How Homemade Dog Treats Inspired a SouthCoast Author

Written By Melissa "MJ" Viera

By Melissa Viera

Originally published on September 16, 2026, on WBSM 1420

It was 3 a.m. and Michelle Conlan had a commute from the SouthCoast to Boston ahead. At the time, she worked in the fashion industry, but that morning something started to change.

Conlan had two dogs, both adopted from a shelter. Koal, Conlan’s first dog, was a Catahoula Leopard Dog. Next, she adopted Abby, a six-year-old dog who looked like a black beagle. Before heading to Boston for work, Conlan decided to make some homemade treats for her dogs. What started as something special for her own dogs soon led to a career change, new connections, and eventually an entire chapter in one of her books dedicated to an animal shelter in Fall River.



Read More: Author Michelle Conlan Champions Forever Paws Shelter | https://wbsm.com/michelle-conlan-forever-paws-celebration-giving/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

Melissa "MJ" Viera

In 2013 I opened MJ’s Pet Training Academy with the vision of creating a new kind of dog training center. Along with teaching pet owners and professionals, I enjoy writing about dogs. I’m a member of Dog Writers Association of America, and the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, as well as a CPDT-KA. I hope you enjoy reading my thoughts on training and more.

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