Meet the team

Owner and Dog Trainer

My name is Scott and I am the Owner and Dog Behavioral Specialist I connected with dogs when I purchased my first Beagle puppy in 1986 after reading the book,
“Where the Red Fern Grows”. Throughout grade school and high school, I raised and trained hunting dogs for many family members and friends. Following high school, I went on to graduate from Iowa State University with a degree in Agricultural Systems Technology. This led me into the commercial construction business in Illinois from 1996 -1998. In 1999, I left the construction business to apprentice with Fabian’s Retrievers, a competition training operation in Princeton, MN.

Late into the year of 2000, Rock River Retrievers was launched in Waverly, IA as a full-scale competition retriever training operation. I led the training of over 20 field champions and competed on a National level with these dogs in every time zone across the Country. My training was part of the 2004 National Field Champion, Dewey’s Drake of Moon River; and 2009 Purina Hi Point Amateur dog Castlebay’s Night Robber. In 2011, I turned my talents towards helping others by founding a non-profit organization called Retrieving Freedom. This organization’s mission of training and placing service dogs for veterans with disabilities and children with autism became my passion for the next 8 years and continues to be. As a result, hundreds of dogs have been placed into life-saving roles. My relationships have remained strong with the recipients, volunteers, and donors that helped make that dream of saving lives a reality.

With Retrieving Freedom going strong with a National Board of Directors, I decided to return to Rock River, which is now operating under the new name of Rock River Pet Resort. In June of 2020, I announced I would be offering my talents to the public for dog obedience and behavioral training. I love to work with owners and dogs on my theory of learning how to learn. I am proud to be able to offer my depth of experience as a service to our clients of the resort.

Dog Trainer 

I’m Lynne and I joined the training staff at Rock River Pet Resort on September 2nd, 2021.
I received my first puppy when I was in 3rd grade and I firmly believe my love for dogs was instilled in me by my father, who dabbled in showing German Shepherds.  I trained my first dog when I was in 5th grade, thanks to my father driving me from Denver to Waterloo for classes every week. Being the youngest team there, I was proud to receive high points with my Fox Terrier at the class obedience trial. 

I went on to train each dog I owned from that time forward and did some showing in obedience and rally events. After reading the book, Follow My Leader, as a child, I became fascinated with the idea of training service dogs. So, when I met Scott Dewey, I became involved with Retrieving Freedom as a puppy raiser training services dogs for children with Autism and Veterans with PTSD.  In that roll, I fostered 5 dogs, 2 of which were placed with veterans 2 of which were placed with children living with autism and one who decided she wasn’t interested in being a service dog and remains with me and my husband today. In the spring of 2019, with Scott’s encouragement, I moved to North Carolina to pursue an internship with Canines for Service and was hired as an advanced trainer in June of 2020.  I returned to Iowa after 15 months of employment, although I continue my partnership with Canines for Service, training dogs and securing puppies for their program.  I look forward to serving you and your dogs and feel fortunate for the opportunity to be the newest member of the Rock River team! 

Full-time Receptionist/Kennel Technician

My name is Jammi, I love working with animals and have a few of my own. I have a dog named Frankie, a corgi/golden retriever mix; something I like to call "Goldorgi". He frequently comes to work with me and hangs out in the office.  I also have a cat names Issues, 2 fish named Stanley and Becky G, and a horse named Gus. My siblings also own more pets in our family. Living with all of these animals has given me a lot of experience with taking care of pets. I have worked for Rock River Pet Resort for over six years now. I love my job and have so much fun!  

Receptionist & Kennel Technician 

Kennel Technician