Dr. Stacy McFarlane shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Stacy, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
One of the moments that made me both laugh with joy and feel incredibly proud was when we delivered a custom birthday cake to a therapy dog Mahi at Holtz children’s hospital in Miami. The excitement on the children’s faces was unforgettable — they were beyond thrilled to be part of the celebration. For a moment, the hospital setting transformed into a party, filled with laughter, smiles, and wagging tails. What touched me most was knowing that this therapy dog brings comfort and healing to those kids every day, and we were able to give back to her in a way that also brought light to the children. It was such a powerful reminder of why I do what I do — creating moments that are more than treats, they’re experiences that spread happiness.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Dr. Stacy McFarlane — I’m a veterinarian, a Cornell University graduate and the founder of Doggie Bakery Miami, a luxury dog bakery where every treat is crafted to be both delicious and nutritious. What makes us unique is that all of our cakes, cookies, and gourmet snacks are veterinarian-approved, made with organic, natural ingredients, and designed with your dog’s health at heart. Doggie Bakery Miami began while I was in veterinary school, baking treats for shelter and homeless dogs, and it’s grown into a place where we not only create custom cakes and luxury treats but also build unforgettable experiences — from birthdays to community events with police K9s, therapy dogs, and even collaborations with influencers and artists. Right now, we’re expanding our horizons by helping clients create full “pawty” experiences with custom themes and options, building a stronger Doggie Bakery community, and teaching pet parents more about veterinary medicine and nutrition along the way. For me, it’s about more than treats — it’s about creating memories, giving back, and making every dog feel like family.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
The people who saw me clearly before I could see myself were my family — they always believed in me. They encouraged me to pursue opportunities like FFA, public speaking, sports, and showing livestock across Florida. Along the way, my mentors Mr Parton, Dr Templeton & Franklin and my professors also saw potential in me that I couldn’t yet see. They guided me, gave me strength, and helped me push forward — from getting into Cornell University to graduating veterinary school. After vet school, I felt accomplished, life was what I dreamed, but I knew I wanted to become a business leader. My colleagues and family believed in that vision too, and they saw that I could build something meaningful even before I did. With their support and encouragement, Doggie Bakery Miami was born — a place where I could combine my passion for veterinary medicine, nutrition, and leadership to create something truly special.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One of the defining wounds of my life was growing up with very little. I’m a first-generation college student and the first doctor in my family, so nothing was handed to me — every step was built through sacrifice, persistence, and belief. Those challenges shaped me, and instead of holding me back, they fueled my drive. I healed by turning those hardships into motivation: graduating as a veterinarian, becoming the first in my family to reach that milestone, and successfully building Doggie Bakery Miami. What once felt like obstacles became the very foundation of who I am today — both as a vet and as an entrepreneur.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the pet industry is that everything is labeled as ‘healthy’ when in reality many products contain ingredients that aren’t good for dogs at all. Too often, treats and foods are marketed with buzzwords, but behind the label are unhealthy additives or unsafe formulations. Another issue is that many people sell dog food or products without real knowledge of what’s safe or how much is appropriate — and that can be harmful. It gives the industry a bad name, but at Doggie Bakery Miami we take the opposite approach. We use veterinary-level education and science-based nutrition to guide what we make, and we focus on building a community where pet parents get the right information and the right products tailored for their dogs’ well-being.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m absolutely doing what I was born to do. Since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian — I was the child who brought home strays, left out food and water for animals in need, and filled my house with pets because I wanted to make sure they were safe. That calling never left me. Along the way, my leadership skills grew through school and experiences that led me to discover another passion: entrepreneurship. Building Doggie Bakery Miami allowed me to merge both worlds — veterinary medicine and business — into something I truly love. To me, this isn’t work; it’s my purpose.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.mydoggiebakery.com
- Instagram: @doggiebakerymiami
- Facebook: @doggiebakerymiami
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DoggieBakeryMiami
- Other: TikTok: @doggiebakerymiami
Image Credits
@brodiethatdude
@jacobforever
@worldfamous_zaza
