Having been in the sheltering and rescue world for a bit now, I’ve had many feelings about the term “forever home.” I’ve seen families doing everything they can, only to find themselves in circumstances they never expected. I’ve seen people come into the shelter utterly heartbroken, saying goodbye to a beloved pet. Life changes, sometimes abruptly, and not always in ways we can prepare for.
The winter issue of Teton Valley Magazine is available now, filled with stories that capture the heart and color of our community. The cover story, Kindness Unleashed, by Christina Shepherd McGuire explores the many folks driving animal advocacy in Teton Valley and beyond. In 2020, Teton Valley Magazine wrote about Aska Langman, founder of Aska’s Animals, who hoped to grow her sanctuary into a nonprofit filling the gap between shelter and permanent rescue. Five years later, the growing foundation now supports more than 200 puppies a year across three Puppy Palaces, while also focusing on rehabilitation, education, and community outreach.
Lantz Hartley, our Executive Director, is featured on the cover. Grab your copy today!
Shop MODERNBEAST online or in store this holiday season and 100% of Round Up contributions will support Aska’s Animals! This program offers an easy way for the community to create real impact—one simple gesture at a time.
Fondue’s match is meant to inspire Tiny but Mighty monthly giving by highlighting the impact that $10–$30 a month can make. To help us reach more animals, Fondue’s Fund is matching NEW recurring MONTHLY donations up to $5,000 through November.
This year, we have impacted over 900 animals through our Sanctuary, Rescue, and Behavior programs. That’s 10x more animals than our first as a nonprofit only four years ago.
If 200 HUMANS DONATE $25 A MONTH, WE CAN MEET THIS MATCH.
CAN YOU HELP US REACH THIS GOAL?
We are releasing our second children’s book! The story of the farm told through the eyes of our sanctuary pig, Stewie. Pre-order Stewie’s Story here >
With Our Animal Care Coordinators, Ali and Lantz
With your support through the Tin Cup Challenge, we can continue advancing our mission to provide rescue, sanctuary, and canine behavioral support—not just for adult dogs, but for puppies too. Your generosity helps dogs like Betsy and the Charlotte’s Web Litter rewrite the ending of their stories and turn the page to a new, hopeful chapter.
Meet Betsy and the Charlotte’s Web Litter.
Betsy and her 12 puppies arrived at Aska’s Animals on May 22nd, 2025. Our partners at The Spay(ce) Project rescued this litter from a property in Lucerne County, California with over 60 dogs. Betsy was malnourished and neglected while doing her best to take care of her puppies. Another partner, Hope from MODERN BEAST, drove them from Los Angeles to Victor. Betsy and her puppies will stay with us five weeks and are ready for adoption through another partner.
Ali, our Animal Care Coordinator, says, “I’m absolutely thrilled for this wonderful momma! Although she’s feeling a bit shut down and tired right now, every little tail wag is a reason to celebrate. She has such a sweet soul and demeanor, and I believe we’re all excited to see her blossom once she feels safe, relaxed, and returns to a healthy weight. It’s been amazing to witness how well each puppy has settled in. Being able to handle them daily and observe their progress in just a week is truly remarkable. I’m continually amazed by how our positive handling and enrichment can transform even the most timid puppies so quickly.”
Ali is a Utah native who settled into the Teton community with her husband and son (plus 3 adorable dogs) in 2020, thanks to her husband’s family ties to the community and an itch for change.
She grew up with an insane love for animals, big and small. From dogs, bunnies, and hamsters, to snakes, fish, and spiders, she’s never shied away. She dreamt of becoming a veterinarian but decided on a different path.
After 15 years in the beauty industry, behind the chair as a hairstylist, owning and managing a top-rated salon, as well as a brow artist in permanent cosmetics, she’s right where she always wanted to be. Finding Aska’s Animals felt like finding her place. Surrounded by animals, giving them care, attention, love, helping rehabilitate the ones that need it and all the messy chores in between, she’s loving every second.
Ali says, “I really love spending 1:1 time with the momma dogs in our program. They often get overlooked in favor of their adorable, tiny puppies during the adoption process. Typically, these moms are a bit shut down and almost always exhausted, so providing them with love and attention away from their litters (when appropriate) is incredibly rewarding. This dedicated time also allows us to gather valuable information about each momma’s personality and needs, helping us determine the ideal household for them once they graduate from our program. Our ultimate goal is to set them up for future success.”
At Aska’s Animals, our Puppy Palaces provide a nurturing haven for both puppies with their mothers and those without, creating a stress-free and structured environment for their growth. These adorable pups come to us from trusted regional partners, and we are passionately dedicated to providing them with a solid foundation for early puppyhood development. Our expert team ensures that each puppy receives the utmost care, love, and attention, fostering their physical, social, and emotional well-being as they prepare for a bright future in happy homes.
We have established partnerships with esteemed organizations including
Our primary focus lies in the behavioral development of these puppies, providing them with the necessary space and environment to thrive. Once they have grown and flourished under our care, these young pups are then transferred to our partner organizations for adoption. We have a symbiotic relationship because we have the capacity to raise puppies where adoption agencies don’t. We’re grateful for our partners who manage the adoptions. We’re thrilled to manage the space in between!
Lantz, our Animal Care Coordinator, Lantz, says his favorite way to pass time with the dogs is to “Sit on the ground and do nothing. Really! Sit and just be. I enjoy being a positive neutral presence and allowing puppies & mammas alike to interact as they please. Especially a scared or nervous mamma dog. When they choose to be in your company unprompted, it’s kind of the coolest feeling ever.”
He joined our team upon relocating to the Teton Valley from the Kenai Peninsula. Lantz’s passion for animals traces back to his early childhood in Northern Utah, where he was one of the youngest handlers of working dogs in the region. Upon recognizing the state of animal welfare, Lantz became actively involved with rescue work over 10 years ago. With that inspiration, he has volunteered, fostered, trained, and found loving families for dogs in Idaho, Wyoming, Oregon, Utah, and Alaska.
Lantz has spent the majority of his career as a Naturalist educating his clients on Alaska’s wildlife, glaciers, and climate. The theme in Lantz’s professional work is that he has always positioned himself as a steward and advocate of animals, whether they reside in the wilderness or shelter systems across the US. Lantz’s passion for animal welfare has taken him as far as North Pole where he adopted his “son”, Puck, who he found through rescue & volunteer work in the Arctic of Alaska. His experience and exposure to animal welfare in such vast and varying climates has shaped and cemented his passion for this work, making him an incredibly determined advocate for all animals.
Lantz says, “What I value most about Aska’s Animals is the connection to good our work inspires. You have passionate people rescuing deserving animals through innovative, creative, and unique approaches while being based out of a sanctuary farm in Teton Valley…How it’s a real thing is beyond me. I love connecting with community over something that feels full of love and selflessness in a world that feels chaotic and divided. I cherish my colleagues and their creativity & drive and find myself obnoxiously obsessed with every critter that calls this place home. The work is real, the relationships are real, and the impact is no exception.”
The Aska’s Animals mission is to provide rescue, sanctuary, and canine behavior training to our community. Thanks to Community Foundation of Teton Valley, organizations receive 100% of all designated gifts, plus a partial Match Grant from the Community Foundation of Teton Valley. With your Tin Cup donations, we can continue to educate our staff so more tools, knowledge, and compassion go into our work with canines in need and the humans who love them. 24/7, 365.
Although the beginning of some of these animals’ stories weren’t great, Aska’s Animals farm is the happily-ever-after of their epilogue. Donate today!
Photos by: Lara Agnew, Kelsey Boeke & @sheltervisibilityproject,
With Our Canine Behavior & Enrichment Manager, Sam
With your support through the Tin Cup Challenge, we can continue advancing our mission to provide rescue, sanctuary, and canine behavioral support—not just for dogs, but for their people and all animals in need. Your generosity helps dogs like Rosie rewrite the ending of her story and turn the page to a new, hopeful chapter.
Meet Rosie.
She’s adoptable, thriving in foster care, and utilizing our Canine Behavior Program.
In 2024, Rosie found herself at the Western Fremont County Humane Society in Dubois, WY. Scared and stressed, Rosie wasn’t a very adoptable dog until she entered a foster family’s home and started working with our Behavior Team in March 2025. With support from her foster and our CPDT-KA trainer Sam, she’s ready for her forever home!
Grace, Rosie’s foster says, “Rosie is ~2 years old, 35 lbs, and a purebred mutt—maybe Border Collie, Kelpie, Whippet, or Greyhound. Adopted at 8 weeks and returned at 2 (through no fault of her own), she arrived under-socialized and fearful. For the past five months, she’s learned that the world is safe.
Rosie is respectful/playful with other dogs (though shy at first), excellent with cats, and has lived with young children. She’d love a home with another dog.
She’s a calm couch potato inside and an adventurous outdoor buddy. She loves walks, short hikes, and forest outings. She’s crate-trained, great on leash, and crushing it in training—especially recall and commands.
Rosie needs a patient adopter to help her keep growing. In return, she’ll offer deep trust, quiet affection, and loyalty. She’s not overly cuddly, but she shows love in subtle ways—greeting me in the morning, lying at my feet while I cook, or following me from room to room. She sometimes naps alone but always circles back for connection. She’s been one of my most rewarding fosters—watching her bloom has been incredible.”
Sam, our incredible Canine Behavior & Enrichment Manager, pursued the Dog Trainer Comprehensive Course with Karen Pryor Academy and most recently earned her Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) certification. This nationally recognized credential reflects her understanding of canine behavior, commitment to positive reinforcement, and adherence to the highest standards of humane training. While we’ve always known Sam is one in a million when it comes to training and behavior, this gold-standard certification takes her expertise to the next level.
Sam’s lifelong love for animals big and small, wild and domestic, started at a young age. She remembers sitting with a bowl of Cheerios as a young girl, working with her childhood rescue pup, Arby, delighted to watch his enthusiasm for learning.
Sam pursued this passion academically at the University of Nevada, Reno, earning a degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. Her time at the local Wildlife Sanctuary, Animal Ark, deepened her love for wildlife, especially the elusive coyotes, kit foxes, arctic foxes, and a charming desert tortoise, Mr. Peabody.
After moving to Jackson in 2014, Sam expanded her horizons in the animal field at the Teton Raptor Center, where she worked as a field technician studying various raptor species for nearly five years. Her career took a pivotal turn at Spring Creek Animal Hospital, where she discovered her true calling—working directly with people and their pets. Her dedication to animal welfare and rescue was further solidified at PAWS, where she recognized the critical need for behavior support within shelter systems.
Now, as the Canine Behavior and Enrichment Manager at Aska’s Animals, Sam is excited to continue her journey of learning and growth. She is committed to helping pet owners and shelter partners better understand and support their canine companions, ensuring they feel their best and thrive in their environments.
Looking for a dog trainer? Keep in mind that anyone can say they’re a dog trainer, but not everyone backs it up with credentials. Here’s why a CCPT matters:
✔️ Uses proven, humane, science-based methods
✔️ Has real-world, verified experience
✔️ Stays current through continuing education
✔️ Follows a professional code of ethics
It’s like hiring a licensed contractor instead of a DIYer…you want the real deal when it comes to your dog’s behavior and well-being. There are only 3 other CPDT certified trainers in a 100 mile radius of Victor.
Jenna, the Advancement Director at Aska’s Animals says, “For pet owners and animal welfare organizations, this certification provides peace of mind—knowing that the trainer has both the experience and the knowledge to support dogs compassionately and effectively. At Aska’s Animals Foundation, we are proud to have a CPDT-KA certified professional as part of our team, ensuring the highest quality of care and training support for animals in our community.”
We offer many different ways to assist individuals, fosters, shelters and rescues with canine behavior. Head to our website to check out our Canine Behavior Support Programs and free Canine Behavior Videos. To contact Sam for individual canine behavior support, email sam@askasanimals.org.
The Aska’s Animals mission is to provide rescue, sanctuary, and canine behavior training to our community. With your Tin Cup donations, we can continue to educate our staff so more tools, knowledge, and compassion go into our work with canines in need and the humans who love them. 24/7, 365. Donate today.
Photos by: @sheltervisibilityproject
Aska’s Animals Dog Training & Behavior Services
Thanks to generous donor funding, we expanded our free and subsidized one-on-one dog training with our Canine Behavior Specialists for dog owners in need. Our goal is to keep pets in their homes and out of shelters by addressing behavioral issues before surrender becomes necessary.
Here’s everything you need to know about dog training at Aska’s Animals:
We use positive reinforcement and science-based, reward-driven training methods. Meet our Canine Behavior Specialists:
Sam Diaz: With experience at Spring Creek Animal Hospital in Jackson, Wyoming and PAWS of Teton Valley, Idaho, Sam recognized the critical need for behavior support within shelter systems and owned pets. Driven by this insight, Sam pursued the Dog Trainer Comprehensive Course in order to be able to better support both shelter residents and local pet owners. Now, as the Canine Behavior and Enrichment Coordinator at Aska’s Animals, Sam is committed to helping pet owners and shelter partners better understand and support their canine companions, ensuring they feel their best and thrive in their environments.
Krissi Goetz: With experience at the Animal Adoption Center in Jackson, Wyoming, Jackson Hole Positive Training, Western Border Collie Rescue, and Second Chance Humane Society in Ridgeway, Colorado, Krissi is dedicated to improving the lives of dogs and the people who love them through promoting better understanding and rescue, and strives to continually learn more about how understanding behavioral influences and educating humans can create a better world for dogs. She has penned the Jackson Hole News and Guide Good Dog column since 2013. Basically, she is a complete dog dork!
Priority for free or subsidized services is given to dogs at risk of being surrendered or with behavior concerns impacting the safety and health of the household and community. For those able to afford regular dog training, we offer Dog Training Punch Passes.
Four-Pack of Dog Training Sessions
What’s Included: Four 1-hour training sessions: Work with our expert Behavior Team to achieve your training goals. Whether you just got a new puppy, want to revisit some basics for your adolescent dog or are working on something specific, this is a perfect option for you.
Purchase a four-pack of Dog Training sessions here.
After purchase, our Behavior Team will connect with you to get started. You’ll complete a behavior questionnaire so we can tailor the training to your goals. Before the first session, you’ll be assigned homework, including a series of our free video tutorials, to ensure you get the most value from your training.
If you are struggling with canine behavior and need a scholarship, please reach out to behavior@askasanimals.org. Free canine behavior support is available for those needing immediate assistance or dealing with advanced issues.
Single Dog Training Session
What’s Included: One, 1-hour training session: Partner with our expert Behavior Team to meet your specific training goals.
For First-Time Clients: We require an onboarding virtual session for your initial training. Future sessions can be done in person or virtually.
For Returning Clients: Enjoy the convenience of training in your home (travel fees may apply outside the area), at a nearby public location, or virtually.
Purchase a single Dog Training Lesson here.
Free In-Person Dog Behavior Group Workshops
We host monthly free dog training workshops in the barn. These workshops provide valuable insights into dog behavior and communication, helping Teton Valley dog owners understand the difference between management and training. Attendees can ask specific questions and receive guidance from our dog trainers in a supportive, judgment-free environment. No dogs allowed.
See the schedule and sign up here (https://askasanimals.org/events/).
Free Virtual Dog Behavior Lessons
Want to start dog training right now? Check out our comprehensive library of canine behavior videos. Lessons include Bringing Home a Puppy, Canine Stress Reducers, Coming When Called, and so many more!
Let’s hit the ground running and build the foundation for a happy, well-behaved pup! Our primary goal is to help keep dogs in their homes and prevent them from being surrendered to shelters and we do not want the cost to get in the way. Thank you generous donors for making these dog training and canine behavior resources available for the Teton Valley community!
For more information or assistance, contact our team behavior@askasanimals.org
Have you had a great experience with dog training at Aska’s Animals in the past? Consider making a donation so other dog owners in Teton Valley have access to these resources!
Halloween is a fun, festive time filled with costumes, candy, and trick-or-treaters, but it can also be stressful for our four-legged friends. The excitement of the holiday can easily overwhelm dogs, especially with new sights, sounds, and the smell of chocolate in the air. Here are three key tips to ensure a safe and stress-free Halloween for you and your dog.
If your dog is more comfortable staying home in a quiet, familiar environment, don’t force them to join in on the trick-or-treating fun. It’s okay to let them stay behind if they prefer predictability and calm. If you decide to bring your dog with you, make sure to have high-reward treats on hand to help keep them engaged and calm. Not sure what your dog’s preferences are? Our Understanding Canine Behavior video can help you better understand your dog’s unique needs.
The constant ringing of the doorbell and the sight of costumed visitors can be overstimulating for dogs. To reduce stress, give your dog plenty of attention and exercise before trick-or-treat hours start. A good walk or play session can help them burn off energy. Once the festivities begin, consider confining your dog to a safe, quiet space with a favorite chew toy or bone. Creating a calm environment will help keep your dog relaxed and prevent unnecessary stress. For more insight into why confinement can be a helpful tool for managing your dog’s cortisol levels, check out our Confinement Training video.
Chocolate is a Halloween staple, but it’s also toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can be dangerous. Any quantity larger than a standard Hershey bar can be poisonous to a 10 lb. dog. To keep your pet safe, be sure to store candy securely in a place your dog can’t access, and remind your family and guests to do the same.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that both you and your dog have a safe and enjoyable Halloween. If you want to learn more about canine behavior or how to create a low-stress environment for your dog, our online classes are here to help!
The top 3 ways you can be a responsible dog owner in Teton Valley:
This 4th point – don’t allow your pet to wander, especially in populated areas – is a hot topic in Teton Valley. Roaming dogs in downtown Driggs have been reported to scare children from playing outside and prevent people from gardening in their yards. This is not the kind of community we want to live in! Nor do we want non-dog owners to despise dog owners.
Together, we can work together to become a community of better dog owners.
Here’s how:
Everyone should spay/neuter their pets, and if you’re going to let your dog off leash, spay/neuter is mandatory.
If you’re going to let your dog off leash, you need to practice and master voice and sight control with your dog.
What do you do if you see a stray or unattended dog in Teton Valley?
Do you or someone you know need 1:1 dog behavior support?
Because of generous funding from donors, Aska’s Animals offers free or subsidized dog behavior services. We aim to keep pets in their homes and out of the shelter system through a variety of methods. Behavioral issues are a common reason that animals are surrendered to shelters, but we work to address these issues while the dog is still in their familiar home environment and with their family in the hopes of creating a more harmonious existence in the existing home. Aska’s Animals Canine Behavior Specialists Sam, Ramsey and Krissi only use positive reinforcement methods and science-backed reward based training methods. If you or someone you know needs 1:1 dog behavior support, please contact our team or learn more here.
Other important aspects of being a dog owner:
When you commit to being a dog owner, you need to:
Thank you for being a part of the animal rescue journey with Aska’s Animals. The farm is bustling, the team is motivated and growing, and we’re witnessing firsthand how far every donor dollar goes. We’re thankful for your financial support that makes this lifesaving work a possibility. Because of you, we can continue to advance our mission – to provide rescue, sanctuary, and canine behavior training to our community. If you’ve been thinking about supporting our mission, Tin Cup Challenge season is a great opportunity to double your donation.