Darling
Australian Labradoodles
ABOUT JOSIE
The person
behind the puppies.
Darling Labradoodles has never been about producing as many puppies as possible. It's about raising a small number of exceptional dogs with purpose, care and integrity. We are a small, family-run breeding program built around a handful of carefully chosen dogs, supported by my family and by the incredible guardian families who share my commitment to giving every dog the very best life. who share our commitment to giving every dog the very best life. This page tells the story of how Darling came to be, the values that guide us every day, and why we choose to remain intentionally small.
MEET THE HUMAN
Hi, I'm Josie
My name is Josie. I am a mother of two extraordinary adult sons, and share my life with three much-loved dogs.
Before beginning my journey with Australian Labradoodles, I spent 15 years working with Education Queensland. My professional training in Early Childhood Education and Disabilities led me to specialise in early intervention for children with special and complex needs, particularly those diagnosed with ASD and ADHD. This work deeply shaped my understanding of behaviour, emotional regulation, patience, and the importance of calm, responsive support — principles that continue to guide everything I do today.
I have loved dogs for as long as I can remember, but in 2004 something truly special entered my life. For Mother’s Day, my sons gifted me my first Labradoodle — a beautiful standard Golden girl named Daisy from Cloudcatcher Labradoodles. As Daisy grew, it became clear she was unlike any dog I had owned before. Her gentle nature, intuitive intelligence, and deep connection to people were remarkable.
I began taking Daisy into my classroom, where she worked alongside young children with differing abilities. Through these experiences, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact her calm presence had on these children — easing anxiety, encouraging engagement, and creating a sense of safety and connection. It was during this time that I truly understood the extraordinary potential of Australian Labradoodles to enrich lives in meaningful ways.
These experiences sparked a desire not only to work with this remarkable breed, but also to contribute positively to its future. I became passionate about responsible, ethical breeding, with a strong focus on health, temperament, and emotional soundness, ensuring that future generations of Labradoodles would continue to bring companionship, comfort, and joy to individuals and families.
Daisy passed peacefully in October 2018. Shortly thereafter, serendipity stepped in, and I met Carol, the highly respected breeder behind Caralee Australian Labradoodles. On Christmas Day 2018, I became a guardian to Millie, a stunning Chocolate Parti Australian Labradoodle. Millie went on to produce three exceptional litters for Caralee, and through that journey, I began my own path as a breeder.