Andy and Atlas' Story

Placement | June 2021

Atlas has passed all necessary testing and is an official Service Dog Team with his new best pal, Andy! Andy is looking forward to getting out into public more and taking Atlas to concerts and the renaissance fair. We are excited to watch this team continue to conquer new challenges together!

Atlas' Journey

Stage 1 Introduction

Hello, I am Atlas. I am proud to have been selected to enter into the Retrieving Freedom training program. My parents are “Lacie” who is fostered by Sara, and "Seal" from RidgeView Labradors. During this stage of training I will be spending approximately 8 months with my new volunteer fosters, Josh and Tiffany.

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 a 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.

June 2019 - 2 months old

I entered my foster home this month! I'm excited to see what I can learn along Josh, Tiffany, and their family. First we will work on crate training, walking on a leash, potty training, and learning my name.

December 2019 - 8 months old

I am going to miss my foster family so much! I've matured so much with them over the last 6 months. I hope they know how thankful I am for all they've taught me!

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 also 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!

January 2020 - 9 months old

I am heading to the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility to work with an inmate handler. We will have plenty of time to work together on tasks and advancing everything I know. I can't wait to update you all in a few months on what I've been up to!

June 2020 - 14 months old

This month I transitioned out of the correctional facility in Mississippi, and entered full time training at the RFI facility in Missouri!

July 2020 - 15 months old

This month I was reunited with my breeding foster, Sara. She owns my mom, Lacie. We took advantage of a photo opportunity with my brother, Dexter!

October 2020 - 18 months old

On the weekends, I go into weekend foster homes! This is a great way to relax after a long week of training. On one particular weekend this month, I had the opportunity to go to a volleyball tournament and lay under the table while my foster did the scoring. I never became restless or distracting toward my handler!

November 2020 - 19 months old

This month I went into weekend foster homes where I was able to relax and rejuvenate after a long week of training. I need to work on not barking at other dogs I come across when out for walks. Other than that, I am doing great - especially when my vest is on!

December 2020 - 20 months old

I went home over Christmas with a Holiday Foster family and was an absolute ham for them! I love posing for photos. We had so much fun together and it was nice to take a longer break from training! Thanks to my foster Nicki for these awesome photos.

January 2021 - 21 months old

I'm working with my trainer each day during the week in order to best prepare for the third and final stage of training. I'm great at shifting gears, going from play to work and vice versa well. I'm working on focusing when heeling outside - I get so excited and just want to run.

February 2021 - 22 months old

My trainers made the decision to transfer me back to the Iowa facility to continue my training. We are all hoping that I'm able to pass the qualifying tests and move into the third and final stage of the program soon!

March 2021 - 23 months old

I'm working diligently to pass my test to get into the third and final stage of training. I tend to whine sometimes, so I've been working on controlling that impulse. Sometimes I get distracted when there's a lot going on around me, and like to play keep-away when I have a toy. Now that the snow is gone and the sun has been shining, I've been enjoying daily outdoor play sessions with other service dogs in training!

April 2021 - 2 years old!

I turned two this month! I have been working diligently on specific tasks with my trainer and keeping focus while practicing these new tasks in public places. I am hoping to pass my retrieve test real soon.