Suri

Suri's Journey

Stage 1 Introduction

Hi! My name is Suri. 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 foster, Brandon.

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 in Iowa to my new puppy foster home in Missouri. Brandon and I will learn a lot together over the next several months! He has another dog named Delilah who I have settled in nicely with!

July 2020 - 3 months old

 

I had my first experience with fireworks this month! I didn't care for them too much while I was outside and could hear them loudly, but as long as I was inside, they didn't bother me. I'm working on staying calm in a "sit" command while meeting new friends. So far, I'm doing great! I am very friendly and am not seeking the attention. I was able to practice this at the Grand Opening of the new RFI - Missouri facility.

August 2020 - 4 months old

 

Work hard, nap harder. Brandon and I have been busy going for walks to work on my heeling and walking appropriately on a leash. We've also been training at restaurants and out in public. 

September 2020 - 5 months old

I'm getting used to working in public and remaining calm when other shoppers are near. I have begun a habit of barking, which I am learning to control in certain settings. For example, I'm great at not barking in my kennel, but I need to learn to keep my barking to a minimum when Brandon and I go for car rides.

October 2020 - 6 months old

 

I've made improvements in the past month and no longer whine in the car! Brandon and I go into public 2-3 times per week for shopping and to be exposed to various environments. I heel perfectly next to him! We even participated in a parade to support the local animal shelter and I remained focused on him the whole time. My favorite part of each day is when I am able to relax lovingly when Brandon puts me into the cradle position.

November 2020 - 7 months old

Brandon and I were able to interact with my siblings at monthly foster training class! Here I am pictured with my sister Daphne.

December 2020 - 8 months old

   

I just love catching up with my siblings! We had a great training session with the professional staff at Retrieving Freedom and took advantage of a photo opportunity together in front of the beautiful Christmas tree. I continue to work with Brandon on patience while going through doorways and being approached by strangers. I'm getting really good at coming when my name is called on the long lead outside! 

January 2021 - 9 months old

 

As Brandon and I continue to train in public running errands throughout the week, he's noticed that I'm great at ignoring other shoppers unless they try to give attention to me. He makes sure that I am calm and holding the "sit" command before they greet me. I'm working on holding the "place" command for longer periods of time. 

February 2021 - 10 months old

   

I completed a simulated turn in this month at the Retrieving Freedom facility. This is basically a three day sleepover where I practice spending time away from my foster Brandon. It was a bit stressful, but I'll continue to make progress and hopefully be less stressed at my next simulated turn in, in a few weeks! I'm working on recall on a long line, and have been doing great at holding commands while lots of distractions are going on around me.

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! 

March 2021 - 11 months old

   

This month, after 9 wonderful months with Brandon, we had to say a difficult "see ya later" as I transition into formal training. I can't thank Brandon enough for all he's taught me, the experiences he's provided, and the guidance he's given! I will miss my buddy Delilah, but know it's time I move on to advance my training. Next, I'll be traveling to the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility to work with a Veteran handler for a few months. I won't be able to provide updates while I'm there, but I'm looking forward updating you when I return!

April 2021 - 1 year old!

Although I can't send photo updates from CMCF, I'm happy to report that I was appropriately spoiled on my first birthday! I will head back to the training facility in June and can't wait to update you then!

June 2021 - 14 months old

I have finished with my time training at CMCF and am now settling back in to the Retrieving Freedom training facility. I'm excited to show the trainers all that I've learned!