Ackley

Ackley's Journey

Stage 1 Introduction

Hello, I am Ackley and I am a female golden retriever. I am proud to have been selected to enter into the Retrieving Freedom training program. My parents are "Rusty" and "Nellie" from Yarrow Creek Goldens in Ackley, Iowa. I got my name from a donation from Mark and Lisa Guetzko as a nod to where I came from. During this stage of training I will be spending approximately 8 months with my new volunteer foster, Jess.

Throughout Stage 1, I will learn the basics obedience, public behavior, and a lot of socialization. I understand that it takes a very special dog to complete the program as there is a high standard to become an Service Dog. I am aware that I may be one of the dogs whose purpose is outside of service work so I will be updating my profile on a monthly basis for all that would like to follow my journey through the program.

November 2019 - 2 months old

I got to meet my volunteer foster mom, Jess, this month! The best part about living with Jess (so many things to choose from) is that she's fostering another service dog in training named Ayla. We have gotten very close. I like to shadow what Ayla does and learn from her daily!

December 2019 - 3 months old

I have been enjoying my time with my older foster sister, Ayla. She is showing me the ropes before she turns in for full time training. My foster mom Jess keeps putting me in these silly Christmas outfits. She says it's the best time of year and that I am on the "nice list!"

January 2020 - 4 months old

Ayla and I spend our days snoozing at work with Jess. Jess and I know our time with Ayla is coming to an end later this month. She is heading to train at a correctional facility in Mississippi with other Retrieving Freedom service dogs in training. I am thankful for her guidance during my first few months in training!

February 2020 - 5 months old

Look how big I am getting! I get compliments all the time on how pretty and well-behaved I am. My foster is doing a great job with my obedience and exposing me to public situations! Also, I'm a professional napper.

March 2020 - 6 months old

Is it summer yet?! I'm ready for warmer weather! I love playing outside. I've mastered the "leave it" command, where I ignore treats. Jess tries to tempt me but I love showing off that I can leave them alone for long periods of time!

April 2020 - 7 months old

I'm growing so big and tall. The key is taking lots of nice, long naps.

May 2020 - 8 months old

Jess and I check in at Retrieving Freedom for training sessions with the professionals. I'm coming along nicely in my training and, despite my face in photos, am not scared of much! I approach new territories and tasks with confidence. This month Jess and I welcomed a new Retrieving Freedom puppy into our home - meet Keeper! I am excited to show her the ropes, just like Ayla did with me.

June 2020 - 9 months old

My foster sister Ayla is back! She has been released from the service program due to some health issues and our foster mom Jess decided to adopt her! I am so excited to be able to play with her every day, just like the old times.

July 2020 - 10 months old

I've found a good way to stay cool during the dog days of summer. I love swimming! I had surgery this month and have to wear this silly cone for a few weeks while I recover.

August 2020 - 11 months old

As I approach my second birthday, I know my time with Jess and the other dogs is coming to an end. Soon I'll be transitioning into the second stage of training.

Stage 2 Introduction

Wahoo!!! I have officially been entered into stage 2 training, and I am so excited! Over the past 8 months I have had the opportunity to see the RFI mission first hand, and can’t wait to dig deeper in the mission of changing lives through my training for veterans with disabilities and children with autism. During this Stage, I will work closely with the RFI professional training staff to solidify my understanding of intermediate tasks and the foundation of future commands to help mitigate a disability. Follow me through this stage learning how I continue to make an impact!

September 2020 - 1 year old!

My hardest "see ya later" to date - thank you, Jess, for all you've provided me with over the last 10 months! I have learned so much from you and my foster siblings. I hope to continue to make you proud as I go on to the next step in training! I was able to meet my new handler, Sydney. She is a cadet with the ROTC at the University of Missouri. I'm excited to see what we are able to learn together!

October 2020 - 13 months old

I'm most likely the calmest, sweetest girl you'll ever meet. I'm very tolerant! I had my heart checked this month and got a healthy report! Yipee! I've mastered the "touch" command and coming when my name is called. I ran plenty of errands this month and as always, am happy to be spending time with Sydney.

December 2020 - 15 months old

This month I had the opportunity to spend a full weekend at the Thompson Foundation for Autism with my handler Sydney to meet children with Autism in the area and show them how a service dog can be a calming presence during times of high anxiety. This is truly my calling! Putting on my vest and snuggling up to children is what I was born to do.

February 2021 - 17 months old

I have a fun, new opportunity in a day program that I'm working into this month. I've been attending a therapist's office for a full day at a time, sitting with clients and helping them in whatever way they need. This is also a chance to learn how to remain under control throughout an entire work day. I'm so excited to be able to have an impact on the clients!

March 2021 - 18 months old

This month I spent a few days training on Wartburg College's campus with student handlers. It's a great new experience for my training to sit through quiet college classes, crowded cafeterias, and ignoring squirrels while walking outside.

April 2021 - 19 months old

I continue to go to the therapist's office as needed. It's great for my training, and even better for the clients!

May 2021 - 20 months old

I have been going to Wartburg College on week days with various trained student handlers. It's always fun to see other service dogs in training on campus!

June 2021 - 21 months old

I love playing outside between training sessions! I also took advantage of a photo opportunity with one of my favorite staff members, Hannah.