DeeDe Baker – Founder, Executive Director
Through her tenacity and passion, DeeDe has grown Dog Tag Buddies from a kitchen table conversion to the organization it is today. She is the wife of a combat veteran with 21 years of service and founded Dog Tag Buddies after seeing the relief their own dogs brought her husband when he returned from Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005. DeeDe’s love of dogs began at an early age, and she currently has five of her own. Her love of dogs and desire to help Montana veterans drives her passion for Dog Tag Buddies, and has become her true calling in life. In 2018, after three years splitting her time between Dog Tag Buddies and her career of over twenty years with the State of Montana, DeeDe now fully dedicates her time to the organization. She takes a hands on approach to driving the growth of the organization and works directly with program participants, trainers, staff, volunteers, and our Board of Directors to achieve her goals. For her, being able to assist veterans and rescue dogs brings together the best of both worlds, especially knowing she is giving two lives a second chance. She is a member of Pet Partners with her dog Oliver, is an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen evaluator and as a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals has successfully completed the Dog Trainer Foundation Examination. In 2019, she successfully completed the PTSD Service Dog Trainer Essentials and PTSD Service Dog Trainer Academy through This Able Veteran