Puzzled Paws — About Us (Simple Version)

About Us

Every treat we bake creates a job. Every job changes a life.

“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”

— Helen Keller

Our Story

Inspired by our daughter, McKenzie.

Puzzled Paws is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to training, educating, and employing autistic adults. To prepare our team for a real workplace, we built our own bakery — producing human-grade, small-batch pet treats and specialty gifts — and added a retail shop to serve our customers, friends, and community.

We've since launched a student community-service program that teaches allyship with the autism community, and a fundraising program that helps other organizations reach their goals — both connected to initiatives running nationwide.

Shop our treats
McKenzie

Head Taste Tester & Inspiration

McKenzie

McKenzie, a deaf autistic young woman, is the heart and inspiration behind Puzzled Paws. From a young age she took to the kitchen with enthusiasm — mastering everything from pancakes to helping prepare Thanksgiving dinner. She thrives on one-on-one cooking tasks, and her love of mixing, measuring, and hand-stirring shows in every batch.

McKenzie attends a local high school in Jupiter, Florida, and stays busy with golf, yoga, tennis, and fitness through the Els for Autism Foundation — never missing an activity, even with a full bakery schedule.

Off the clock

  • Painting
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  • Swimming
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  • Riding bikes
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  • Boating
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  • Shopping

Co-Founder — “Mommy”

Julie Webster

Julie co-founded Puzzled Paws and lives in Florida with her husband, McKenzie's siblings, and four grandchildren — affectionately known as "Mommy" and "Grammy," the titles that inspired the organization's name.

A former paralegal in private equity, entertainment, corporate, and health club law, Julie brings that experience straight into running the bakery. Daughter Katie serves on the Advisory Board, and son Jake helps with daily operations and community service.

Julie now works full-time to empower autistic adults like McKenzie, with a long-term goal of launching a second nonprofit focused on shared-living options — so autistic individuals can shape their own story of happiness, success, and fulfillment.

Julie Webster
David Webster

Co-Founder — “Daddy”

David Webster

David co-founded Puzzled Paws and plays the crucial role of "Daddy." He's a general contractor and owner of Construction Trade Partners, known for his honesty and laid-back nature — plus a lifelong love of golf, cars, motorcycles, and the Green Bay Packers.

Through his nonprofit and community-housing work, David is building group homes for the autism community — a need in towns across America. With the support of local construction trades, that vision becomes safe, supportive housing for the people who need it most. Together, it's a lasting way to improve quality of life for many.