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Open Tours Every 3rd Tuesday of Each Month, 1-2 PM, MO & IA Locations Cheers for Change events (formerly known as the Brewery Tour) is expanding to include breweries, wineries, distilleries, bars, and other venues in Missouri and Iowa!

Veteran Program
Get a closer look at how our Service Dogs are making a difference in the lives of Veterans. In this section, you’ll find stories of real people gaining independence, rebuilding confidence, and finding hope again. It’s all about the powerful connections formed and the life-changing moments your support helps create.


Ricky and Fiji: A Service Dog for This Veteran Picks Up Where Milo Left Off
Some Veterans know exactly what a Service Dog can do for them, because they have lived it before. Ricky is one of them.
Retrieving Freedom
6 days ago2 min read


Shane and Image: A Service Dog for This Veteran Rides Shotgun
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.
Retrieving Freedom
Jun 42 min read


Dan and Kato: A Service Dog for This Veteran Heads Home
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.
Retrieving Freedom
Jun 42 min read


Service Dog for Veterans: Thomas and Irwin's Story
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.
Retrieving Freedom
Jun 42 min read


Nichol and Vinnie: A Service Dog for Veterans with PTSD Steps Into His Purpose
On his first night home, Vinnie interrupted Nichol's nightmare. Read how this Veteran and her service dog became an unstoppable team from day one.
Retrieving Freedom
Apr 302 min read


Meet Lenny, a Service Dog for Veterans with PTSD, and His Veteran Rex
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
Apr 302 min read


Vern and Niko: A Partnership Full of Energy and Connection
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
Apr 21 min read


Matt and Zander: A New Partnership Off to an Incredible Start
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
Dec 8, 20251 min read


Braxton and Elton: A New Partnership Built on Trust and Experience
Retrieving Freedom is thrilled to share the exciting news that Braxton and his Service Dog, Elton, are now officially a placed team!
Retrieving Freedom
Nov 10, 20252 min read


Daniel and Wrangler: A Perfect Match on the Farm and Beyond
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
Oct 29, 20252 min read


Chris and His Veteran Service Dog Yoshi
We’re proud to announce that Chris and his Service Dog, Yoshi, have successfully passed their Public Access Test and are now an official...
Retrieving Freedom
Jul 24, 20251 min read


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,
Retrieving Freedom
Jul 18, 20251 min read


Retrieving Freedom Veteran client Kevin and his Service Dog Lilly!
Lilly gazes at Kevin with immense affection, ready to tackle any task he might ask of her. Kevin is looking forward to visiting places he previously avoided, confident that Lilly will always be by his side.
Retrieving Freedom
Apr 30, 20251 min read


Brian and His Veteran Service Dog Roulette: A Team Ready for Adventure
Retrieving Freedom is excited to share the story of Brian and his Service Dog, Roulette, a team that continues to shine together.
Retrieving Freedom
Apr 22, 20251 min read


Chris and his Veteran Service Dog Loni
In April, Chris and his Service Dog Loni reached an incredible milestone as they successfully passed their Public Access Test and became an official Service Dog team. From the start, it was clear that Chris and Loni were meant to be together. Loni quickly earned the nickname “little shadow” because he is rarely more than a few steps away from Chris. Their bond grew through shared experiences, trust, and dedication throughout training. At home, Loni fits right in with the rest
Retrieving Freedom
Apr 22, 20251 min read


Justin and his Veteran Service Dog Barley!
Congratulations to Justin and Barley on this new chapter, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this placement possible.
Retrieving Freedom
Sep 3, 20241 min read


Veteran client David and his Service Dog Bullet!
We are excited to announce that Bullet and David passed their public access test and are now a certified team! Bullet assists David with...
Retrieving Freedom
Jul 29, 20241 min read


Veteran Client Terry and his Service Dog Lola
We are thrilled to announce that Terry and Lola have officially become a placed team! Terry couldn't be more excited to have Lola in his...
Retrieving Freedom
Jul 5, 20241 min read


Retrieving Freedom Veteran Client Ivan and his Service Dog RB!
We have wonderful news to share! Ivan & RB have successfully completed their public access test and are now an official team!
Retrieving Freedom
Jul 2, 20241 min read


Veteran client Bill & his Service Dog Cabo!
Cabo is settling right into life in Mississippi and is happily living among Bill and his wife’s cat and a whole bunch of chickens!
Retrieving Freedom
Apr 22, 20241 min read
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