Product Line Featuring "Brodie That Dood" Benefits Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Foundation

In what must seem like another life, Cliff Brush was at a crossroads as a business consultant and analyst at a financial services firm. While he had earned accounting degrees at both the University of Central Florida and University of Miami and was dutifully climbing the corporate ladder, he was also creating content on social media sites with Brodie, his goldendoodle puppy.

In the beginning, Brodie would ride in cars with his paw out the window (like humans do with their arms), wear driving goggles, and enjoy daily adventures with Brush that resonated with online communities. Perhaps most importantly, Brodie, who has been called a “giant teddy bear,” brought smiles and laughter to kids dealing with serious illnesses on visits to facilities that included Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.

Less than five years and more than 16 million social media followers later, “Brodie That Dood” is a cultural phenomenon, sitting front row at the biggest sporting events, riding on water hoverboards, and leaving a lasting impression on those he meets with his gentle nature and infectious spirit.

Now, Brodie and Brush are leveraging their platform to make a difference in the South Florida community they call home, with a portion of the proceeds from a new product line helping to underwrite the cost of programs, services, and facilities for patients and families at the children’s hospital in Hollywood. Puppies are My People is a joint venture with fellow dog dad and social media influencer Jonathan Lower that represents the joy of the pet-parent lifestyle.

“We both love animals and wanted to leave a lasting legacy. I was born at Memorial Regional Hospital, and it feels right to give back in this way,” said Brush.

While Brush, a Fort Lauderdale resident, has chosen to support Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation, Lower’s contributions will go to the Greenville (South Carolina) Humane Society.

Despite Brodie’s image now adorning clothing, backpacks, and grooming products, the now five-year-old service dog will continue to prioritize what he does best: make people smile. That includes a recent holiday visit with patients at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.

“Brodie was made to do this work and doesn’t have a negative or aggressive bone in his body,” said Brush. “He reads the energy in the room and delivers the interaction that kids and adults want.”

Brush, meanwhile, has also found his calling, leaving behind the accounting world for the greater impact he can have as a dog dad, social media influencer (@BrodieThatDood), and, now, as a philanthropist.