Indie

Placement | October 2020

Some people are afraid of change, but I'm excited for my new adventure! I will be living the rest of my days in a loving home with my wonderful puppy foster, Molly! The service path just wasn't for me. Now I'll be able to relax with my fur-ever friend! Thank you to all who helped me get to this point.

Indie's Journey

Stage 1 Introduction

Hello, I am Indie.  I am proud to have been selected to enter into the Retrieving Freedom training program.  My parents are “Zia” and "Dovah" of Golden Rule Retrievers. During this stage of training I will be spending approximately 8 months with my new volunteer foster, Molly. 

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'm settling in well to life with my foster, Molly. I love to cuddle and take lots of naps. First, we are focusing on my potty training, crate training, learning my name, and walking on a leash.

July 2019 - 3 months old

To prepare for the Fourth of July, I got my face trimmed and even got to wear this super cute bow! I did a really good job with the fireworks too.

September 2019 - 5 months old

 

I'm growing into a beautiful girl and getting lots of practice being out in public. I've learned to wear my vest and walk nicely on my leash even when there are distractions. Molly is a student at the University of Northern Iowa, so I am able to work on public training quite often. Walking across campus is exhausting, so I take a nice snooze once we arrive to class.

October 2019 - 6 months old 

  

I loved going to the pumpkin patch with my foster, Molly. I helped her pick out the perfect pumpkin to carve. I continue to work on all of my basic obedience commands such as "sit," "down," "here," and "place." Do you like my Halloween costume? I was an 80s girl!

November 2019 - 7 months old 

 

I continue to attend classes at the University of Northern Iowa and really enjoy going shopping with my Molly. I discovered puddles and love to splash in them. I'm still growing quite a bit, so naps are essential.

December 2019 - 8 months old 

 

This month brought lots of new adventures and experiences. I got to fly on a plane for the first time for a trip to Las Vegas, and I also took a trip to Lake Michigan!

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

 

This month I am heading to Mississippi to train with an inmate handler at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (CMCF). I had to say "see ya later" to my wonderful puppy raiser, Molly. She had to take one more photo with me in front of the Indiana St sign. She calls me Indiana when I am in trouble. I hope to see her again someday!

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

I'm learning so much with my trainer in Missouri! Here, I'm showing you the task "hold."

August 2020 - 16 months old

This month I transitioned back up to the Iowa facility to continue my training. 

September 2020 - 17 months old

     

I had the opportunity to reunite with my original puppy foster, Molly, this month! She gave me a makeover and we caught up on snuggles.