Southern Meadows Doodles Donates “The Gabby Strong Puppy”

Supporting families battling pediatric brain cancer through the mission of the Gabby Strong Foundation.

“Gabby Buford — the inspiration behind the Gabby Strong Foundation.”

At Southern Meadows Doodles, we believe dogs have an incredible way of bringing comfort, joy, and companionship into people's lives.

That belief is part of the reason our family is honored to support the mission of the Gabby Strong Foundation.

This year, we will be donating one of our Australian Labradoodle puppies — Rye, “The Gabby Strong Puppy” 🐶 — to be auctioned at the Gabby Strong Gala on March 27, 2026 in Flowood, Mississippi.

All proceeds from the auction will go directly toward helping children and families battling pediatric brain cancer.

Meet Gabby

Gabby Buford was a remarkable young girl whose courage, strength, and compassion touched the lives of many people.

Even during her own difficult battle with pediatric brain cancer, Gabby continued thinking about others. Her heart for helping children and families going through similar experiences inspired what is now known as the Gabby Strong Foundation.

In Gabby’s own words, the mission is simple and powerful:

“To help other kids and families feel loved like me.”

Today, the foundation continues that mission by providing emotional, spiritual, and financial support to families navigating pediatric cancer, while also helping fund research in the fight to find a cure.

Why This Matters to Our Family

Southern Meadows Doodles is a family-run program built around the belief that dogs can truly change lives.

Over the years, many of our Australian Labradoodles have gone on to become:

• therapy dogs

• emotional support companions

• trusted family members

We’ve seen firsthand how the presence of a loving dog can bring comfort during both joyful moments and difficult seasons of life.

When we learned about the mission of the Gabby Strong Foundation, it deeply resonated with our family. Supporting this cause felt like a meaningful way for us to give back.

Dogs have an incredible ability to bring comfort and connection, and we hope this small gesture can help encourage families walking through incredibly challenging journeys.

Meet Rye — The Gabby Strong Puppy

Rye — “The Gabby Strong Puppy.”

Rye is a beautiful chocolate mini Australian Labradoodle with a charming white blaze, a soft frosted beard, and striking green eyes.

But what truly makes Rye special is his temperament.

He comes from our exceptional Leo × Ruby Anna pairing, known for producing puppies with calm, affectionate personalities and strong human connection.

Rye loves being close to people, happily melts into cuddle time, and brings a steady, comforting presence wherever he goes.

Expected adult size:18–24 pounds (Mini Australian Labradoodle)

Rye will be auctioned at the Gabby Strong Gala, where all proceeds will support the foundation’s mission to care for families battling pediatric brain cancer.

The Gabby Strong Gala

Gabby Strong Gala

March 27, 2026

The Ivy

Flowood, Mississippi

The evening will include:

• live auction

• silent auction

• community fellowship

• fundraising in support of pediatric cancer families

Rye — known as “The Gabby Strong Puppy” — will be auctioned at the Gabby Strong Gala to support families battling pediatric brain cancer.

We are incredibly grateful to be able to participate in such a meaningful event.

How You Can Support

If you would like to learn more about the Gabby Strong Foundation or support their mission, please visit their website:

Every act of generosity helps bring encouragement and support to families battling pediatric cancer.

Continuing Gabby’s Mission

At Southern Meadows Doodles, we believe dogs have a unique ability to bring joy, comfort, and healing.

It is our hope that Rye — “The Gabby Strong Puppy” — will help raise meaningful support for families who need it most.

It is our honor to stand alongside the Gabby Strong Foundation in continuing Gabby’s beautiful mission — helping other kids and families feel loved. 🐶

If you’d like to learn more about Southern Meadows Doodles and our Australian Labradoodles, you can explore our program here.