Our Mission

Our mission is to provide affordable hearing assist dogs to residents of Illinois and Wisconsin who are age 18+ and deaf or hard of hearing.

At this time, we are focused on private coaching - ONLY for people who want to train their pet as a hearing assistance dog.

Dogs on the Go Assistance Dogs is a 501c3 non-profit assistance dog organization founded in McHenry County Illinois in 2016 by three locals: A veterinarian, a social worker, and a counselor; two of whom are former professional assistance dog trainers. Dogs On the Go was founded on the principle that people with physical and mental health disabilities deserve to have access to assistance dogs regardless of their socio-economic status. We are funded entirely through donations and grants and do not receive government funding.

Our Board Members

President, Anna Evans, L.C.P.C., M.C.

Anna began a life-long passion for training dogs at the age of 12. She has worked with a wide variety of breeds and All American dogs for obedience, herding, agility, K9 nosework, and barn hunt. Employment as a veterinary technician and an assistant for persons with visual disabilities led her to become a professional dog trainer for one of the oldest Hearing Dog programs in the country. That position not only involved assessing and training hundreds of dogs, but also working intensively with the deaf community, coordinating volunteers, providing community education on Hearing Dogs, and giving extensive media interviews.

Later, Anna moved into the field of social services, serving as a coordinator of volunteers for other non-profit organizations. She earned Master’s Degrees in both counseling and teaching from Arizona State University. Her work within mental health programs included years of both clinical and supervisory experience. In 2016, Anna founded Dogs On the Go along with then Secretary Julie Gibson, LCSW, and Board Member Dr. Liv Kismartoni, DVM.

In 2020, Anna developed a disabling neurological condition called Narcolepsy. This chronic illness is a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Initially, Anna struggled to find and accept her new normal with this profoundly challenging condition. However, along with family and friends, training hearing dogs and our wonderful program clients provided the inspiration and support Anna needed to adapt to her new life challenge. She remains forever grateful for her Dogs On the Go family - and dedicated to the program’s mission.

Anna is owned and loved by rescued street dog India and Silken Windhound Rhys.

Vice President, Dave Rutter, J.D.

Vice President, Dave Rutter J.D. graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Urban and Regional Planning. After working in the community development field for several years, Dave went to law school and became a lawyer. Dave worked as an attorney for the federal courts in Chicago for over 15 years. During his time with the government, Dave worked on cases involving disabled individuals and saw firsthand the difficulties faced by such individuals. In addition, Dave worked as an adjunct professor at the John Marshall Law School teaching legal writing classes.

Dave eventually left government service to open up his own law firm in Geneva, Illinois that handles divorce, family law, contract issues, and wills and trusts. Dave is also a trained mediator and a fellow with the Illinois Institute of Collaborative Law. Dave is currently a member of the Geneva Rotary Club and the Batavia Lions Club and participates in charitable activities with both groups.

Dogs have always been an important part of Dave’s life and he has learned over the years the tremendous benefits that dogs can bring to the lives of people. In addition to caring for family pets, Dave has volunteered at animal shelters to care for dogs and other animals. Dave has also trained dogs for participation in dog agility competition.

Secretary Tere Gonzalez

Tere Gonzalez is a native of Illinois and owns a 9 year old Lab named Buddy who is her hearing dog and best friend. Tere has her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Illinois in Springfield and is a certified Behavioral Health Clinician Professional. She had served for three years on the Board of Directors for The Animal Protective League. She also served as a Humane Investigator for two years. She is currently the President of the Hearing Loss Association of America for Indianapolis. She grew up with dogs since she was a toddler. Her love of animals is immense. She is also on Rover.com and has plenty of experience taking care of friends and her family's dogs. She wants to inspire those who desire service dogs that true commitment and devotion goes both ways. Service dogs offer love, protection and independence through their work. Owners can reciprocate by giving them the same love and commitment. She further adds, " I truly believe service dogs are a gift from above. It was meant to be!"

Treasurer Karl Jung, BBA

Treasurer Karl Jung has a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Loyola University. As a small business owner for over 40 years, Karl brings a wealth of professional experience to Dogs On the Go.  He also served as Adminstrator of the Woodstock, IL Moose Lodge for 3 years.

Karl's superpower is math - a perfect fit for the position of Dogs On the Go Treasurer! Pictured here with his stunningly beautiful "fur grandchild," Sparky.

Dr. Liv Kismartoni, D.V.M., M.P.H., M.B.A.

Dr. Liv earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Science and Master’s Degree in Public Health, with a specialization in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She graduatedfrom the University of Wisconsin’s Veterinary School with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine, and fromthe University of South Florida with a Master’s Degree in Business.

In addition to her extensive experience practicing conventional and rehabilitative veterinary medicine, Liv has also worked as an Epidemiologist for the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Liv is also a former professional dog trainer, and dog sport competitor.

While serving in the Air Force, Liv was a member of an emergency response unit, as well as Manager of the base Public Health Department. The latter role included management of the hearing program: providing auditory testing, mitigation, education, and protection to other service members.

Currently, Dr. Liv is the Director of Rehabilitation at the Veterinary Surgery Center of Sarasota. She also serves as an Internship Mentor for multiple veterinary medical schools.

Outside of work, Liv devotes her time and expertise to animal foster - focusing especially on Dobermans. She also volunteers at her daughter’s elementary school. Dr. Liv is active in the community and works very closely with responsible Doberman breeders.

 Is a Seattle native and life-long animal lover who has been sibling or mom to a series of rescued cats and dogs, most recently Sakari, a 5-year-old chow mix (pictured here). She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Western Washington University and devotes her spare time to family and community, especially causes that support the health and well-being of animals and humans.  

Janet has been in the insurance and financial services industry for 30+ years, having worked, and raised a family in Washington, West Virginia, Texas, and Missouri. With her two daughters grown, Janet now lives with her husband, Dave, in Crystal Lake, Illinois. She is currently VP and COO for Trustmark Voluntary Benefits in Lake Forest, Illinois.