BURRILLVILLE – A breeder who has provided comfort dogs to several local police and fire departments has received a commercial kennel license that will allow her to continue working with Labrador Retrievers from a new location in Harrisville.
Jocelyn Dame, the owner of Dame Dogs Labradors, LLC was approved to utilize the pre-existing kennel at Pettery Paradise on Barnes Road.
Dame, a Pascoag resident, founded the business in 2020, and provided more than a dozen recommendations with her application to the town.
“Jocelyn was extremely accommodating when dealing with the police department,” noted one submission from Warwick Police Sgt. William Castaldi about his experience in finding K9, “Charley.” “Dame Labradors continues to support other agencies in their endeavors to provide beautiful, playful and gentle dogs for their employees and their communities.”
Springfield College Police Chief Joseph Tiraboschi expressed similar sentiments regarding the experience obtaining comfort dog, “Remy.”
“In the last year, we have grown to know Jocelyn Dame as more than an owner of a business but more as someone trying to make a positive difference in many communities,” Tiraboschi wrote. “Jocelyn is someone who has a lot of passion and love for her profession and treats her dogs to the highest standard.”
Animal Control Officer Kerry Courtemanche also weighed in, noting she saw no reason to deny the license – particularly since Dame’s mother dogs live primarily in guardian homes with families until they are ready for delivery and the raising of pups. The temporary housing for the brief period of pup-rearing previously took place at Dame’s Pascoag home.
“They are not kennel bound for the sole purpose of breeding such as in high volume operations,” noted Courtemanche. “After reviewing her past breeding activities, veterinary evidence of health testing for breeding dogs, and discussions with Dame, she appears to be breeding quality dogs, with care for the health and wellness of both parents and offspring.”
Dame is an AKC registered professional breeder who is also certified in canine whelping and intervention. The business’s website notes Dame also provided comfort dog, “Louie,” to the Natick, Mass. Fire Department and K-9, “Copper,” to the Boston, Mass. Police Department.
“As a breeder my goal is to preserve, improve and promote the Labrador Retriever breed,” notes Dame. “I breed for temperament, as well as for K-9’s, pets, therapy/service dogs and hunting. We proudly support and donate our puppies to police and fire departments, as well as colleges/universities and hospitals looking for a comfort/therapy dog or a K-9.”
Dame also received positive reviews from many who worked with her to find new family pets.
“Ms. Dame continuously ensures proper protocols are adhered to before, after and during the breeding process,” note client Karalyn Anderson, who notes that a 24-hour camera system allows families to be immersed in the birthing and early care process. “Above all, and most impressive, is her love for breeding healthy ‘babies’ as she calls them.”
Lincoln Police Department Det. Lt. Brad Stewart also spoke on the breeder’s behalf at a public hearing held on Wednesday, April 24.
“Jocelyn was knowledgable, informative and really made us feel comfortable the entire process,” Stewart said, noting he and his wife worked with her to bring home a pet, then later became a guardian home for one of her adult mom dogs. “What’s better than owning one Labrador, is owning two.”
“I would imagine any town or city would be lucky to have this successful business operating within their jurisdictions,” said Stewart.
“We’ve never had this many letters of support for anything,” noted Councilor Dennis Anderson when the council took up the application. “This is quite impressive. You have a lot of people in your court.”
Councilors unanimously approved the commercial license.
