Hello, Mom’s Choice readers! Today we were able to speak with Kevin Mellis, BACYC, BSW, MSW, RSW, MFA. This Canadian Registered Social Worker (RSW) created and now offers a therapeutic weighted puppy—the Mom’s Choice Award-winning My Little Buddy—designed to help children foster optimal development, instill curiosity, and spark creativity. The product’s mission is simple yet profound: to help young children thrive by fostering comfort, emotional stability, and meaningful connections during their formative years. Its thoughtful, lightweight design ensures accessibility for children with complex needs, including those who use wheelchairs or have fine motor challenges. Kevin is delighted to see that his creation now reaches far beyond the borders of Canada, helping not only children ages 1 to 6 but seniors with age-related issues, as well.

MCA: Kevin, we’re delighted to have a chance to speak with you. Won’t you start off the interview by telling us about yourself?

I’m Kevin Mellis, a Canadian Registered Social Worker since 2007, with nearly 30 years of experience specializing in emotional trauma, emotional health, early childhood development, and family support. My journey in human services began in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, where I earned a diploma in Child and Youth Care in 1996. I then obtained Bachelor’s degrees in Child and Youth Care and Social Work from the University of Victoria, followed by a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Calgary in 2006. Additionally, I hold a Master’s in Fine Arts, a diploma in professional commercial photography, and have completed studies in Thanatology, the study of death and dying, to deepen my understanding of grief and the human experience of loss.

Between 2007 and 2019, I served as a Medical Social Worker on a critical care team at a Canadian-accredited trauma hospital, providing compassionate support to families facing some of their most challenging moments in the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and Heart Health Intensive Care Unit. Witnessing the profound struggles of patients and their families motivated me to seek new ways to provide meaningful care. This led me to establish Mandala Counselling & Wellness Corp, a private counseling practice, with the goal of transitioning from the intense hospital environment to a space where I could offer more personalized support.

In 2022, I founded Lone Wolf Direct LLC, an e-commerce venture designed to expand my therapeutic reach beyond the borders of Canada and support children and families on a global scale. My mission is to develop therapeutic tools that foster emotional growth, resilience, and well-being in children and families. I am proud to have secured trademark registrations for My Little Buddy in the USA, UK, and EU, with pending approvals in Canada, Mexico, and China. This is just the beginning; we plan to introduce four additional versions of My Little Buddy between April and June 2025.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I am deeply passionate about poetry, photography, and spending time outdoors with my family. While I continue my work as a counselor, I am also focused on building an online platform to connect with children and families worldwide, creating meaningful, lasting impact far beyond Canadian borders.

MCA: Tell us about the creation of your company and your current role.

I founded Lone Wolf Direct LLC from a place of deep compassion and firsthand experience. Throughout my career as a social worker and counselor, I have witnessed the immense and often heart-wrenching challenges that children face when confronted with life-altering adversity. I have sat in countless family meetings after sudden losses, watching parents and children break down, their grief raw and overwhelming. In these moments, I felt the weight of their pain and recognized the urgent need for compassionate tools to guide children and families through their darkest hours.

My earliest inspiration for this work comes from Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. His timeless teachings of kindness, empathy, and compassion taught me the transformative power of meeting children with gentleness and validation. Mister Rogers believed in creating a world where every child felt seen, heard, and valued. His legacy continues to guide me, inspiring me to develop resources that offer the same safe, nurturing space he championed.

Motivated by these experiences, I have dedicated myself to developing tools that bring comfort, stability, and hope to children and their families. As the founder of Lone Wolf Direct LLC, I lead the creation of therapeutic products like My Little Buddy, which are designed to nurture resilience, foster emotional intelligence, and build healthy attachment. This work is informed by significant research and guided by the teachings of experts such as Dr. Brené Brown, Dr. Becky Kennedy, Dr. Daniel Amen, and many others who specialize in emotional resilience, attachment, and brain health.

My Little Buddy was born from a desire to give children a tangible, supportive companion during moments of profound need—a friend who helps them feel seen, valued, and capable of navigating their emotions. Through warmth, comfort, and a sense of security, My Little Buddy transforms adversity into opportunities for connection, healing, and growth.

MCA: What needs were you trying to fill when you created your product?

I created My Little Buddy to address a significant gap in the market for therapeutic, comfort-oriented tools specifically designed for children facing anxiety, sensory challenges, or emotional regulation difficulties. As a social worker and counselor, I have seen firsthand how overwhelming fear, uncertainty, and vulnerability can be for children. Sitting with families as they processed life-altering news reinforced my resolve to create something tangible that could provide real, lasting comfort and emotional support.

My Little Buddy is not merely a product; it serves as a comforting companion that helps children feel grounded, seen, and valued. The gentle weight offers soothing, deep pressure that mimics a hug, which calms anxiety and helps children regain control of their emotions. For children with sensory processing challenges, ADHD, or autism, it offers a crucial source of reassurance and grounding. My ultimate goal was not only to provide immediate comfort but to foster emotional intelligence. Teaching children to understand, express, and regulate their emotions helps build resilience, empathy, and strong communication skills that carry them into healthy adolescence and adulthood.

My work is heavily influenced by the teachings of leaders such as Dr. Brené Brown, Dr. Becky Kennedy, Dr. Daniel Amen, Dr. Daniel J. Siegel, Dr. Bruce D. Perry, Dr. Gabor Maté, Dr. John Bowlby, Dr. Kristin Neff, and Dr. Carol Dweck. Their research on emotional resilience, attachment, compassion, and growth mindsets shapes every aspect of My Little Buddy. Inspired by Fred Rogers’ legacy, I strive to create nurturing, compassionate resources that empower children to navigate their world with confidence and strength.

Tell us about the research that went behind the product’s unique features, and describe these features.

The development of My Little Buddy involved two years of dedicated research, drawing on insights from child development, sensory processing, emotional resilience, and attachment theory. Every aspect of this plush puppy was intentionally designed to meet the unique emotional and sensory needs of children. Here’s a closer look at its features and the research that informed them:

• Weighted Design for Deep Pressure Stimulation
  Weighing 1.5 pounds, My Little Buddy provides gentle, even pressure that mimics a comforting hug, which research shows can calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and create a sense of security. Influenced by the work of Dr. Temple Grandin and other sensory experts, this feature is especially beneficial for children with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorders.
• Heatable Feature for Comfort and Soothing
  The heatable aspect offers warmth that evokes the calming sensation of a caregiver’s embrace. Evidence-based research shows that warmth can relax muscles, reduce tension, and promote a feeling of safety. This design feature enhances bedtime routines and moments of distress, providing physical warmth alongside emotional comfort.
• Sensory-Friendly Design
  My Little Buddy is made from soft, hypoallergenic material, offering additional sensory input that soothes and calms. The design reflects Dr. Daniel J. Siegel’s work on emotional regulation and the importance of sensory grounding for children in moments of heightened stress.
• Lying-Down Form for Safety and Accessibility
  Its lying-down form minimizes the risk of toppling, making it safer for medically fragile children and elderly users. The lightweight design ensures portability and comfort, informed by research on child safety and accessibility.
• Building Emotional Intelligence and Attachment
  The plush was created to support healthy attachment and emotional intelligence, drawing on Dr. John Bowlby’s attachment theory and Dr. Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability and self-compassion. It fosters a safe, comforting space for children to explore and regulate their emotions.
• Therapeutic Kit Elements
  Each My Little Buddy comes with a soft cotton carry bag, a beautifully crafted hard box with a magnetic lid, a pack of crayons, and an interactive e-coloring book titled “A Great Day Always Starts with a Great Sleep.” This comprehensive kit is designed to empower parents and deepen a child’s sense of connection and creativity, as well as teach children the importance of quality sleep and how it can positively influence their day.

MCA: In what other ways is this product important for children?

My Little Buddy also encourages emotional bonding and connection through its companion-like presence. For children, having a consistent and reliable “friend” can provide reassurance and comfort, particularly during challenging transitions, bedtime routines, or moments of distress. This emotional bond supports the development of trust, empathy, and self-soothing skills, empowering children to navigate their emotions in healthy, constructive ways.

Furthermore, My Little Buddy helps establish positive routines, such as winding down at bedtime, which can improve sleep quality and contribute to overall well-being. As children learn to rely on this comforting presence, they cultivate a sense of security and consistency that carries over into other aspects of their lives.

Collectively, these elements lay a strong foundation for healthy emotional development. By promoting emotional regulation, nurturing secure attachments, and building confidence in managing emotions, My Little Buddy plays a pivotal role in fostering resilience, empathy, and emotional intelligence. These skills extend beyond childhood, contributing to positive long-term outcomes as children grow into adolescence and adulthood, preparing them to form healthier relationships, face challenges with greater confidence, and lead more emotionally balanced lives.

MCA: What age groups was My Little Buddy designed for?

My Little Buddy was primarily designed for toddlers and young children, ages 1–6, to provide therapeutic comfort and sensory support. However, its versatility extends far beyond this initial audience, making it uniquely suited for seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s as well. One of the critical aspects of My Little Buddy is its thoughtfully chosen lighter weight, which provides numerous benefits for both children and elders, including those who are medically compromised or use wheelchairs.

Unlike heavier weighted products that can inadvertently create additional challenges, My Little Buddy‘s 1.5-pound weight strikes a balance between providing deep pressure for calming comfort and being gentle enough to avoid potential health risks. For individuals who are medically fragile, the lighter weight significantly reduces the risk of circulation issues that could arise from prolonged use. Children with medical conditions, limited mobility, or who rely on wheelchairs may find heavier weighted objects uncomfortable or even harmful due to pressure on their limbs. Similarly, elderly users with compromised blood flow, frail joints, or limited physical strength can safely enjoy My Little Buddy without concern that it may impede circulation or cause discomfort.

By being light enough to rest comfortably on a child’s lap, be held during moments of anxiety, or offer sustained comfort for an elder, My Little Buddy ensures prolonged use without compromising safety. The design also minimizes the risk of falling or toppling, providing peace of mind to caregivers and families. Its ability to offer sensory support and companionship across a wide range of needs demonstrates the product’s vast versatility and thoughtful design.

In essence, My Little Buddy serves as a comforting companion that transcends age, medical status, and mobility challenges. Whether providing a sense of security and grounding touch to a child navigating difficult emotions or offering a familiar, calming presence to an elder facing memory loss, its gentle weight and adaptable nature make it a truly versatile and invaluable tool for promoting well-being and connection across generations.

What kind of feedback have you received about these products?

The feedback I have received about My Little Buddy has been overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the profound impact this comforting companion has had on children, families, and even seniors. Many parents have shared heartwarming stories about how My Little Buddy has transformed bedtime routines, reduced anxiety, and provided a sense of security during challenging moments.

Parents often tell me that My Little Buddy helps their children settle down more quickly and sleep more soundly. One mother shared, “My son used to dread bedtime. He’d be restless, anxious, and unable to wind down. Since introducing My Little Buddy into his nightly routine, he falls asleep faster and stays asleep longer. It’s like having a warm, reassuring hug all night long.” Another parent described how her daughter, who had frequent nightmares, now clings to My Little Buddy for comfort, saying, “She calls it her best friend, and I can see the difference. She’s calmer, less anxious, and feels protected.”

For children with sensory sensitivities, My Little Buddy has become a lifeline during moments of overstimulation or distress. One father of a child with autism shared, “My Little Buddy is the first thing my daughter reaches for when she starts feeling overwhelmed. The gentle weight and warmth help her regulate her emotions and find calm. It has become an indispensable tool for her.” Parents of children with ADHD have expressed similar sentiments, noting how the gentle, weighted pressure helps their children focus and feel more grounded.

My Little Buddy’s benefits extend beyond young children. Caregivers of seniors have reported that it brings tremendous comfort and emotional connection to elderly loved ones, particularly those with dementia or Alzheimer’s. One caregiver shared, “When my mother holds My Little Buddy, she becomes more at ease. She strokes its soft fur, smiles, and finds peace in a way that’s hard to describe. It’s like she’s reconnecting with a cherished memory or feeling.”

Families have also highlighted the sense of emotional grounding that My Little Buddy provides during challenging transitions, such as hospital stays, doctor’s visits, or times of grief. One parent noted, “When we had to spend time in the hospital, my child was scared and withdrawn. My Little Buddy was the one thing that could comfort him, helping him to feel less alone and afraid.”

Hearing these stories reminds me of why I created My Little Buddy—to provide real, lasting comfort and connection in moments when it is needed most. Whether easing bedtime struggles, supporting children with sensory challenges, or bringing peace to seniors, the gentle weight, warmth, and soothing presence of My Little Buddy continue to make a meaningful difference in countless lives. I am deeply moved and humbled by every story shared by families who have welcomed My Little Buddy into their lives. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of connection, comfort, and resilience in our journeys together.

MCA: What is next for you and your product line? Do you have other products in the works?

As we look to the future, we are excited to build on the success of My Little Buddy and continue developing products that bring comfort, connection, and emotional well-being to children and families. One of our main goals is to introduce additional breeds of My Little Buddy puppies, offering even more personalized options for children to form meaningful connections with. Soon, children will have the opportunity to choose from beloved breeds such as chocolate and black Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Great Pyrenees, German Shepherds, and Blue Heelers. By expanding our line, we hope to create a special bond between each child and their My Little Buddy, ensuring that every hug feels uniquely personal and comforting.

In addition to expanding our plush offerings, we are exploring innovative ways to support children’s overall well-being, especially during key moments like waking up and bedtime. One exciting development in progress is the creation of a My Little Buddy sunrise lamp. This lamp will simulate a gentle sunrise, helping children wake up more naturally and in sync with their body’s rhythms. We believe this will be especially beneficial during the darker winter months when natural sunlight is limited, promoting a consistent sleep-wake cycle and making mornings more energized and pleasant for children.

To further enhance relaxation and bedtime routines, we are also formulating a customized organic essential oil blend tailored for sleep and calming. This blend will work in harmony with My Little Buddy, creating a multisensory experience that helps children wind down, find calm, and drift into a restful night’s sleep. By integrating natural scents known for their calming properties, we aim to offer a holistic approach to relaxation and emotional well-being.

At the heart of our vision is a commitment to creating products that support children through life’s challenges, big and small. Whether through personalized plush companions, innovative sleep aids, or calming essential oils, our goal remains the same: to provide children with the tools they need to thrive emotionally, feel secure, and embrace every day with greater confidence and joy. We are grateful to every family that has welcomed My Little Buddy into their lives and look forward to continuing this journey together, one comforting moment at a time.

MCA: Kevin, thanks for joining us today and sharing information about such an important product. We look forward to hearing about your ongoing endeavors!