Vera

Vera's Journey

Stage 1 Introduction

Hi there, my name is Vera! I am proud to have been selected to enter into the Retrieving Freedom training program from RidgeView Labradors. During this stage of training I will be spending approximately 8 months with my new volunteer foster, Madalynn. 

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. 

November 2020 - 7 weeks old

   

This month I transitioned into my new volunteer foster home! The first things I will work on are learning my new name, potty training, crate training, and walking on a leash!

December 2020 - 2 months old

       

I've been getting into a routine with my fosters! I have a foster sister named Cora who is another service dog in training with Retrieving Freedom. She shows me tips and tricks for how good dogs behave. I'm learning a lot from her already! I attended my first puppy class at the facility and was tempted to play with all the other dogs. It's hard for me to focus for a long period of time, but I know I'll get better as I grow older!

January 2021 - 3 months old

     

I would play in the snow all day, if Madalynn would let me! One of my strongest qualities in training so far is how I hold eye contact with my handler. My foster sister Cora, another service dog in training, is moving on to the next phase of training this month. I will miss her and am so thankful I've been able to learn by watching her the past two months!

February 2021 - 4 months old

            

I have been getting used to being on the college campus with Madalynn. Now that my foster sister Cora has moved into the next stage of training, I'll have lots of one-on-one training time with Madalynn to advance my tasks and obedience. This month I went on my first public training experience and did great! I visited a donut shop and go to classes consistently with Madalynn.

March 2021 - 5 months old

          

Madalynn and I trained at a local park so I could experience various textures, and understand not to be afraid of them. I did great! I'm working on mastering a solid recall, coming to Madalynn when my name is called, no matter how distracting my surroundings may be.

April 2021 - 6 months old

                 

Can you believe I'm a half a year old already? I went to my first LAX game to cheer on Madalynn. We then celebrated Easter together where I didn't mind wearing a bunny outfit for a good photo opportunity. I no longer whine during class time at Wartburg College when I appear to be board; rather I simply settle in for a nap. I'm doing great with loose leash walk in and did my first simulated turn in at the training facility!

May 2021 - 7 months old

    

Madalynn and I had to say a very difficult "see ya later" this month, as I transitioned fosters and now live with a girl named Grace. She will be working with me for the next few months before I turn in for formal training. Madalynn is going to partake in a program called Camp Southern Ground, where she will work with a new service dog in training. I'll miss her so much and can't wait to see her again someday! Thanks for everything, Madalynn and family!

June 2021 - 8 months old

   

I have been working with a new foster named Grace. We have a lot of fun together and I've experience quite a few new surroundings, in a new city! When I visited the Retrieving Freedom facility this month, I went across the new suspension bridge. It was a little intimidating at first but with some guidance and confidence (and treats!) from Grace, I was running across it without fear in no time.

Stage 2 Introduction

Woohoo! I have officially been entered into stage 2 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 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! 

July 2021 - 9 months old

 

This month I had another difficult "see ya later" - this time with Grace. I'm so thankful for the extra time and energy she put into my training for the last few months! It's time I turned in for official formal training at the Retrieving Freedom facility. I'll begin working with the professional training staff on new tasks, obedience, and going on public outings.