Java

Java's Journey

Stage 1 Introduction

Hi! My name is Java. I am proud to have been selected to enter into the Retrieving Freedom training program. My parents are "Annie" who is originally from Kerrybrook Labradors and is now fostered by the Card family, and "Stone" of Oasis Labradors. During this stage of training I will be spending approximately 8 months with my new volunteer foster, Alison.

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.

May 2020 - 2 months old

I moved in with my foster, Alison, a couple of weeks ago. Her family includes her husband, four kids, and a corgi. So far I'm a big fan of all of them! I have already learned "sit," "down," "heel," to wait for my turn when going through doors, and to wait patiently for my food. I'm working hard at potty training and I like my crate so much that I sleep in it all night without any whining! I'm also working on walking on a leash. I'm pretty good at it until Alison puts the gentle leader on my nose but she says I'm doing much better with that. I really like playing in water! I try to jump in the tub with my 2 year old human and splash my water bowl everywhere so I can go play. Alison's husband gave me my very own pool and I LOVE it!

June 2020 - 3 months old

My foster family is convinced I'm part lab and part mermaid. I jump in the bathtub every chance I get, regardless of it being empty or occupied! I've learned my basic commands and am working on increasing my duration and ignoring distractions around me. My puppy sibling, Gabbie, likes to be close while I train but I barely notice her when I'm in the zone! When I'm not playing or working, you can find me staying cool on top of a cold air vent with my corgi friends or munching on a frozen watermelon treat.

July 2020 - 4 months old

I visited Retrieving Freedom for a training session. They are impressed with my progress over the last few weeks! My puppy sibling Gabby and I are getting along great. I'm teaching her how to be a polite puppy. I have an adventurous spirit and love to investigate my surroundings. I was so excited to receive my first King Box this month, and I recently had my first sleepover with new friends! They took me to the mall and out swimming. I used to struggle with motion sickness but it has gotten much better and I don't whine in the car anymore. I'm still working to ignore distractions and to be patient. My littlest foster, Finley, likes to play veterinarian so Alison puts me in the "down" position and I stay for Finley's exams until Alison tells me I'm free. Those exams always end with a kiss and Finley telling me I'm pretty.

August 2020 - 5 months old

I've been keeping busy working on all of my skills and growing in strength in confidence. And growing in general - I outgrew my puppy vest! I really enjoy my puppy classes at the RFI facility. One of my recent homework assignments is what my foster mom calls human bingo - I get to meet all kinds of different people and when I can be calm, they pet me! My littlest foster likes to take me on walks around the house and play fetch. She's not very big so I have to be gentle.

September 2020 - 6 months old

I'm practicing wearing this doggy diaper so I'm used to it by the time I come into heat! Purple is definitely my color. My monthly Kong Box didn't fail to bring a smile to my face! I'm a little leery of strangers when they're off in the distance. I'm learning to master walking on new surfaces, especially the various ones around playgrounds.

October 2020 - 7 months old

My foster Alison was creative in practicing "leave it" with me, where I ignore whatever is tempting me. In this case, it was a whole bunch of my favorite treats spelled out in my name! I performed exactly as I was supposed to, and was rewarded with treats afterward.

November 2020 - 8 months old

I paid respect to veterans at the local town square, where hundreds of flags were on display to honor those who have served. I played the "leave it challenge" with my human sister - I had to leave a treat alone and she had to leave a Christmas gift alone. Any guesses who won?! (Hint: me) I have just a few weeks left with my foster family before moving on to my next phase of training!

Stage 2 Introduction

Wahoo!!! I have officially been entered into the second stage of 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!

December 2020 - 9 months old

This month I went to an event with Alison where we volunteered near another service dog in training named Delta and his foster, Jess! We worked on ignoring distractions, appropriately greeting strangers, and maintaining focus on our handlers. My amazing foster Alison and I then attended our final puppy class together before I transitioned into the next training program. I am going to miss her and the rest of our family so much! I can't thank them enough for all they've taught me throughout our time together. For the next few months I will be training with a handler at Central Mississippi Correctional Facility. I won't be able to give updates while I'm there, but I'll look forward to updating you when I return to the training facility!

March 2021 - 1 year old!

Happy first birthday to me! I spent the month transitioning out of CMCF and back to the training facility. I worked with the trainer in Missouri for a bit before transitioning to the Iowa training facility. I'm excited to begin working in public again and learning new tasks!

April 2021 - 13 months old

I was reunited with my favorite tiny humans for four-legged friends! My puppy raiser Alison brought me home for a week and we didn't skip a beat - we got right into training, task work, and play time in between! I settled in and got all the excitement out pretty quickly. I laid on my place board for an hour while everyone played around me. Although I wanted to join in, I maintained my command and was rewarded for doing so! I need to work on not counter surfing and searching for food. This is a bad habit that my trainers and handlers are actively working on breaking!

May 2021 - 14 months old

I attended my first in-person worship event. I stayed put and quietly laid under the pew, making consistent eye contact with Alison. Many people said that if they hadn't seen me walk in or out of the sanctuary, they never would have known I was there. That's the overall goal! I went to a soccer game where I ignored other spectators, and no longer attempt to counter surf in the kitchen! I have also been going to classes at Wartburg College with trained student handlers. This is another way to gain great experiences!

June 2021 - 15 months old

I went to the office with Alison this month. I was excited to see some people but maintained my "sit" and waited patiently while they greeted me. I'm making a little bit of progress and showing self-control while out in public and spotting something or someone I want to bark at. Alison and I saw another service dog at the store and I surprised her by touching my nose to her hand instead of paying the other dog any attention!

July 2021 - 16 months old

I always make sure to take time to play outside! This is good to break up training sessions and refocus my energy.