River

Placement | August 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 new best pal, Tyler! Unfortunately some behavioral issues came up which removed me from continuing through the service program. Now I'll be able to relax with my fur-ever friend! Thank you to all who helped me get to this point.

Sponsor Announcement

Retrieving Freedom staff have been working closely with the Danielsen family to help sponsor my training. Jo and her family graciously donated toward a Puppy Head Start Sponsorship, which provided them the opportunity to give me my wonderful name! I want to thank the Danielsen's from the bottom of my heart for their generosity toward my training. I hope to make them proud!!

River's Journey

Stage 1 Introduction

Hi, my name is River. I received my name from the generous donations from the Danielsen Family. I am proud to have been selected to enter into the Retrieving Freedom training program. My parents are "Winnie" who is fostered by the Epley family, and "Really" who is from Dickendall Labradors During this stage of training I spent approximately 1 month with my volunteer foster, Athena and I am now spending the remaining of my Stage 1 training with volunteer fosters, Kyle and Taylor.

During this time I will learn the basics of citizenship, public behavior, and basic obedience. I understand that it takes a very special dog to complete the program, as there is a high standard to become an official service dog at Retrieving Freedom. 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 who would like to follow my journey through the program.

September 2019 - 2 months old

 

I am spending time in the RFI Iowa facility before going into a foster home.

October 2019 - 3 months old

  

I am doing really well with the commands "sit" and "down" in many different environments. I would say I have a very spunky personality and love anyone I meet. My foster Athena is enjoying spending time with me!

November 2019 - 4 months old

I have transitioned foster homes and am now spending my days with Kyle and Taylor. Kyle works at RFI so I am able to go to work with him and see other dogs frequently! I am learning lots and growing like a weed. Stay tuned!

December 2019 - 5 months old

  

I got to meet Santa Paws with my fosters, Kyle and Taylor! He said I was a very good boy and made the nice list. I'm hoping for lots of treats!

January 2020 - 6 months old

 

I was able to spend the holidays meeting my fosters' extended family. They got me presents and I was very patient while everyone ate and opened gifts around me! I am settling into my personality and am told frequently how handsome I am becoming.

February 2020 - 7 months old

My breeding fosters, the Epley's, came to visit me at my new home in Sedalia, MO! They were able to tour the facility with my foster Kyle. I showed them how much I've grown up and learned since I last visited with them. I hope I'm making them proud!

March 2020 - 8 months old

Don't let my body language fool you - I love car rides! Car rides typically means I'm heading to train somewhere. Putting on my vest and getting to work is my favorite. I'm growing like a weed and excited to continue my training!

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! 

June 2020 - 10 months old

I have transitioned into formal training at the Iowa training facility. I work with the trainer each day, and get to play in my free time!