About Medi-Dogs
Annie founded Medi-Dogs in 2021 after realizing that the service dog industry makes service dogs inaccessible in both timeframe and pricing. She supported clients through her Owner Training Program, making the cost more affordable and helping shorten the timeline.
In 2023, the board and train program began as many clients needed expedited training for tasks or skills that their schedules did not permit them to train. While this program has a larger cost, the training takes less time as such may still serve a net cost savings.
In 2024, we began our Started Dog Program where we train shelter dogs as service dogs. These dogs are placed with handlers looking to begin task training right away and skip the foundation skills. Annie continues to support clients in all of these programs.
Jessie joined the program as the Foundations Program Trainer in 2023 and additionally supports our Board and Train and Started Dog Programs. Her attention to detail makes sure that our prospects are off to great start!
In 2025, it became apparent that even with the goal of lowering costs through Owner Training and Started Dogs that the price was still inaccessible to most. We decided that it was time for Medi-Dogs to try a new adventure. In December of 2025, Medi-Dogs became a fiscally sponsored project with the Center for Community Stewardship. This organization makes it possible for us to accept tax deductible donations and learn how to be a nonprofit without having to take on all of the responsibilities.
Through this partnership, we believe that we can continue making progress on our goal of making service dogs more accessible.
Our Trainers
About Annie
Annie is dedicated to changing lives through the use of service dog partners. Your goals are her goals. Annie earned a B.S. in Animal Behavior and Psychology, is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and is a Fear Free Certified Trainer. Prior to opening Medi-Dogs in 2021, she interned at multiple service dog organizations, learning the ins and outs of different types of assistance dogs. She has always had a passion for working with people with disabilities due to her cousin, Mindy. She spent many years working with Three Gates Therapeutic Horsemanship Center prior to transitioning to Service Dog Training. On a personal note, Annie lives with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and many of its comorbidities. She understands the complexity of chronic illness and how it impacts daily life. Annie finds medical alert training a magical experience every time, even after years of training it.
About Jessie
Jessie has over 10 years of professional dog training experience in addition to over 10 years teaching undergraduate and adult humans. After moving away from a career in higher education, Jessie became a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Certified Control Unleashed Instructor (CCUI), and Karen Pryor Puppy Start Right Instructor. Her interest in supporting people with disabilities has grown over time, thanks in large part to a family connection with and time spent working at Camp Jabberwocky. Because of Camp, Jessie believes that fun should be accessible, and because of higher ed., that "fun" is in "fundamentals" for a reason. She most enjoys building essential foundation behaviors in dogs so they have the suite of skills service dogs in training need.
About Aiden
Aiden began seriously dog training while raising two guide dogs, then took a winding path to owner-training for their mother. Along the way, they competed in agility, obedience, rally, and nosework—which they've also taught. Aiden loves the focus of one on one coaching. They currently have two dogs: Roy, a lab who does agility, obedience, and nosework, and a field spaniel who does nosework and is enjoying retirement from conformation.
About Nikki
Nikki Darga has been training dogs professionally for over 10 years and loves working not only with animals, but the people who come with them. A Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and Fear Free Certified Trainer, Nikki has a passion for puppies especially and supports Medi-Dog clients with puppy outings and socialization. Nikki also runs group puppy and dog classes at the Dane County Humane Society and previously ran a business focused on cooperative care and reactivity. She is a casual dog sport competitor and a small scale breeder. Nikki is excited to help your puppies start off on the right foot!