Brodie the Goldendoodle’s charm isn’t just fluff. His owner, Cliff Brush Jr., reveals the grooming, wellness habits, and adventures that make Brodie a happy, healthy dog.
How did you first realize that Brodie had such a special gift for connecting with people?
I noticed it pretty early on, when Brodie was about six or seven months old and really starting to grow into his size and personality. Everywhere we went, people would stop what they were doing just to meet him or take pictures, even before the internet knew who he was. It wasn’t just because he’s this big, fluffy dog that looks like a movie character; it was something about his energy. Strangers would stop me constantly, and that’s actually what motivated me to start posting him online. That’s when I realized he has this gift for making people feel good.
What does a typical day in Brodie’s life look like?
Our days always depend on what we have going on, whether it’s an event, an adventure, or travel. On a normal day, Brodie and his mom, Luna, play in the yard first thing in the morning, then come in for breakfast. He’ll watch lizards and squirrels from the window while I edit, and later we’ll do something fun for a video, like a bike ride or food challenge. Before dinner, I brush him out and then take him on a long walk, or he runs beside me while I ride. At night, he curls up next to me in bed to end the day.
How are you able to manage all of Brodie’s floof?
It’s definitely a commitment, but it’s also part of who he is. I brush him about every other day and use products from his own grooming line, Floof by Brodie, to keep his coat healthy and soft. I couldn’t do it alone, though; it’s a team effort with his personal groomer, Yoe, who comes every two weeks to keep him looking his best. Regular maintenance makes a huge difference. It’s not just grooming; it’s our bonding time. He’s actually learned to love it, which makes it a lot easier.
As such an avid traveler, what advice do you have for pet parents who are traveling around the holidays?
The biggest thing is to plan ahead, but stay flexible. In the United States, it’s pretty easy as long as you book pet-friendly places. I try to keep Brodie’s routine as close to normal as possible when we travel, especially his feeding schedule, and I try not to rush the trip. Let your dog enjoy it, too, because those little stops along the way usually end up being the best memories.
It’s been much more challenging traveling abroad, since many places don’t have the same pet culture or acceptance of dogs that we’re lucky to have in the United States. Every country has its own rules and comfort levels, so planning ahead makes a big difference.
Especially during the winter months, what do you bring with you on trips to ensure Brodie stays safe and comfortable?
Winter trips are actually easier for us. Brodie has a built-in fur jacket, so heat management in hotter places takes much more planning. He loves the cold and the snow. I always bring his boots for outdoor trails, and I’ve learned that when snowballs form on his coat after playing, using a whisk is a great hack for getting them off.
