA.

After searching rescues for over six months, Kelly turned to breeder listings and discovered Golden Puppies, listed among the Top Ten Breeders in Louisiana. The presence of Operation Friendship, a program that donates specialty-selected dogs to veterans and individuals with disabilities, offered unexpected hope. She reached out, and was quickly met with a warm response from Victor McShan, owner of Golden Puppies and co-creator of Operation Friendship.

'By Operation Friendship's donation of Poppy - now known as Grace - my disabilities will continue to be mitigated. This donation will change my life,' Kelly said. 'I cannot thank them enough.'

Grace's Role as a Service Dog

Grace will be personally and continuously trained by Kelly as a multifunctional service dog. Her tasks will include:

• Medical alert

• Mobility & stabilization

• Scent detection

• Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT)

• Hearing and vision support

Training will begin with the AKC Canine Good Citizen Program and evolve over time based on Kelly's specific needs. As a volunteer in human disaster shelters and the upcoming Household Pet Project, Kelly also chose a Goldendoodle for its low-shedding coat-minimizing allergen exposure in sensitive shelter environments.

'We've seen how a well-trained dog can completely change someone's life,' said Victor McShan. 'Grace will bring strength, stability, and companionship to someone who already gives so much to others.'

Legacy of Red Cross Dogs

This donation also honors the 81st anniversary of D-Day and the legacy of Red Cross dogs, or 'mercy dogs,' who served in both World Wars-locating wounded soldiers and delivering first aid. The tradition of canine heroes lives on in dogs like Grace, who will continue to serve with purpose, loyalty, and heart.

While not part of an official Red Cross initiative, this donation reflects a national recognition of the role service animals and household pets play in disaster preparedness and response. Louisiana's new Household Pet Evacuation Law, effective May 28, 2025, further highlights the need to integrate pets into emergency planning.

'I've volunteered with the Red Cross since the 2016 Louisiana floods,' Kelly said. 'We're building systems where families don't have to choose between safety and their pets.'

About Operation Friendship

Operation Friendship provides disabled veterans and individuals with well-trained service dogs to help navigate life's challenges. Learn more about Operation Friendship and how to support: www.goldenpuppies.com/operation-friendship

SOURCE: Golden Puppies