My name is Raelene, and I am a retired Sergeant from the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office, where I proudly served for 28 years. My career also included roles as a Dispatcher, EMT-I, and Search and Rescue team member. The inspiration for my current work arose from a training session with another group, where I witnessed firsthand how service dogs significantly aided soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

My personal connection to this cause runs deep—my son, Jeremiah, a Marine who served in Iraq, returned home profoundly changed. Motivated by my desire to help him, I embarked on learning how to train service dogs, hoping to provide him with the support he needed.

Dogs have been a constant in my adult life, serving as friends, confidants, and sources of joy. Over the years, I have loved and cared for Great Danes, Corgis, and a few mutts, but I have a special affinity for Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds.

In 2017, I found myself in need of a service dog. Luckily, I had Jack, a dog I initially purchased for another purpose but quickly grew to love. He has been my constant companion and an incredible partner in my work.

Since 2014, I have been a dedicated Professional Dog Trainer, leveraging my lifetime of experience in various training disciplines. Some of my key professional accomplishments include:

• AKC Evaluator for CGC and Trick Dogs

• AKC Fit Dog Instructor

• Graduate of the Detection Dog Course by Dick Stahl

• Judge for Detection Dog Trials

• Off-Leash K9 Course Graduate

• Certified in First Aid & CPR

• Specialized Training in Dealing with Dangerous Dogs with Heather Beck of K9 Lifeline

My mission is to aid those in need of a service dog, restoring the freedoms they lost while serving our country—whether in the military or as first responders in our cities. I feel incredibly blessed to help these individuals reclaim their independence and dignity through the companionship and assistance of a service dog.

I warmly invite you to join our big family, where we face challenges together and celebrate every victory, one paw at a time.

Hey, I'm Chauntil Thain, but everyone calls me Tilly. I am a proud Utah native who grew up immersed in the world of farming and mechanics. I am married to a wonderfully patient man who supports me in all my endeavors, and together we have an amazing little girl who is my sidekick and a bonus daughter.

My passion for helping Veterans and First Responders led me to stumble upon the Rocky Mountain Service Dog Project (RMSDP) at a local coffee shop. It was love at first sight—with the mission, the people, and, of course, the dogs. I initially joined RMSDP as an events coordinator and fundraiser, but my dedication and success in these roles soon earned me the position of Vice President. My mission is to elevate RMSDP into a well-known organization that furthers its impact on Veterans and First Responders.

I’ve been a professional dog trainer since 2021, and my love for dogs and commitment to excellence in training has led me to achieve several notable credentials:

• AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator

• Detection Dog Trial Judge

• Certified in Animal CPR and First Aid

• Specialized in Service Dog Specific Training

I am deeply committed to working with people with disabilities and improving their quality of life through the use of service dogs. My personal mission aligns with the broader goals of RMSDP, and I am dedicated to fostering a supportive community for our veterans and first responders. Every day, I strive to make a difference, one service dog at a time. Thank you for supporting our mission and joining us on this incredible journey.

Growing up in a family deeply rooted in military and police service has profoundly shaped my values and outlook on life. The importance of discipline, teamwork, and dedication are not just lessons; they're ingrained in my very being. From my little brother, a Marine, to my stepdad who served in the Air Force, my older brother who transitioned from the Marines to the Navy and ultimately retired from the Army, and my mother, a retired law enforcement officer and corrections officer, I have witnessed first-hand the sacrifices and commitments that these brave individuals make for our country.

Joining the board is not just an honor but a calling for me. It’s an opportunity to channel my knowledge and experiences into making meaningful contributions to this organization and the broader community we serve.

On a personal note, I am blessed with a loving partner, five wonderful daughters, one son, and five grandchildren. They are my source of joy and a constant reminder of why I strive to make a positive impact in our community. Each day, their love and support fuel my passion for service and community improvement.

As a board member, I am committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity in all aspects of our organization. I believe that embracing different perspectives and backgrounds leads to more innovative ideas and better decision-making. Additionally, I am dedicated to advocating for mental health awareness and support within our community. As someone who has struggled with anxiety and depression in the past, I understand the importance of destigmatizing these issues and providing resources for those in need.

I am also passionate about education and youth development. Growing up in a low-income household, I know firsthand the power of education to break cycles of poverty. As a board member, I will strive to ensure that our organization provides opportunities for underprivileged youth to thrive

Adding another layer of companionship and support in my life is Gladys, my Belgian Malinois service dog. Over the past two years, Gladys has been more than just a service dog; she’s been an invaluable member of our family. Previously trained for another owner, her incredible intelligence and dedication have made her indispensable in assisting me with my daily life.

I am excited to work alongside all of you as we continue this important journey together. Together, let's strive to make a difference and create a better tomorrow for our community.

Hello! My name is Sara Orahood. Born and raised in the sunny, surf-filled city of Huntington Beach, California, I retired to the tranquil Cache County in 2011. My husband, a retired Sergeant and K9 handler, has been my inspiration throughout our life together. Supporting law enforcement has been more than just a job for me—it's been a commitment, a cause close to my heart.

My passion for animals knows no bounds; if it has fur, feathers, or scales, I love it! This affection for animals is matched only by my love for all things Disney—a magical escape that never fails to bring joy. Professionally, I find immense fulfillment in my role at the Cache County Sheriff's Office, where every day brings new opportunities to make a difference.

Fate guided me to meet Rae, Tilly, and their incredible team at an event. Their mission to support those affected by PTSD resonated deeply with me, as this condition has personally touched the lives of my family and friends. It felt natural to join their cause, especially knowing how profoundly service dogs can transform lives. I am honored to be a part of this organization and to contribute in any way I can.

As a dedicated member of the law enforcement community, my commitment is unwavering. From supporting my husband's career as an officer to now working at the Cache County Sheriff's Office, I have seen firsthand the sacrifices that are made every day by those who serve and protect our communities.

I believe strongly in advocating for our men and women in blue, whether it be through awareness campaigns or fundraising efforts. Service dogs have also become a big part of my passion for supporting law enforcement, as they provide vital support and companionship for officers dealing with PTSD.

But beyond just supporting law enforcement, I also believe in the power of grassroots initiatives and community involvement. One person may not be able to change the world, but together we can make a difference. That's why I am always looking for ways to get involved and give back, whether it's volunteering at local animal shelters or organizing events to raise awareness and funds for important causes.

In conclusion, I am proud of my journey and all that I have accomplished thus far. But more importantly, I am excited about what lies ahead as I continue to grow both personally and professionally.

Hi, I'm ZaBrinna, an all-around photographer of life. My passion for photography sparked at a very young age, and I've always found joy in capturing moments that often go unnoticed by the naked eye, but come to life through my lens. I started my photography journey with just a simple point-and-shoot camera, taking photos of anything and everything that caught my eye. I was fascinated by how a single click can freeze a moment in time and preserve it forever. As I grew older, my interest in photography also grew, and I invested in my first DSLR camera.

With this new equipment, I delved deeper into the world of photography and learned about different techniques such as framing, composition, lighting, and editing. I spent countless hours experimenting and practicing, honing my skills to capture even better shots.

As an all-around photographer, I don't limit myself to just one type of photography. I enjoy dabbling in various genres, from landscape and nature photography to portraits and event coverage. Each genre has its unique challenges, but that's what makes it exciting for me. One of my favorite aspects of being a photographer is the ability to tell stories through my photos. Every photo has a story behind it, and as a photographer, I have the power to bring that story to life and evoke emotions in my viewers. Whether it's capturing the beauty of a sunset or the raw emotions during a wedding ceremony, I strive to create images that tell a compelling narrative.

As a mother of two outstanding boys who keep me on my toes, I realized the priceless value of preserving our life's moments. This realization inspired me to help others capture their own cherished memories.

Photography has become more than just a hobby or profession; it's an essential part of who I am. It has taught me to be patient, observant, and creative. This is the reason I offered by services to Rocky Mountain Service Dog Project.  As their photographer I can capture those moments for their clients and service dogs. 

Photography is not just about taking pictures; it's about capturing moments that will never come back and turning them into memories that will last forever. In my photography, I strive to understand the essence of who or what I'm photographing. Each photo is different, unique in its own way, aiming to reflect the beauty I see behind the lens. I want their clients to see the world through my eyes, where every moment is a story worth telling as they take this great journey.

"Photography is about photographers. A camera didn’t make a great picture any more than a typewriter wrote a great novel."

—Peter Adams