Venus

Placement | July 2021

Some are nervous for change, but I'm excited for my future! My trainers had to make the difficult decision to remove me from the service training program. Fortunately, a wonderful family has decided to adopt me! I'm excited to live the rest of my days loving on Shelby and her family. Thanks to all who helped us get to this point!

Venus' Journey

Stage 1 Introduction

Hello, I'm Venus! I am proud to have been selected to enter into the Retrieving Freedom training program. My parents are "Winnie" who is originally from Kerrybrook Labradors and is now fostered by the Epley family, and "Really" from Dickendall Labradors. During this stage of training I will be spending approximately 8 months with my new volunteer foster at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center (IMCC).

Throughout Stage 1, I will learn the basics of 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 regular basis for all who would like to follow my journey through the program.

September 2019 - 2 months old

This month I left my wonderful breeding foster home to travel to work with my new puppy raiser at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center (IMCC). I will miss my first family immensely, but I'm excited to see what the next 8-10 months with my new handler will teach me!

January 2020 - 6 months old

Here, I am training with all of my friends from Retrieving Freedom who are also in the program at IMCC. I'm second from the back. My handler and the professional trainers from RFI can't hardly believe how big I am getting!

February 2020 - 7 months old

Here I am working on the "place" command, which is where I have to hold a position until my handler tells me it's okay to move. Look how I maintain eye contact with my handler! We have been learning lots together over the last 5 months.

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!

September 2020 - 14 months old

   

I have transitioned out of the Iowa Medical and Classification Center and into the next phase of my training at Iowa State University! My new handler Dea and I will work together this semester to increase my socialization on campus, introduce me to new tasks and commands, and overall expand my horizons. I am excited to see what we can accomplish together!

October 2020 - 15 months old

      

Unfortunately Dea is no longer able to work with me, so I've entered formal training at the Retrieving Freedom facility in Iowa for a bit. I'll work with the trainers there to fine tune some of my skills! I spent a weekend with a foster named Megan. We worked in public quite a bit and I behaved perfectly. I waited patiently while Megan found what she needed at each store.

November 2020 - 16 months old

      

My training is coming along nicely! I've been making big strides lately. I'm back at Iowa State with a new handler and together we took advantage of the beautiful fall weather this month for a photo opportunity on campus.

December 2020 - 17 months old

January 2021 - 18 months old

     

This month I had to say a tough "see ya later" to my Iowa State student handler, Grace. I transitioned into formal training at the facility and have been working with my trainer from the professional training staff. I can't thank Grace enough for all she's taught me over the past few months! I hope to see her again someday.

February 2021 - 19 months old

March 2021 - 20 months old

    

I took part in a St. Patrick's Day photo shoot this month!

April 2021 - 21 months old

I am so happy the weather is warming up again! My favorite thing in the world is playing fetch outside. 

May 2021 - 22 months old

     

I have been training at Wartburg College during the week days with student handlers. This is a great way to give me experiences on another college campus.