Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Whitney.
Hi Courtney, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Our Founder Raelene Story is:
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.
My part of the story:
Hi, I’m Courtney Rose Whitney, I worked for the Utah Department of Corrections for 13 years, I have served in law enforcement since 2008. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Auburn University in 2006 and in 2025, received a Master’s in Law Enforcement Leadership. I live by the belief that “if you aren’t learning, you aren’t growing,” and I continuously seek opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
In 2017, my life changed in a deeply personal way when I adopted a Belgian Malinois named Maya. After her tragic passing due to a surgical complication, both my son and I were profoundly impacted. Soon after, I adopted Sarge, another Belgian Malinois who would go on to transform my life in ways I never could have imagined.
In 2018, I was diagnosed with PTSD. During that time, Raelene—a pivotal figure in my journey—helped coordinate specialized training for Sarge to assist with my night terrors. The support and guidance I received from her and the Rocky Mountain Service Dog Project (RMSDP) were life-changing, significantly improving my quality of life and my ability to heal.
Because of that experience, I felt called to give back. I joined RMSDP with the goal of helping others the way I was helped—providing hope, support, and real tools for those navigating PTSD and trauma.
I have long been an advocate for PTSD awareness and suicide prevention, particularly within the veteran and first responder communities. Through my work with RMSDP, I’ve been able to expand that impact and reach even more individuals in need. I was honored to receive the FOP Wellness Award, recognizing my work supporting veterans and first responders—an achievement made possible through my involvement with RMSDP.
I am deeply committed to serving others and making a meaningful difference. I am proud to be part of the Rocky Mountain Service Dog Project and to contribute to a mission that is truly changing lives.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road—far from it. We have faced ongoing challenges, particularly when it comes to funding. Securing the resources needed to expand our programs and reach those who need us most has been difficult.
We also strongly believe in the life-saving impact that service dogs can have, especially for veterans and first responders. Unfortunately, there is still resistance within parts of the system. The VA and many medical professionals often default to prescribing medications—many of which come with significant side effects—rather than fully recognizing and supporting the benefits of service dogs as part of treatment and recovery.
In addition, building awareness and trust within the communities we serve has taken time and persistence. The emotional weight of this work can also be challenging to carry. However, every obstacle we’ve faced has only strengthened our resolve and deepened our commitment to this mission.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
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.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are many meaningful ways to work with and support the Rocky Mountain Service Dog Project. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do, and we welcome partnerships with organizations, businesses, and individuals who share our commitment to supporting veterans, active military, and first responders.
Organizations can collaborate with us by hosting joint events, helping expand access to service dog programs, or partnering on mental health and wellness initiatives. We also welcome opportunities to work alongside other nonprofits and community groups to better serve those in need.
Community members and supporters can get involved by volunteering their time, fostering or helping care for dogs in training, or assisting at events and fundraisers. Financial support is also critical—donations go directly toward the training, care, and placement of service dogs, as well as expanding our outreach efforts.
Businesses can support us through sponsorships, donations, or by helping raise awareness within their networks. Even sharing our mission and story helps us reach more people who could benefit from our services.
Every form of support—whether it’s time, resources, or advocacy—plays a vital role in helping us continue this life-changing work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rmsdp.org/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockymtnservicedogproject
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RMservicedog
