We’re looking forward to introducing you to McKenze Ocampo. Check out our conversation below.
McKenze, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day starts early with iced coffee and a house full of doodles. Mornings are for puppy care—feeding, cleaning, and working through little training routines. Afternoons are usually busy with updates for my families, answering questions, or tackling all the behind-the-scenes pieces that keep my program running. And by the end of the day, you’ll almost always find us out in the backyard, romping around with the dogs.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m McKenze, the one with the opposable thumbs behind Twilight Doodles. I raise standard-size Goldendoodles with a focus on health, temperament, and intention—so every pup can grow into a true “Goldendoodle of a Lifetime.” My program is more than just breeding dogs; it’s about education, connection, and building lifelong relationships with the families who bring my doods home. Twilight Doodles is rooted in warmth, tradition, and a whole lot of love—and I’m proud to pour that into every puppy I raise.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
For me, it’s not just one moment but a combination of experiences that all seemed to point me toward where I am today. I’ve spent my whole adult life working in patient care, helping people feel comfortable in a dental chair—often when they’re nervous and not sure what to expect. I learned quickly how important it is to have someone steady and calm to guide you through those moments.
Later, I supported mothers as they learned to nurse their babies, which brought me into the “birth world.” Those days taught me how to be present in times that are both challenging and beautiful, when emotions run high and people need reassurance most.
After becoming a mom myself, I naturally gravitated toward leading—whether it was parenting groups, play groups, or school activities (call it the Virgo in me!). My kids also started their education in a Montessori school, which pulled me deep into early childhood development and showed me how much those early building blocks matter for a lifetime.
Looking back, all of these pieces fit together into the path that led me to dog breeding. I get to support families, teach, nurture, and provide calm guidance while also watching their pups grow up alongside them. It’s the perfect mix of everything I’ve loved doing all along.
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
For me, it’s less about one single moment and more about a lesson I’ve had to learn over time. I’ve always been the researcher, the leader, the one who can’t just take an answer at surface level—I naturally want to guide, explain, and give people everything I think they need. Call it the Virgo in me! But through some bumpy moments, I’ve realized that truly listening means stepping back from what I want to give and paying attention to what the other person is actually asking for. Whether it’s in patient care, supporting new moms, or now working with families bringing home a puppy, I’ve learned that real connection comes when you meet people where they are, not where you think they should be.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to my puppies for their entire lifetime. One of the most important parts of my program is making sure every doodle is placed in the right home, with families who get the chance to see their puppy’s temperament and personality before making that match. I believe in setting families up for success, and that starts with proper placement.
I’m also committed to the pups who don’t match right at eight weeks. I love getting the chance to keep pouring into them—working on routines, manners, and helping them experience family life until the perfect match comes along. And above all, I am committed to making sure no Twilight Doodle ever ends up in a shelter or rescue. If life changes and a family can’t keep their dood, I take them back—no questions asked—and work diligently to find their true forever home.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I understand that raising a puppy isn’t just about the puppy—it’s about the family too. Most people don’t realize how much support and reassurance they’ll need in those early months, and how important it is to have someone calm and steady walking alongside them. I also know how powerful the early building blocks are—those first experiences, routines, and bits of socialization that shape a dog for life.
And maybe most importantly, I understand that this isn’t an eight-week project, it’s a lifetime one. My responsibility doesn’t end when a puppy goes home. I’m committed to every doodle I raise, whether that means guiding families through the tough spots, continuing to pour into pups who need extra time with me, or making sure no Twilight Doodle ever ends up in a shelter. That’s the kind of forever promise most people don’t think about, but it’s at the heart of everything I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Twilightdoodles.Com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/twilight_doodles
Image Credits
Jenn Lim Photography
