Laurie Riley, D.C. -Founder
Laurie Riley was the heart and founder of Heavenly Sunsets Golden Retrievers. She dedicated her life to breeding and raising exceptional dogs, beginning her journey in 1972 and later focusing on Golden Retrievers alongside her husband, Kurtis.
Laurie was deeply passionate about raising confident, well-rounded puppies through intentional early experiences, always striving to honor each puppy’s unique personality. Her commitment to health, temperament, and purpose-driven breeding—especially for service and therapy work—has left a lasting impact on every family who has welcomed a Heavenly puppy.
Laurie went to be with Jesus on April 5, 2026, surrounded by her family.
Her legacy continues through her husband, Kurtis Riley, and her daughter, Katie Kochuten, who are committed to carrying on her vision, values, and love for Golden Retrievers.
Why breed for service? Dr Riley’s son, Brennan, had Osteosarcoma in his leg that had to be amputated at age 13. Brennan picked out Barrett to be his service dog. Unfortunately, Barrett was a service dog for Brennan for only the first 4 months of his life when Brennan passed away. It was a passion for Laurie to help produce quality puppies for service, therapy and companions to honor Brennan’s love for Goldens.
Katie Kochuten - Communications
Katie Kochuten helps manage communications for Heavenly Sunsets Golden Retrievers. As Dr. Riley’s daughter, Katie grew up surrounded by Golden Retrievers and developed a deep appreciation for the breed’s loyal, gentle, and family-oriented nature.
Heavenly Sunsets remains a true family endeavor, lovingly run by her parents, with the dogs at the heart of everything they do. Barrett lives with Katie, her husband Josh, and their one-year-old daughter, Daisy, and he is Daisy’s best buddy—an everyday reminder of how naturally Goldens fit into family life.
Katie and Josh love raising their daughter alongside the Goldens, who are such a special part of their home. It’s an honor for Katie to be involved in a program that has been part of her upbringing and to help connect families with puppies raised with care, intention, and love.
Beth Medders, BSN, RN Emergency - Nurse -Puppy Raiser
Beth has helped whelp, raise and train several Heavenly litters
Beth is passionate about raising sweet, balanced, loving Golden Retrievers. She knows the importance that they are raised with training starting on day one. Beth has raised dogs most of her life. She was always the one taking in older dogs, dogs that had problems with aggression, scarred or bound for a shelter. She was determined to give them all a loving and safe home through the end of their lives. One year she had seven dogs that passed away from old age and it was so heartbreaking. After that she got Willow as a guardian puppy and that was Beth’s resetting point. She is so grateful for the partnership with Laurie, Cathy and Kathleen. Her dog world had just opened up with new possibilities for service dog training, AKC titles and rethinking new or different training methods.
Kathleen Hall - Puppy Assistant & Puppy Raiser
Kathleen has spent her entire life helping both people & animals. She has had several long-term caretaker positions for elderly & chronically-ill patients treating each person with dignity and love. Her passion for animals was evident at an early age, where she volunteered at a shelter for years, which eventually lead her to a career in dog grooming, dog walking and more recently opening her home to Daycare & Boarding. Kathleen also worked for UPS for over a decade and brings her cheery smile, fabulous people-skills and great work ethic to every task she undertakes. As a Heavenly Sunsets crew member, Kathleen has been helping care for the puppies from birth to 8 weeks doing whatever is needed and is more recently learning the ropes to assist with whelping & neo-natal care. As a frequent assistant in the puppy classes, Kathleen brings her warm humor and charm that always brings smiles & laughter to the class.
Kathleen and Peaches, her Heavenly Sunsets Golden, have recently graduated from a two-year Service Dog program successfully navigating all the coursework, the higher levels of obedience, task training, and public access work to become a fully-vested Service Dog team! And if that’s not enough, Kathleen is also a fantastic photographer and takes all of our wonderful graduation & class photos!