Amy Francis, Founder and Executive Director of Rocky Mountain Therapy Dogs (RMTD) has announced new leadership and direction for 2025 for the 501-C-3 Non-Profit she founded in 2019.
Amber Miller, one of the Certified Dog Trainers in the program for the last six years, has been named the Director of Operations.
“Amber has been an extremely proactive volunteer with us who has earned rave reviews for her training prowess. She is extremely organized and is the perfect candidate to help us expand our reach and programs” noted Francis. During 2024, the number of teams grew 35% and the organization also expanded its footprint. In addition to serving the Wasatch Back communities of Park City, Kamas and the Heber Valley, the organization now serves Washington and Utah Counties and the greater Ogden area.
“Expanding our footprint allows us to serve more organizations and provide more opportunities for our ‘teams’ to provide service” noted Ms. Miller. Teams are comprised of the human handler and their specially trained furry companion.
Rocky Mountain Therapy Dogs makes a pawsitive impact in the communities served. RMTD’s mission is to provide health, hope, and healing wherever there is a need. There is virtually no limit to the settings where Therapy Dog Teams can bring kisses, wags, joy, hope and comfort. When we come into facilities, we enter hearts.
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.
Through the power of tail wags and kisses, our dogs are supporting emotional, intellectual, and physical growth in the most adorable way!
Our dogs sit, stay and HEAL…
Based on a facility’s goals and desires, RMTD builds a customized program plan and assigns specific therapy dog teams who would best fit those needs.
After becoming RMTD Certified, a team is identified between two categories depending on what line of work they would be most comfortable and successful in:
● Dog Assisted Therapy (DAT) teams are involved in goal-directed treatment plans designed by a professional such as a physical therapist or psychologist. Their interactions support emotional, social, intellectual, and physical growth.
● Dog Assisted Activity (DAA) teams offer encouragement through recreational activities. Their interactions are designed to bring joy by channeling the individual’s focus onto something healthy and positive.
Both styles share the same goal of making people happy and healthy with the support of their furry friends!
There is virtually no limit to the settings where Therapy Dog Teams can bring kisses, wags, joy, hope and comfort. When we come into facilities, we enter hearts and start healing. RMTD is always open to considering new facility support. Presently, some of the most common places therapy dogs make an impact are:
SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES
Reading becomes more fun when children know an RMTD “teacher’s assistant” visiting the classroom that day will give them a gold star and some loving attention. In local libraries, RMTD Teams add to the joyful family experience of reading together.
REHABILITATION AND SKILLED NURSING
Severe illness and accidents are traumatic, for bodies and minds. The elderly, and people of all ages, need specialized care on many levels in rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities. Visits by our therapy dog teams bring motivation, hope, relaxation, and sometimes even pain relief. Petting a friendly dog can be the ultimate therapy exercise.
ASSISTED LIVING, LONG-TERM CARE, MEMORY CARE, HOSPICE
Patients in specialized care facilities aren’t the only residents. Disconnection, loneliness, depression and despair too often call these places home, too. RMTD’s therapy teams come ready to listen to patients’ stories and reminiscences with interest and quiet attention. An RMTD dog may just be sitting quietly, but they are busily chasing away the gloom.
ADULT MENTAL HEALTH
Adults with mental illness, PTSD, or substance use disorders may struggle with anxiety, damaged self-esteem, and depression. Our Therapy Teams bring them unconditional acceptance, and the smiles that give strength for the hard work of recovery.
ADOLESCENT AND CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH
Children and adolescents experience mental illness, and often a lack of trust in adults as well. Therapy animals can assist in the establishment of rapport with therapists, help teach important coping skills and provide safe and loving touch. Their handlers are important models in listening, caring, and support of their animal partners.
SHELTERS
Men, women, and children who are displaced and in shelters because of homelessness or violence need a reminder of how uniquely important they are. The unconditional attention and affection of an RMTD team can bring smiles and laughter to people who might not have a lot to smile about in their daily lives.
SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
For those with disabilities, mental and sensory stimulation, emotional calm and a sense of normalcy can be elusive. But RMTD Therapy Dogs have a nose for finding and retrieving these special gifts.
What is the difference between a therapy dog, a service dog, and a support animal?
THERAPY DOGS
A therapy dog is a public servant who offers psychological and physiological support to individuals other than their owner. Entering public facilities is acceptable on a case-by-case basis and they need to be given permission before volunteering at the premises. They have very easy going and playful personalities and are trained to be well mannered around many new people or environments.
SERVICE DOGS
A service dog is trained to perform specific tasks for their owner in order to ease the challenges of their disability. Trust in this relationship is incredibly strong and allows the handler to be able to go through life with constant physical or psychological support. In order to qualify for a service dog, the individual must have a condition that significantly limits or does not allow for them to engage in daily life activities.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects individuals with Service Dogs and grants them access into almost all public facilities or events without having to obtain permission. The only two questions the public may ask are (1) is that a service dog? and (2) what task do they perform for you? No documentation or demonstrations are required, however, the dog may not be a nuisance or threat to the public.
ESA (EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL)
ESAs offer comfort to their owners who struggle with stress, anxiety or depression. They have not been trained to provide a specific task, therefore, they are not given the same rights as service dogs. Their access is significantly limited, however, with permission they may live in housing that does not allow animals or fly in airplanes according to the Fair Housing Act and Air Carrier Access Act.
Our Commitment to Positive Reinforcement Training
RMTD’s commitment to positive reinforcement techniques ensures that our therapy dogs are not only well-behaved but also empowered to make a significant difference in the lives of those they serve.
Our comprehensive educational program is designed to provide a solid foundation for our teams. It consists of three group classes that cover a wide range of topics, starting from basic obedience and progressing to advanced work in public settings. This meticulous approach effectively prepares our teams to excel in RMTD’s rigorous 12-point certification test, setting them up for success in their therapy dog endeavors.
Once certified, our teams gain access to essential benefits, including insurance coverage, and are thoughtfully designated to work in one of two categories:
Dog Assisted Therapy (DAT) Teams work with health care providers, social workers and other professionals to assist with goal-oriented therapies, typically with individual patients or clients.
Dog Assisted Activity (DAA) Teams work in group settings like nursing homes, hospitals, schools, homeless shelters and countless other places where interaction with Therapy Dogs brings positivity and joy.
Please contact us if you would like to learn more or schedule a Therapy Dog visit to your business or community event.
Rocky Mountain Therapy Dog is a 501-C-3 Nonprofit whose mission is to provide health, hope, and healing to communities wherever there is a need. Their vision is to expand and enhance 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. They 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. They envision their 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, RMTD aims 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-bullying campaigns. Their commitment to community outreach extends beyond scheduled visits. They 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. They aspire to be a catalyst for positive change, strengthening the bonds between people and animals, and building a more inclusive and compassionate society.