The Hearts Behind BackroadsK9
Meet Chris
I am a lifelong resident of the Bowdon community and graduated from Bowdon High School in 1991. Before finishing high school, I joined the United States Army and became an Infantry soldier, beginning a career that would take me across numerous countries and deployments. My final deployment was in 2003 as part of the lead task force during the battle into Baghdad. I served honorably for 14 years before receiving a medical discharge in July 2005 at the rank of Sergeant First Class. Shortly after, I was diagnosed with Combat-Related Post Traumatic Stress (CPTS) and a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
After leaving the military, I moved to Colorado and began working in the electrical trade. My career later took me overseas as a civilian contractor for Northrop Grumman in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where I trained the military in weapons simulations and infantry desert warfare tactics. From there, I moved to Kuwait City as a contractor training U.S. service members in advanced weapons and overseeing all weapons ranges in the country. When my time in the Middle East ended, I returned to the United States and worked in water treatment in Monument, Colorado before finally coming home to Bowdon in 2015.
My passion for dogs began in 2017 when I received my first service dog, Coco. At first, I didn’t believe in the “power of the paw,” and I’ll admit I was hesitant about the entire process. My wife, Beverly, is the one who found the program, applied for me, and insisted I attend the training. I’m grateful every day that she did Coco changed my life and sparked my dedication to working with dogs and helping others experience the same support.
In 2018, I was diagnosed with dermatomyositis, a rare and incurable autoimmune disease linked to service in the Middle East. Only around 4,500 soldiers and veterans share this condition. Dermatomyositis causes significant muscle weakness, fatigue, and a distinct skin rash, and it has added its own set of challenges to my life. Even so, it pushed me even further toward giving back.
BackroadsK9 was started as a way for me to serve the community I was born and raised in. Through training, support, and service-oriented programs, my goal is to create a positive impact on the families, dogs, and individuals around me.
I look forward to continuing to serve my community through BackroadsK9 and sharing what I’ve learned along the way.
“Believe in the Power of the Paw.
Chris and Beverly are the foundation of BackroadsK9. They’re the reason this program exists and the reason so many families have been given the tools to build better relationships with their dogs. What began as a simple passion turned into a place where dogs can learn, grow, and build confidence with guidance that’s fair, patient, and real. At the core of everything Chris and Beverly do is their mission: to strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners through clear, effective training.
They believe that when dogs understand what’s expected of them, life becomes calmer and more fulfilling for both the dog and the family. A well-trained dog creates a happier home, a safer environment, and a better quality of life all around. Chris and Beverly continue to support and guide BackroadsK9 behind the scenes, keeping the focus on what matters most: the dogs, the families, and providing honest, compassionate training. When they’re not working with the team, they enjoy spending time with their four children and five grandchildren, being outdoors, and staying connected to their community.
Meet Beverly
I’m a proud wife of a disabled veteran, a mom of four, and “Mema” to five wonderful grandchildren. Family is at the center of everything I do, and it’s a big part of why BackroadsK9 exists today. As a lifelong dog lover, I’ve always believed in helping families build calm, peaceful, and meaningful relationships with their dogs.
I’m also a Co-Founder of BackroadsK9, and being part of this program has allowed me to combine my love for animals with my passion for helping people. Whether I’m offering support, guidance, or simple encouragement, I truly enjoy making a positive impact in the lives of both dogs and their families.
BackroadsK9 is more than just a training program to me it’s a place built on compassion, patience, and the belief that every dog deserves understanding and every family deserves support.