Making a pawsitive impact in our community…
Rocky Mountain Therapy Dog’s mission is to provide health, hope, and healing to our community wherever there is a need.
At Rocky Mountain Therapy Dogs, our vision is to expand and enhance our therapy, education, and community outreach programs, all provided free of charge to the public. We envision a future where our organization becomes a leading force in promoting the well-being and healing of individuals through the power of therapy dogs.
We aim to create a nurturing environment where therapy dogs and their trained handlers have the opportunity to touch lives, bring smiles, and offer comfort to those in need. By continually growing our programs, we aspire to reach a broader spectrum of individuals, including schools, nursing homes, healthcare offices, community centers, and other facilities where our therapy teams can make a lasting impact.
We envision our education initiatives to be a cornerstone of our organization, empowering individuals with knowledge about the benefits of therapy dogs and promoting responsible pet ownership. Through workshops, training sessions, and informational resources, we aim to educate the public and inspire a greater understanding on a wide range of topics such as dog body language, responsible pet ownership, and anti bulling campaigns.
Our commitment to community outreach extends beyond scheduled visits. We envision actively participating in local events, collaborating with other organizations, and engaging with diverse communities to foster unity and compassion through our interactive petting stations. We aspire to be a catalyst for positive change, strengthening the bonds between people and animals, and building a more inclusive and compassionate society.
RMTD envisions a future where therapy dogs are celebrated as invaluable partners in healing, education, and community, touching hearts, and transforming lives for a brighter and more compassionate world.
VALUES:
Quality - We uphold the highest standards during the training and certification process to ensure our teams offer exceptional and impactful experiences while volunteering in public.Dog Welfare/ Training - We place great emphasis on training and are dedicated to using positive reinforcement techniques to nurture well-behaved and self-assured dogs. Our goal is to place our teams in the most suitable environments to guarantee their prosperity and successful outcomes.
Customized Services - Our therapy-based services are diverse and aimed at improving the mental, intellectual, and physical well-being of individuals. Whether it's a reading program for elementary school children or visits to nursing homes, we can tailor our sessions to meet the unique needs of each client.
Ongoing Education Classes - RMTD, comprising a team of experienced dog trainers and dedicated dog enthusiasts, has developed multiple educational programs to enlighten the public on crucial topics. Our initiatives range from understanding canine communication to promoting self-confidence in children, and we are committed to sharing these messages to as many individuals as possible.
Public Outreach - Incorporating petting stations is an excellent way to enhance any community event or local establishment. It offers a unique opportunity to witness our teams working together and bring joy to a large number of people. RMTD's outreach programs are exceptional, and their adaptability makes them suitable for any setting.
INTERESTED IN OUR SERVICES?
Through the power of tail wags and kisses, our dogs are supporting emotional, intellectual, and physical growth in the most adorable way!
Meet the Team Behind The Scenes!
Amy Francis, Executive Director/ Founder
Amy Francis has been a professional dog trainer since 2009, championing positive reinforcement methods to strengthen the bond between owners and dogs. She volunteered with Paws for Life Utah and Canines with a Cause, lending her expertise to impactful initiatives. Her love for therapy dogs led her to establish Rocky Mountain Therapy Dogs in 2019, aiming to bring comfort and support to communities in need.
Amber Miller, Development Director
Amber Miller's lifelong dedication to animal care began as a vet tech at 14. With over 20 years specializing in dogs, she has fostered 42 through Paws for Life and mentors via Animal Behavior College. She has since launched her own business that focuses on strengthening bonds between owners and dogs. As the Development Director, Amber bridges the gap of communication between RMTD and the public .
Deb Sorenson, Heber Valley Liaison
Deb plays a pivotal role in initiating teams at schools by first demonstrating the process herself, followed by observing teams as they work with their own dogs. She provides expert guidance and grants approval when a team is ready to operate independently. Deb also liaises directly with schools, helping them select the most suitable therapy dog program for their needs.
Evan Francis, Treasurer
As an animal and numbers lover, Evan’s role with RMTD was an easy transition. He is also a team Manager/ Software Engineer and offers invaluable skills to the organization as it continues to grow. You can typically find him helping out at company events and paving the way with new ideas from a technology standpoint. Evan also enjoys running, hiking, mountain biking and skiing.
Steve Huntley,
Director of Business Relations
Steve is an experienced entrepreneur whose insight with the details of business is unmatched. Whether it is taking care of insurance or writing grants, he is a valued member of the RMTD team. In his spare time, Steve enjoys mentoring young entrepreneurs, dedicating his expertise and time to nurturing the next generation of innovators.
Cathy Huntley, Secretary
Cathy’s organization skills are exactly why RMTD is able to function so smoothly. She dabs in all aspects of the organization and offers incredible support to any member and volunteer. She is a proud Grandmother of 6 and enjoys spending time at her lake house in Northern Michigan.
Katie Huntley,
Director of PR & Communications
Katie is the beautiful voice behind most RMTD publications. She has helped spread our mission across Northern Utah and comes up with innovative approaches to gather the community for fundraising events. Katie is also a teacher and utilizes those creative and organization skills to shines light on our image and message!
Traci Madson, Professional Dog Trainer
Traci Madson began training dogs almost 20 years ago, sparked by her involvement in her town's Search and Rescue group. Her journey into positive reinforcement training was inspired by adopting a "Vicktory Dog" from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Establishing her training company, she volunteered with Nuzzles and Paws for Life, dedicated to supporting dogs in need. Traci is actively involved in RMTD’s training and certification programs.