VGM visits RFI

The VGM Group has been noteworthy for a few years within Retrieving Freedom. Besides supporting veterans tremendously, employees of VGM have taken it upon themselves to support each moving piece of the organization. 

In October of 2015, CEO and Founder Van G. Miller suddenly passed away. Having just purchased a new Goldendoodle puppy a few months prior, Van's family and friends decided to reach out to Retrieving Freedom in hopes that the puppy could be trained as a service dog. Honoring Van's memory, Retrieving Freedom began training "Daisy" just weeks later. 

Fast forward to April of 2016. Daisy and her trainer are working at a Retrieving Freedom graduation event, where comedian and veteran Bobby Henline was performing. He never considered himself a suitable candidate for a service dog, but after a glance of the beautiful black Goldendoodle, Bobby wanted to get to know her. 

The two trained together off and on during Bobby's many visits to Iowa over the next year. While Bobby was away, Daisy spent every Friday at VGM's office in Waterloo, Iowa training with employees and preparing herself for the working world. Daisy began home visits to Texas with Bobby and in May of 2017 the duo returned to Iowa where they officially graduated as a successful pair. Many VGM employees stayed connected throughout Daisy's two years of training and congratulated Bobby at the graduation event. Since then, they have traveled the country together and continue to help one another day in, and day out. 

It doesn't stop there. 

Also at the May 2017 event, two new puppies were presented to begin their training as future service dogs. VGM chose to sponsor one of the pups, which granted them automatic naming rights. The now one and a half year old chocolate lab was named "Vienna" and has recently begun working with a veteran. 

Meanwhile, VGM continues to stay involved with Retrieving Freedom. Staff of Retrieving Freedom has visited VGM on different occasions with service dogs in training to give programs and updates. VGM staff has also visited Retrieving Freedom to volunteer their time and abilities. In July of 2018, VGM raised hundreds of dollars to donate to Retrieving Freedom through their Jeans Day!

We are so thankful for the opportunities that lie within these partnerships. A sincere thank you goes out to everyone involved!

VGM staff and service dog in training, Daisy.

Service dog in training Daisy and her office mate and trainer, Katie.

Service dog Daisy and her other half, veteran Bobby Henline.

Daisy and Bobby.

VGM employees volunteering at Retrieving Freedom. The dog in the center is Vienna.