About Me
Hi! I’m Kennedy, the owner of Rutu, turning my dreams into reality! I’ve always had a love for animals, even though I didn’t have any pets growing up. I was always surrounded by people who had pets, and I dreamed of having a puppy of my own for as long as I can remember. My journey with dogs started when I boarded a friend’s Australian Labradoodle for a few weeks. She mentioned that her breeder had a puppy available, so my mom and I went to visit. There, we met a female dog in need of a guardian home, but my parents were hesitant about having an un-spayed female. That’s when the breeder’s husband and daughter arrived with an adorable little male puppy named Fig, who was still in quarantine. I thought he was the cutest thing I had ever seen! My mom asked if I could visit once a week to help out with the puppies so I could get my “dog fix,” and the breeder happily agreed. I began going there weekly, learning the ropes of grooming, breeding, and raising puppies. But the highlight of my visits was always getting to spend time with Fig. Then, Christmas of 2018 came, and I received the best surprise ever... Fig! The breeder, seeing the special bond we shared, offered him to me as a guardian dog. My family and I gladly accepted. From there, I took everything I had learned and started grooming Fig myself.
In 2020, I expanded my grooming business and quickly built a loyal client base of about 80 regular clients. While I do love grooming, I’ve realized that my true passion lies in ethical breeding. And though Fig is no longer actively breeding, he is still my passion and the reason I do what I do. I’m dedicated to producing well-rounded puppies that will grow up to be wonderful family companions and bring joy and comfort for years to come!
A little more about me: I got married to my husband, Lincoln, in June 2025 and we honeymooned in Canada! We purchased a cute, little house together in the city of Belding and have renovated it into the ultimate space for hosting game and movie nights, grooming dogs, and raising happy, healthy puppies! Turning our house a home with Lincoln has been one of my favorite experiences of my life. Getting to do life with him is such a blessing. You may not see much of him, but he is a huge support in my business endeavors, as well as every other aspect of my life. He helps with lots of the behind the scenes things, and I'm so incredibly thankful for him. A couple other things about me is that I’m the youngest of six kids, and when I’m not with dogs, I love playing games with family and friends, playing volleyball and pickleball, going on hikes, dancing, and cooking and baking!
Why "Rutu"?
When I was 9 months old, I was adopted from China, so the country holds a special place in my heart. I have two other siblings who were also adopted from China, and I truly believe our adoption stories have played a big role in shaping who I am today. The name 如图 (Rú tú) means “Fig” in Chinese.
The Australian Labradoodle's purpose is to be a loving, devoted therapy companion, and my dog Fig is exactly that to me. He is the reason I fell in love with Australian Labradoodles. His intelligence, affection, and loyalty inspired me to start my breeding program. Fig truly sparked my passion for ethical breeding, and it's my goal to bring the same love and companionship he's given me to other families through the puppies in my program.
What Sets Rutu Apart ?
At Rutu, I believe raising wonderful puppies starts long before they are born. I have a small breeding program, which allows me to give each puppy the individual attention they deserve and truly get to know their unique personality. I carefully select my breeding dogs, prioritize health testing, and have each litter temperament tested by a CPDT-KA certified professional trainer. Getting to know each puppy beyond their appearance allows me to make thoughtful matches and help families find the puppy best suited to their lifestyle, personality, and home.
As a dog groomer, I've unfortunately seen firsthand the consequences of poor breeding practices. From structural and orthopedic issues to genetic issues and unstable temperaments, I've seen how these problems can affect both dogs and the families who love them. It's one of the reasons I feel so strongly about responsible breeding. Doodles have developed a reputation for inconsistent health and temperaments, and I want to be part of changing that narrative. I chose Australian Labradoodles because of their clear, established breed standard and their innate desire to be wonderful, loving companions. My goal is to help preserve the qualities that make them so special while prioritizing the health and well-being of every puppy I produce.
Because Rutu is a small, hands-on program, you'll always communicate directly with me. I take the time to get to know each family personally, just as I get to know each puppy, because finding the right match is about more than choosing a puppy you think is cute. It's about finding a companion who will thrive in your home and become a cherished part of your family.
My commitment to you doesn't end when your puppy comes home. I want to be a lifelong resource and guide as you navigate puppyhood and beyond. Whether you have questions about training, grooming, nutrition, or just need a little reassurance, you're always welcome to call or text me. Your success and your puppy's well-being are just as important to me after pickup as they are before.
Ultimately, my goal is to raise healthy, well-rounded puppies with sound temperaments who will bring the same unconditional love and companionship into your lives that Fig has brought into mine.