Photo By Ana Henderson | Darcy Broom is the Executive Assistant to Yuma Test Center’s Commander by day, and...... read more read more
Subscribe
Darcy Broom is the Executive Assistant to Yuma Test Center’s Commander by day, and the rest of the time she’s mom to two doodles who have become social media celebrities.
In 2000, Broom picked up her first doodle Oakley, on a whim from a local family when she tagged along with a co-worker who was also picking up a pup.
"I didn't know anything about the breed," she recalled. "I walked out with a puppy in my hand just happy as a clam."
Two and a half years later Broom decided to get Oakley a sister whom she named Annie. Together, the duo has captured the hearts of thousands of followers on Instagram and TikTok. It’s safe to say, Oakley is the most recognizable doodle in town.
Oakley is known for his chill demeanor. "People always tell me, 'How did you get such a calm doodle?'" Broom said. "He's obsessed with me and a tennis ball, and that's all that matters in his world." Annie, on the other hand, is a "tornado." Despite their differences, the two are inseparable.
Their road to social media stardom started with a simple slow-motion video of Oakley chasing a rabbit toy in the backyard that exploded into viral fame. From ASMR videos of the dogs crunching on treats to a popular reel set to a Journey song, their social media presence skyrocketed.
"The obsession online is insane," Broom noted. "Now I have people all over that follow me, comment, and send us stuff. It's like they're friends and family, but you have no idea who they are."
Oakley’s star power has even led into local modeling gigs. In 2022, he was the Humane Society’s "Fur Ball Pet Star," appearing on posters and invitations for the black-tie gala. He was also featured in the Yuma Visitors Bureau magazine and a spread in the charity book Tales of the World, which benefits rescues.
But for Broom, the dogs' fame isn't just about accumulating views—it's about building a community. Realizing that Yuma lacked a social group for dog lovers, she teamed up with Nicole Millis from Kiwi’s Distinguished Pet Goods and Alex Lau owner of another popular local dog, Midas. Together, they launched a monthly Pack Walk.
"You get your dog out; you walk with other people. It’s a socialization aspect," Broom explained, saying that pets don't have to be perfect to participate. "You need to socialize your dog with more than just its companion."
The walks have been popular and are now sponsored so attendees and their pets walked away with swag, ranging from treats to GPS trackers and pet pillows, simply for showing up and walking their dogs.
Last Christmas, the group organized a donation drive to help homeless pet owners care for their pets and distributed them on the streets. They collected and distributed food, blankets, booties, leashes, and collars. Then partnered with the Crossroads Misson to ensure the supplies reached those in need who use the mission’s services. Local businesses stepped up, too; Cal Ranch donated bags full of perfectly good, off-the-shelf items.
Between the viral videos, the charity work, and the monthly gatherings, Darcy has become a local pet advocate. She often fields questions about local vets and pet care, though she admits her dogs are the real celebrities.
"I always tell people, people know my dogs more than they know me," she laughed.
For those interested in joining the community, the Yuma Pack Walks take place on the second Sunday of every month at Lowe’s during the summer and Main Street near Kiwi’s in the winter.
| Date Taken: | 08.17.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.17.2026 10:36 |
| Story ID: | 572157 |
| Location: | YUMA PROVING GROUND, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 90 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, YPG employee & her dogs bring dog lovers together for Pack Walks, by Ana Henderson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
