Gemma

Gemma's Journey

Stage 1 Introduction

Hey there, my name is Gemma. I am proud to have been selected to enter into the Retrieving Freedom training program.  My parents are "Gracie" who is originally from Kerrybrook Labradors and is now fostered by the Ingersoll family and "Trout" from Kerrybrook 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 2020 - 2 months old

         

This month I transitioned from my wonderful breeding foster home to my new puppy raisers! Josh, Tiffany, and their family will teach me so much over the next several months. First, we will work on learning my name, potty training, walking on a leash, and crate training!

July 2020 - 3 months old

    

My favorite things are playing outside and taking a long nap afterward. I'm able to put on my vest and work every day, but I still haven't quite figured out what it symbolizes.

August 2020 - 4 months old

   

I'm still really good at taking long naps! My family says my personality is blooming and it's fun to see what piques my curiosity.

September 2020 - 5 months old

          

My foster family has another dog named Turner. They say he's a graduated service dog for my foster dad, Josh. They've been together for three years! It's beneficial to watch Turner every day and learn the ropes from him on how a proper service dog is supposed to act. I've also been attending training sessions at Retrieving Freedom with my handler!

October 2020 - 6 months old

 

My fosters and I attended a Halloween-themed training class at the Retrieving Freedom facility. They say I couldn't "bee" any cuter!

November 2020 - 7 months old

  

The days are long, but the weeks are short. I know I'll be transitioning into the next phase of training within the next few months, but I want to keep working with my foster family! When possible, I go to work at a veterinary clinic with my foster Josh. I love it there! It helps me to work on ignoring distractions, staying calm when meeting strangers, and relaxing throughout an entire work day.

December 2020 - 8 months old

   

Transitioning into the next stage of training will be difficult - I'm very attached to my foster Tiffany! She and I are best friends. We continue monthly training sessions at Retrieving Freedom. Though I'm not growing much physically (I'm a peanut!), it's obvious I'm learning a lot.

Stage 2 Introduction

Woohoo! I have officially been entered into the second of training, and I am so excited!  Over the past several 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 2021 - 9 months old

 

This month I had to say a really tough "see ya later" to my amazing foster family with Josh, Tiffany, and their kids. I can't express enough how thankful I am that they took me in as a puppy, gave me so many wonderful experiences, and gave me the best foundation to continue my training.

February 2021 - 10 months old

    

I was able to meet my new handler, Kylie! It's been a bit of an adjustment learning my new surroundings and Kylie's schedule. I'm pretty timid and loud noises startle me. I'm starting to come out of my shell, working on commands that I know and being introduced to new ones! I'm a rock star at minding manners when Kylie is eating, completely ignoring her food and not begging at all. I'm working on slowing my speed when it comes to going up and down stairs, and not barking when I'm scared of strangers. I am easily distracted, so Kylie and I purposefully train in parks where there are lots of possible distractions around. I'm doing great at keeping focus on Kylie!

March 2021 - 11 months old

 

Kylie and I have been going on hikes now that the weather is nicer. I'm loving extra time in the outdoors! I have been progressing a lot on commands such as "left" and "front."

April 2021 - 1 year old!

  

I continue to work on the "left" command and have been doing a great job at targeting and touching my nose to objects or against a wall. I traveled with Kylie all the way back to her home in Chicago. I behaved perfectly in the long car ride and got along well with her dog at home! I've picked up a new bad habit this month: barking. We are working with the trainers to try to figure out what makes me want to randomly bark here and there. 

May 2021 - 13 months old

 

I am such a patient girl! Each time I travel somewhere, I just curl up and wait patiently for the next task. My friends in training and I are sure to take a play break between training sessions. This month I had to say another tough "see ya later" to my buddy Kylie at Mizzou. I can't thank her enough for all she's taught me!

June 2021 - 14 months old

 

Each week I participate in Impact Programs, which helps with my training. Most recently I have been attending Citizens Against Spousal Abuse (CASA) where I enjoy sitting in on sessions with clients and therapists, practicing training commands and offering emotional support. 

July 2021 - 15 months old

My trainers are impressed with the progress I've been making lately!