Penn State alumna and Happy Valley native Allison Snyder has always been a dog person. Growing up with poodles, she understands that canines are more than just pets, they are family.

In 2020, Snyder’s love for dogs inspired her to become a “premium” breeder, starting her own company, Happy Valley Doodles. Located a short drive from the confines of Penn State’s campus, Snyder’s passion for her animals and her first-class practices are what set the business apart.

Unlike many breeders, the dogs and puppies of Happy Valley Doodles are treated as family members. Whether it’s spending their time in the living room, their bedroom, or going on golf cart rides around the property, all of the dogs live and socialize with Snyder and get to be a part of her everyday life.

“It comes from my heart,” Snyder said. “I think when you do something that comes from your heart, it’s easy to be successful.”

To this day, Snyder continues to keep in touch with the dogs she has raised and their families. In fact, one of her favorite parts about her work with Happy Valley Doodles has been the annual “Doodle Romp” in her backyard. Snyder and her family have been able to reconnect with all of the Bernedoodle and Goldendoodle puppies that have found homes across the country through this yearly reunion.

While Snyder continues to be rewarded by helping find her furry friends forever homes, she experiences perhaps even more gratification through work with her therapy dogs.

Lucy and Paisley are two of the three “mamas” at Happy Valley Doodles and are Snyder’s own pets. After bringing them home as puppies, Snyder decided to give back to the community and train them to become therapy dogs.

Snyder has taken the two dogs to different events and volunteer services through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, but bringing Lucy and Paisley to the school where she works has brought the most joy to both her and the community at large.

As a 1999 Penn State nursing graduate, Snyder settled into life as a school nurse in the State College Area School District. Once or twice per week, she will drive Lucy and Paisley to work to socialize with the schoolchildren and brighten their day.

“There’s a lot of mental health problems now, especially post-COVID,” Snyder said. “A lot of kids come [into the nurse’s office], pet the dog, and then they feel better. It’s really just for the comfort, wellness, and stress relief of the students and staff.”

The dogs have also served as a boost of social confidence for the kids. For some, reading in front of their peers brings on a lot of nervous emotions. Learning support teachers at the school have used Lucy and Paisley to help combat this, as the kids have read one-on-one to the dogs to hone their speaking skills. Seeing Snyder’s pooches help others is one of the things she loves most about her job.

“They are so good with the kids,” Snyder said. “It’s very rewarding.”

The temperament of the dogs at Happy Valley Doodles is truly something special, so much so that United Disabilities Services has partnered with the company because of the positive impression the puppies have made. For each of Snyder’s litters, the UDS takes one pup and trains it to become a service dog, often through the Prison Puppy Program. These dogs will grow up to help people with intense medical demands. 

Aside from Lucy and Paisley, Snyder also rescued a dog named Esme after her owner passed away due to a terminal illness. Continuing with Happy Valley Doodles’ mission of giving back, it was Esme’s former owner’s wish to breed her and give her puppies to charity. Snyder partnered with Humane Pennsylvania and blessed the animal welfare organization with Esme’s litter. 

From a girl from central Pennsylvania who loved dogs to a small-business manager, therapy dog owner, and philanthropist, Snyder is combining her passions to pursue something she adores. Happy Valley Doodles marched in the Penn State Homecoming Parade this past year and will continue to get involved in the local community, helping the lives of people and dogs across the county.

“I just feel like I’m living my best life,” Snyder said.

Folks interested in taking home a puppy of their own, or who have inquiries about therapy dog services or events, can find Happy Valley Doodles online at happyvalleydoodlespa.com or on Instagram @happy_valleydoodles.