Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Francis
Hi Amy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Animals have always played a major role in my life, bringing immense joy and comfort over the years. Early on, I knew I wanted a career that allowed me to work alongside them. Fresh out of college, I discovered the world of dog training. After becoming certified and gaining experience with dozens of trainers, I branched out on my own and started Paws Forward Dog Training, focusing on private and group lessons for basic obedience and behavior modification.
Opportunities arose that I never anticipated. I became a dog trainer for two reputable non-profit organizations in our state, working with service dog training at recovery centers and alongside prison inmates. I also became a speaker on dog body language, lecturing to police officers statewide on bite prevention through properly reading dogs they encounter in the field. It was thrilling to see the diverse avenues this line of work could take me down, and I embraced them all.
While my love for dogs initially drew me to this field, it was the people who kept me passionate about it. I fell in love with those “ah-ha” moments when understanding and training bridged the gap between dog and handler. As a dog trainer, I serve not only as the dog’s advocate and voice but also as a crucial part of the emotional bond that will carry them and their owners through the rest of their lives together.
Eventually, I reached a point in my career where I wasn’t as hungry for growth as I had been for so many years, but I didn’t want to give up all the experience and knowledge I had built. Seeing the therapeutic outcomes my clients experienced with their personal dogs sparked an interest in creating a non-profit therapy dog program designed to help others in countless ways. This led to the birth of Rocky Mountain Therapy Dogs in 2019.
This venture rekindled my deep love for the field and renewed my profound respect and awe for what these dogs are capable of achieving.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
With the incredible support I’ve received from my family, friends, and the community, I’ve been able to manage the inevitable bumps in the road with my village behind me. However, the most challenging part of any new journey has always been getting out of my head and stepping into new endeavors with the belief that they are valuable and achievable. Becoming a mother and raising my two incredible boys has given me even more motivation to push myself. I want them to witness my fears, struggles, and perseverance, showing them the importance of pursuing opportunities with determination and courage.
We’ve been impressed with Rocky Mountain Therapy Dogs, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Rocky Mountain Therapy Dogs, located in Heber Valley, is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the well-being of individuals through the healing power of therapy dogs. Our mission is to provide comfort, support, and companionship to those in need, whether schools, nursing homes, or community centers.
What We Do:
We specialize in training and deploying therapy dogs to serve various communities and individuals who benefit from the unique bond between humans and dogs. Our therapy dogs are carefully selected and trained to ensure they have the temperament and skills necessary to provide emotional support and comfort in diverse settings.
Specialization and Recognition:
Rocky Mountain Therapy Dogs is known for its comprehensive training programs and the exceptional quality of our therapy dog teams. We specialize in creating tailored programs to meet the specific needs of the communities we serve. Whether it’s helping children with reading difficulties, providing comfort to hospital patients, or bringing joy to senior citizens, our dogs are trained to make a positive impact.
What Sets Us Apart:
What sets us apart from other therapy dog organizations is our commitment to personalized service and our rigorous training standards. Our handlers and dogs undergo extensive training to ensure they are well-prepared for any situation. RMTD supports our certified teams through ongoing education classes where we teach them fun behaviors to utilize in the field such as turning the pages of a book with their nose or laying on a visitor on command for deep pressure therapy. We have also expanded our FREE services by offering lectures on dog body language, the differences between working dogs, and anti-bullying campaigns.
Proud Achievements:
Brand-wise, we are most proud of the positive feedback and heartfelt stories we receive from those who have been touched by our therapy dogs. Our success stories, ranging from improving a child’s reading confidence and behavior in the school to our dogs becoming a seniors new best friend during their regular nursing home visits.
What Readers Should Know:
We want readers to know that Rocky Mountain Therapy Dogs is more than just an organization; it’s a community dedicated to spreading joy and comfort through the special bond between dogs and humans. Our services are free, diverse, and adaptable, including individual visits, group sessions, and specialized programs tailored to specific needs.
What makes you happy?
People, relationships, and fellowship are core parts of my being and truly fuel me. Connecting with others, building meaningful relationships, and fostering a sense of community bring me immense joy and fulfillment. The moments of genuine connection, shared understanding, and mutual support are what I cherish the most. Whether it’s seeing a client’s face light up when their dog responds positively to training or witnessing the bond between a therapy dog and a person in need, these interactions deeply inspire and motivate me.
I thrive on the energy and warmth that come from being part of a supportive community. Helping others, whether through training their dogs or providing therapeutic support, allows me to contribute to something greater than myself. It’s these relationships and the sense of belonging that remind me why I do what I do and keep me passionate about my work every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rmtdogs.org
