Utah nonprofit founder seeks community’s help amid health battle
Sep 3, 2025, 7:00 AM | Updated: 10:13 am
Mike Carlson, Founder of Golden Healer Service and Therapy Dogs, walking his therapy dogs on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (Golden Healer Service and Therapy Dogs)
(Golden Healer Service and Therapy Dogs)
SALT LAKE CITY — Mike Carlson, the founder and CEO of Golden Healer Service and Therapy Dogs, has dedicated his life to helping others through the healing power of service dogs.
The non-profit provides service dogs for people with disabilities, depression and anxiety.
“To be able to have a full time job where they have their dog with them, working in an environment where they have to see people and talk to people and communicate every day,” Carlson said.
Now, he is the one in need of help.
Mike needs $40,000 by September 8th or he said the hospital will not perform the life-saving surgery he needs.
“It’s going to have a big impact on us if we don’t have the funds to cover it, not only for me personally financially, but for the organization as well,” Carlson said.
Since 2019, his organization has placed thirty service dogs around the country, including helping a local 7-year old with Down Syndrome.
But in July, Carlson suffered a stroke.
Tests revealed he has a rare heart tumor and open heart surgery is his only option.
“Fortunately, there wasn’t any permanent damage or long term damage because we caught it early,” Carlson said.
Without insurance, he said the hospital is requiring payment up front.
“I didn’t have insurance, so I did have to come up with that up front money in order to have surgery next week on Monday the 8th.”
Carlson said he hasn’t been paid in months and worries about the future of the organization.
“All of the funds that I earn for my living is in the organization,” he said. “So without me to provide, the resources for the organization, they’re not going to be able to pay me.”
Still he’s hopeful the community will step in.
“We are hoping that with some support from others we can keep doing what we are doing,” Carlson said.
If you’d like to help, visit his GoFundMe.
For more information about Golden Healers Service Dogs visit their website.
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