At Golden Healer Service Dogs, we are deeply committed to improving the lives of individuals facing physical and mental health challenges. Our founder, Mike Carlson, knows firsthand the profound impact of living with disabilities. Born with a rare skin disorder, Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), Mike has endured both the physical pain and emotional toll of this condition. Throughout his journey, his unwavering love for animals—especially dogs—has been a source of comfort and strength.

Mike’s passion for dogs began in earnest when he moved out on his own and married in 1995. He welcomed a Labrador Retriever into his family and became immersed in the art of dog training, initially focusing on hunting skills. Over time, his hobby expanded into helping others train their dogs and breeding purebred hunting Labradors. Simultaneously, Mike pursued a career as an entrepreneur, running a successful video production company with his family and later a thriving marketing business.

However, life brought unexpected challenges. In 2008, the financial crisis forced Mike to close his business, leading to the loss of his home and financial stability. Adding to his heartbreak, his beloved dog tragically passed away during this difficult period. Struggling with depression and mental health challenges, Mike found himself at a crossroads.

Through perseverance, Mike rebuilt his life, securing a position in the marketing department of a behavioral health hospital. This experience deepened his understanding of mental health and reinforced his passion for helping others. Recognizing the therapeutic potential of animals, he began researching Animal-Assisted Therapy and rediscovered his love for working with dogs.

Determined to make a difference, Mike shifted his focus to breeding and training English Cream Golden Retrievers, known for their gentle temperament and suitability for therapy work. What began as a side endeavor quickly evolved into something greater, as requests for service dogs, emotional support animals, and therapy dogs grew. Inspired by his own experiences and the transformative power of his dogs, Mike founded Golden Healer Service Dogs.

Since its inception, Golden Healer Service Dogs has become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to breeding, training, and delivering exceptional service dogs to individuals with physical and mental health challenges. We collaborate with world-class breeders, trainers, and canine professionals to ensure the highest standards of care and training. By raising our service dogs from puppies in nurturing environments, we achieve remarkable success in their placement as life-changing companions.

In addition to service dogs, we specialize in training emotional support dogs and offer therapy dog services through a dedicated team of volunteer handlers. At Golden Healer Service Dogs, we are passionate about sharing the healing power of dogs and bringing hope and support to those who need it most.