Archie

Placement | June 2020

Some are scared of change, but I'm excited for the future! My trainers decided the service dog path wasn't what I was born to do. Fortunately the wonderful Veit family has chosen to adopt me! I am excited to live a life as a pet with them! Thank you to everyone who helped me throughout my training.

Archie's Journey

Stage 1 Introduction

Hi all, I'm Archie. I am proud to have been selected to enter into the Retrieving Freedom training program.  My parents are "Annie" who is originally from Kerrybrook Labradors and is now fostered by the Card family, and "Cotton" from Yellow Rose Labradors. During this stage of training I will be spending approximately 8 months with my new volunteer foster, Alison. 

Throughout Stage 1, I will learn the basics obedience, public behavior, and a lot of socialization. I understand that it takes a very special dog to complete the program as there is a high standard to become a Service Dog. I am aware that I may be one of the dogs whose purpose is outside of service work so I will be updating my profile on a monthly basis for all that would like to follow my journey through the program.

September 2019 - 2 months old

 

Hi, all! I've entered my fostered home and have begun the training toward hopefully becoming a service dog someday. My foster Alison, her family, and I are getting acquainted and learning all about one another. I'm working on potty training, walking on a leash, and learning my name. Look how adorable I am in my very first training vest!

October 2019 - 3 months old

  

This month I was able to attend a fundraising event for Retrieving Freedom at a local pumpkin patch! Alison gave me an adorable, festive bandana to wear. I saw lots of other RFI dogs there that I wanted to play with, but controlled my impulses for the most part! Give me a break - I'm still a learning puppy over here. At the same time, I need to learn that play time only happens when my vest is off. 

November 2019 - 4 months old

  

I'm finally starting to grow into my ears! They used to hang down past my jaw. I like chewing on bones in my free time, but I love going to work! Putting that vest on and working on tasks is my favorite.

December 2019 - 5 months old

I started going to work with Alison not too long ago. Now that I am fully potty trained and have most of my basic obedience down like a pro, I am able to make an impact on the children at her work. This month I advanced to an adult vest! I am growing like a weed!

January 2020 - 6 months old

This is mainly how I like to pass the time these days - being goofy and napping! I've learned that my kennel is a safe place to lay down for a snooze while I'm at work with Alison. I am a growing boy who needs plenty of rest.

February 2020 - 7 months old

Hi! Here I am working on the "watch" command, where I keep 100% of my attention focused on my handler. This will come in handy to ignore distractions throughout my training, and eventually keep my focus on my recipient to be able to watch for any signs that they may need my assistance.

March 2020 - 8 months old

My foster Alison can't hardly believe how big I am getting! Here I am doing my absolute favorite part of any day - snuggling! I'm also performing the "crash" command, which will come in handy if I am to be placed as an autism service dog.

April 2020 - 9 months old

    

My foster mom says adolescence hit me hard but I’m learning to settle down faster than I had been. I love to play fetch and explore around the creek. When I’m really happy, my tail wags so hard that I can’t even walk straight. I do this every day after breakfast and when my foster dad gets home from work. I’m working hard to ignore distractions on walks but I recently noticed squirrels exist. I miss going to the office with my foster mom, we’re both working from home now. Every once in awhile I’ll grab my vest and wait quietly but the door. It usually gets me an extra fun walk or at least a car ride!