From Training to the Front Lines: Barney’s New Mission

Career-changed for drive and focus, Barney is now a FEMA-ready search dog with California Task Force 3

Barney and his handler Laura

It takes many loving hands to make a Retrieving Freedom Service Dog. Breeder fosters, Puppy Raisers, volunteers, and staff open their homes and hearts to change the lives of children with autism and Veterans with disabilities. Even with this strong support system, not every dog becomes a Service Dog. Some show us through the work they love that a different career suits them best.

Barney is a great example. Previously known as Ricky, he entered the RFI program in 2019 and was raised by a caring family in Sedalia. During puppy raising and professional training he showed powerful ball drive and a love for fetch. Our trainers recognized that these traits could excel in search work, so in early 2021 we partnered with the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation. After evaluation he was accepted into SDF’s program and donated by RFI. He completed training and now serves in search and rescue with his handler, Laura Canning, on California Task Force 3.

On September 13 in Menlo Park, California, Laura and Barney earned FEMA re-certification. In testing scenarios Barney located buried victims and delivered clear bark alerts, confirming their nationwide deployable status. That same weekend twelve SDF-trained teams achieved certification or re-certification across California and Utah task forces, a testament to rigorous training, trust, and teamwork.

Barney’s path shows what thoughtful career changes can do. Our goal is constant. Place each dog where they can make the greatest impact for Veterans with disabilities, children with autism, and communities in need. We are grateful to everyone who helped Barney along the way and to our partners at SDF for turning potential into real-world readiness.

Thank you for being part of the journey. Your support helps us prepare dogs for the roles where they can serve best, whether that is providing life-changing assistance or searching the rubble to bring someone home.