Lighting the Way for Canine Heroes: Blue Light Canine Foundation, Ventura County's Guardian Angels.
Lisa Doneyson
President/ Founder
Blue Light Canine Foundation provides customized training programs for canines providing support for individuals in need of emotional support animals.
The Founder of Blue Light Canine Foundation Lisa Doneyson, has over 22 years experience working in the canine industry, specializing in behavioral obedience training. Lisa’s experience and community engagement introduced her to the needs of individuals experiencing emotional and developmental challenges that would benefit from the support of a trained psychiatric service animal, with customized training to meet their individual supportive needs.
Prior to forming the foundation Lisa has successfully worked as a full time independent contractor, solely by word of mouth. Leading to the publication of an article in the United Doberman Club Magazine, for her training of the first Bed Bug Detection Doberman. Her most recent project involved the training and handling of an indigenous canine, on location, in the new Kevin Costner film “Horizon”, in Moab Utah.
Born and raised in Santa Paula, CA. Lisa participated in 4-H and FFA all through her youth and High School. While also competing in Hunter Jumpers with her horse Truman.
Steven Gonzalez
Vice President
Steven Gonzales was a Deputy Sheriff for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office from 1999 to 2022.
In 2019, Steven was injured during a swat training incident. The injuries he suffered forced him to retire in 2022. During his career at the Sheriff’s Department, he worked as a patrol deputy, a field training officer, court bailiff, narcotics detective, and was also a part of the gang unit as well as the FBI task force.
Steven was born and raised in Santa Paula and was fortunate to have several friends that owned different types of businesses. Lisa, being one of those friends, told him about her idea of training dogs and using them to assist victims of human trafficking. With his experience in Law Enforcement he expressed his thoughts regarding training dogs and using them in schools to find fentanyl. Lisa was intrigued and told him about her nonprofit. They have since decided to work together and combine their vast knowledge of work experiences to further the progression of Blue Light Canine Foundation.
Amy Dilbeck
Board Member
Although Amy and Lisa have known each other since the high school FFA days, they didn't reconnect until Amy and her family brought two Dogo Argentino puppies home during the pandemic.
Amy knew they would get big, but not THAT big. As they started to grow, it became apparent that, without proper training, these big lovers would knock you over with their enthusiasm for a greeting. In swooped Lisa with her doggy magic and two lovely, well-behaved pups emerged.
From there, Lisa shared about the other unique and important training she was doing, creating dogs that served a special purpose and Amy wanted to be a part of helping her do that.
In Amy's professional life, her law practice focuses on the areas of estate planning, California probate, trust administration, and litigation. She has represented clients throughout California. A Ventura County native raised in Santa Paula, Amy takes great pride in bringing excellent legal service to the local community.
