Cory and his Veteran Service Dog Opal: A Bond Built on Trust and Companionship

Retrieving Freedom is proud to celebrate another remarkable milestone.

Cory Finzen and his Service Dog, Opal, have officially passed their Public Access Test and are now a placed team!

Since joining Cory’s family, Opal has made herself right at home. Her affectionate personality shines through in everything she does, and she has already brought a new sense of calm and connection to Cory’s daily life. Whether accompanying him through daily routines or relaxing with the family, Opal’s steady presence is a constant source of comfort and support.

Opal is also enjoying her new family, which includes a few furry siblings. She has quickly become friends with the other pets in the home and is working hard to win over the cats—something Cory is confident she will accomplish soon!

Service Dogs like Opal undergo more than two years of training to meet the individual needs of their partners. For Veterans with disabilities, they offer practical assistance, emotional stability, and the confidence to live more independently. Each successful placement represents countless hours of dedication from trainers, volunteers, fosters, and donors who make Retrieving Freedom’s mission possible.

Congratulations to Cory and Opal on this exciting new chapter together. Their partnership is a powerful reminder of how Service Dogs change lives every single day.

Your support helps make stories like Cory and Opal’s possible.Join us in changing lives for Veterans with disabilities and children with autism.