ABOUT
THE TEAM
Holly Soper
SDSD Executive Director
With over 20 years of experience in management, operations, and the nonprofit sector, Holly is a dedicated leader committed to making a lasting impact. With a strong background in leadership, community outreach, and advocacy, she works tirelessly to develop programs and resources that support those in need.
Before stepping into her role as Executive Director, Holly served as a Community Outreach Specialist with the Rapid City Police Department, where she focused on assisting individuals experiencing homelessness, as well as those in transitional housing, sobriety, and treatment programs. Her career also includes extensive experience in management, crisis intervention, and building partnerships to ensure individuals receive the support and assistance they deserve.
Beyond her professional work, Holly is an avid dog lover and has three dogs of her own, including her service dog, Shadow. She enjoys hiking, spending time with family, reading, cooking, and baking.
Kathy Sjomeling
SDSD Lead Trainer
With a deep love for dogs and a passion for both teaching and learning, Kathy Sjomeling has dedicated her career to helping dogs and their people build stronger, more meaningful connections. As the owner of Dogzausted LLC, she has been a trusted trainer and dog walker in the Rapid City and surrounding area since 2018.
Her expertise extends across the community, having taught classes for Rapid City Kennel Club, RyeDoodle Boarding and Training, Happy Tails Dog Training Center, and Dogzausted. A Certified Trick Dog Instructor and AKC Evaluator, Kathy is committed to empowering dogs and their handlers through engaging, effective training techniques.
For over two years, Kathy has been a dedicated trainer with South Dakota Service Dogs, playing a vital role in preparing service dogs to change lives. She considers it an honor to give back to the community through her work, helping dogs and their owners achieve confidence, trust, and success.
Miranda Cheyne
SDSD Trainer
Miranda is a dedicated dog trainer with 10 years of experience, specializing in service dog training. She is proud to be a part of South Dakota service dogs, not only because the organization has saved so many veterans lives, but also because, as an Air Force veteran herself, she deeply connects with the mission. The profound impact these dogs have on their handlers, fuels her passion and pride in her work. Outside of her professional life, Miranda is a mom of two children, a business owner, and in her spare time, she enjoys reading mystery novels.
ABOUT OUR CANINE COMPANIONS
At South Dakota Service Dogs, we don’t limit ourselves to a specific breed—we focus on something far more important: the right traits. Our trainers carefully evaluate each dog for qualities like calm temperament, strong focus, emotional resilience, and a willingness to work—the foundational traits needed to become a dependable service dog.
Whether a dog joins us through rescue, donation, or a trusted breeder, every single one is held to the same high standards from the very beginning. Why? Because the stakes are too high to get it wrong.
We set that bar early to ensure our dogs are set up for success—and to avoid the heartbreak and stress of removing a dog from a team later down the line. When a veteran or first responder meets their service dog, it should be the start of trust, healing, and long-term partnership—not uncertainty.
With a professional training environment and a team that cares deeply for each dog, we work to prepare them for a future of purpose and impact. Because these dogs aren’t just companions—they’re lifesaving teammates.
What You Can Expect From SDSD Fully Trained Dogs
Our fully trained service dogs represent the highest standard of excellence. These dogs are not only a reflection of our organization—but a lifeline for the veterans and first responders they serve.​
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Once they graduate our program, SDSD dogs are expected to:
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Be clean, well-groomed, and presentable at all times
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Use the bathroom in designated areas and only on command
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Stay calm and focused in public—no barking, no begging, no disruptive behavior
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Show zero aggression and maintain a friendly, confident demeanor in all environments
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Perform at least three specialized tasks to assist their handler’s unique needs
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Consistently respond to obedience commands with reliability​
It’s important to note: Dogs still in training may not meet these standards yet—but they’re working toward them every day. Our process is intentional and thorough, because when it comes to placing a service dog, we don’t cut corners.
Follow us on social media to watch the training journey in real time—and see how these incredible dogs become the partners our heroes can depend on.
Are you a breeder interested in donating puppies to our program?
We’re always open to conversations with ethical breeders who share our mission of serving veterans and first responders through highly capable service dogs. However, please note that not all puppies or breeds are suitable for service work and contacting us does not guarantee acceptance into our program. Every potential dog is evaluated on a case-by-case basis by our professional training team to ensure they meet the specific temperament, health, and behavioral standards required for success.
If you’re a breeder interested in learning more about our criteria and how you might support our mission, we’d love to connect! Reach out to us at info@southdakotaservicedogs.com
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