Dogs on the Go Hearing 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.