Blaze

Blaze's Journey

Stage 1 Introduction

Hello, my name is Blaze. I am proud to have been selected to enter into the Retrieving Freedom training program. My parents are "Gracie" from Kerrybrook Labradors, fostered by the Ingersoll family, and "Wally" from RidgeView Labradors. During this stage of training I will be spending approximately 8 months with my new volunteer foster, Lindsay.

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. 

November 2019 - 2 months old

 

I just got into my foster home and I am learning so many things! First of all, I am learning my name. I am also learning the command "sit" and where to potty. I attend Wartburg College with my foster Lindsay. Right now, I am also learning what is appropriate to chew on like bones and my puppy toys. 

December - 3 months old

 

I'm starting to get the hang of "sit" and even found this strange copy cat dog. I think I'm cuter though. My foster Lindsay is already teaching me so much!

March 2020 - 5 months old

Lindsay has found that the tennis courts are a great place for me to burn extra energy - a fenced in area where I can run! I've learned that my vest is on when I'm working, and it's off when I'm able to play. We are taking advantage of the weather warming up!

April 2020 - 6 months old

  

Because of the global pandemic, Lindsay and I had to move home. I am settling right in with my new favorite napping spot - the couch.

May 2020 - 7 months old

I have to stay in routine by putting on my working gear (vest!) and going out to train each day in order to keep my skills sharp.

June 2020 - 8 months old

 

Who needs to be clean, anyway? I love rolling around in the backyard and playing fetch when I'm off the clock!

July 2020 - 9 months old

 

Say hello to my best friend for the summer! Lindsay and I are enjoying the final few weeks of summer before heading back to college.

August 2020 - 11 months old

   

This month, my foster Lindsay and I moved back into college - Go Knights! Her roommate was able to take some beautiful photos of the two of us. Thanks, MuggShot Photography by Kaylin Muggler!

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!

  

This month I had to say a difficult "see ya later" to my amazing foster, Lindsay. We spent every day over the past 10 months growing, learning together, and teaching one another more than we could have imagined. I hope she realizes how great of a start to this journey she gave me, and I hope to continue to make her proud! For now, I will travel to the University of Missouri to work with a student for the next semester. Let's see what I can learn at Mizzou with my new handler, Kylie!

October 2020 - 13 months old

   

I've begun going to classes on campus with Kylie, where I take a good snooze and ignoring everything going on around me. I listen attentively when we are training in public and keep my focus on my handler at all times. Although I perform all commands that are asked of me, I do it fairly slowly. Kylie is trying to find a way to make things more snappy! When she is stressed or overwhelmed, I tend to lay my head in her lap to remind her that I'm here for her. I'll make a great companion someday!

November 2020 - 14 months old

   

My handlers and I were the star of a video this month! Check it out here: https://showme.missouri.edu/2020/canine-companions/?fbclid=IwAR2rNzF7mysPYw2e8rb6Be8o86bHGHCMm65FF0KLgzhshC6WpYWTcpxPbiA

December 2020 - 15 months old

I can't thank my handlers at Mizzou enough for all they've provided me with over the past three months! I learned so much and gained new experiences that I wouldn't have had otherwise. This month I transitioned into formal training at the Retrieving Freedom facility so I can work on particular tasks with my trainers.

January 2021 - 16 months old

 

I have been working consistently with my trainer on various tasks in order to better assist a recipient in the future! Lately we have been working on retrieving items, specifically in distracting environments. I'm doing great, so far! 

February 2021 - 17 months old

   

This month I was able to transition to the Iowa facility and reunite with my foster Lindsay. It was so good to see her and get some play time in together!

March 2021 - 18 months old

   

I have been attending a 2nd grade classroom. This is a mutually beneficial relationship. The students are learning from me to be patient, wait your turn, and why service dogs are so important and helpful. I'm learning from the students how to properly behave in a classroom environment. This could potentially help me in the future if I'm placed as a service dog for a child with Autism who needs my help at school!

April 2021 - 19 months old

       

Now that the snow is gone and the sun has come back out, I've been enjoying outdoor play sessions with other service dogs in training! I continue to go to school one day per week to interact with my favorite second grade students. This has been beneficial in my training! Other days, I go to Wartburg College and work with student handlers. It's nice to get a change of environment and work on campus!

May 2021 - 20 months old

    

The school year is coming to a close. I will miss my second grade buddies! I have spent every Monday with them for several months; they have helped tremendously with my training and I'm sure I've taught them important lessons as well. My service dog friend in training, Rose, came to school with me one day. 

June 2021 - 21 months old

 

I have been working on a lot of Autism-focused tasks. My trainer thinks I will make a wonderful Autism Service Dog! Here I am performing the "crash" command, which will help calm a child down during times of high anxiety or overstimulation.

July 2021 - 22 months old

  

I've been working with one client in particular and am looking forward to spending more time with them!