We each may have grown up in different towns, have different hobbies, and be different people... but we have been brought together by a passion for animals! Each and everyone of us has become family - not only with each other - but every single one of our clients! We are so grateful to grow our family everyday! 

Scott
Founder & 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.

Maddie
Manager & Receptionist

My name is Maddie and I am the Manager. I grew up in Iowa City and graduated from Wartburg College in 2020 where I majored in Studio Art and Business Administration and minored in Leadership. I fell in love with Waverly and now reside here in this amazing community. I have spent the past six years of my life as an artist in my spare time, building my skills, attending art shows and creating commission work and continue to do so. I spent a year as the intern at a service dog organization, Retrieving Freedom, Inc. This is where I was responsible for the care of the service dogs in training, I trained and fostered service dogs in training as a volunteer and created various marketing materials for the organization. The dog I fostered there went on to be placed with a veteran with PTSD and has changed this veteran's life forever. That is where I found my passion for animals and helping others. I joined the Rock River team in June of 2020 as the Marketing Manager and accepted the position as manager in December of 2020!

Chad 
Trainer

Lynne 

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! ​

Marisa

Assistant Dog Trainer

Jammi

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 love my job because I am able to use these skills and have so much fun! 

Abby 

Receptionist & Kennel Technician

Skylar
Groomer

Careers

We are not currently accepting applications. Check back later!
Here at Rock River Pet Resort, we pride ourselves in being pets home away from home. We work strongly to keep animals happy and healthy and feeling safe and secure. We are a dog and cat boarding facility, we offer daycare for approved dogs, dog and cat grooming, and basic puppy training.  
If you are interested in a career with us, please fill out the application below and either email to us at: rock.river.resort3200@gmail.com OR drop off at our office during regular business hours! 
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