When Matthew brought Hansen home, someone very important was waiting at the door. His first Service Dog, Goon.

We are happy to announce that Paige, Erica, and Copper passed their Public Access Test and are officially a placed team! At Retrieving Freedom, every Service Dog spends a minimum of two years in training, preparing for the moment they meet their partner. For Copper, that moment came after a week of hard work with Paige and Erica, and we could not be prouder of all three of them for everything they accomplished together. Paige is so excited for Copper to welcome her when she g

Roman and Kita are a placed team! See how a service dog for children with autism helped Roman stay safe while doing what he loves most, helping his mom.

We are excited to share the story of Lexi and Holland, a placement that has already shown just how life-changing a Service Dog can be. At Retrieving Freedom, every Service Dog spends a minimum of two years in training, preparing for the moment they meet their partner. For Holland, that moment came with an unexpected challenge. Just days after arriving home, Lexi needed bilateral knee surgery. Holland stepped into her role without missing a beat. From the very beginning, Holla

Itty's most important job is being there for William. She provides deep pressure therapy in the times he needs it most, offering calm and comfort when the world feels overwhelming.

Some Veterans know exactly what a Service Dog can do for them, because they have lived it before. Ricky is one of them.

Shane and Image were matched on personality, and it showed from day one. Both easy-going. Both kind. The kind of pairing that does not need much explaining once you see them together. By the end of the week, Shane had earned his Service Dog and Image had found his person. What stood out most about Shane this week was his growth. He improved more than any other handler in class, meeting every challenge thrown at him with patience and steady focus. Training is not always easy.

A seven-month-old baby girl giggled at a FaceTime screen. On the other end was her dad, Dan, with his new Service Dog Kato pressed in close beside him. That moment, captured mid-training, is the kind that reminds us exactly who we are doing this work for.

Before Thomas ever brought Irwin home, he had already bought him a bed, a bone, and a ramp for climbing into the truck. That tells you everything you need to know about how Thomas felt the moment he was matched with his Service Dog.

For Nichol, simple movements that most people never think about can feel like obstacles.

Rex told us he is incredibly happy and grateful to have Lenny in his home. That gratitude is mutual. We give a piece of our heart to every dog we raise and train, but watching one step into his purpose and change a Veteran's life is the reason we do this work.

Retrieving Freedom is proud to celebrate the placement of Alena and her Service Dog, Zuma, who are now officially a working team.

Retrieving Freedom is proud to celebrate the successful partnership of Vern and his Service Dog, Niko, who have officially passed their Public Access Test and are now a working team.

Retrieving Freedom is proud to celebrate the successful partnership of Leah and her Service Dog, Hero, who have officially passed their Public Access Test and are now a working team.

As we reflect on the impact of our work in 2025, we are proud to share the story of Elliott and Frosty, a partnership that marked our final Service Dog placement of the year.

Retrieving Freedom is excited to celebrate the success of Matt and his Service Dog, Zander, who have officially passed their Public Access Test and are now a placed team.

Retrieving Freedom is thrilled to share the exciting news that Braxton and his Service Dog, Elton, are now officially a placed team!

Retrieving Freedom is proud to celebrate another incredible milestone. Daniel and his Service Dog, Wrangler, have officially passed their Public Access Test and are now a working team! Since joining Daniel’s family, Wrangler has quickly proven to be a blessing in every way. He is fitting right in on the Avegalio farm, where life is full of energy, laughter, and plenty of animal friends. Wrangler has bonded closely with Daniel’s kids, who absolutely adore him, and he has also

Retrieving Freedom is thrilled to announce that Norah and her Service Dog, Porter, have officially passed their Public Access Test and are now a placed team! Before Porter came into her life, Norah often found daily routines and outings overwhelming. Attending her big sister’s volleyball games, for example, wasn’t possible. Now, with Porter by her side, Norah can participate in those moments—feeling calm, confident, and supported. Porter loves being near her, and Norah finds

Retrieving Freedom is proud to celebrate a wonderful milestone— Hudson and his Service Dog, Fiji, have officially passed their Public Access Test and are now a placed team! From the moment they met, it was clear Hudson and Fiji shared something special. The two quickly bonded over their love of watching trucks and trains—two of Hudson’s favorite things—and have become inseparable ever since. Whether exploring together or taking on everyday routines, Fiji has been by Hudson’s