Meet Fynn and Bubba: A Story of Friendship, Safety, and Freedom

We are thrilled to announce that autism client Fynn and his Service Dog Bubba have passed their Public Access Test and are now an official working team!

Fynn’s Journey to Bubba

Three years ago, during an Occupational Therapy session, Fynn’s therapist suggested the idea of a Service Dog. At that time, Fynn’s mom, Taylor, was feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of everyday outings. With Fynn’s lack of safety awareness and tendency to run off when overstimulated, trips to public places became filled with anxiety and fear. As a result, she found herself staying home more and more often. “It just became easier to isolate at home rather than risk his safety or deal with the stress of going out,” she shared.

It was then that Taylor began looking into Service Dogs, and the family’s journey with Retrieving Freedom began.

“I remember we walked into the conference room and Fynn b-lined for a dog that was in the room lying on the floor. He immediately laid down on him and began playing with his toes and paws and stayed there for the entire meeting. It let us know we were making the right choice pursuing a dog for him.”

 

The Difference Bubba Makes

“Bubba is very calm and that is what Fynn needs, he needs calm in his chaos”

Bubba not only helps Fynn feel more secure but has also become a friend Fynn can rely on for comfort and companionship. Whether it’s helping with sensory regulation or preventing Fynn from running off in overwhelming situations, Bubba is there to provide the safety and reassurance Fynn needs.

One of Taylor’s favorite moments was the first night Bubba came home. Fynn took all his blankets, placed them in Bubba’s kennel, and climbed in to sleep beside his new best friend. Bubba has truly become a part of the family.

With Bubba by their side, Fynn’s family has found a new sense of freedom. Fynn can explore the world around him with more confidence, making everyday activities like grocery shopping a less stressful experience.

As Taylor shared, “We have more confidence in Fynn’s safety when we are in public. It has given us more freedom and another sense of assurance for Fynn.”

 

Thank You for Making This Possible

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supports Retrieving Freedom. Your generosity helps make placements like this one possible at no cost to families like Fynn’s. Without your support, providing a Service Dog to children and Veterans in need would not be a reality.

“Without Retrieving Freedom providing a service dog for Fynn, it would not have been a possibility for us. With all of his other medical costs, we could not have afforded to get him a service dog on our own.”

Fynn and Bubba’s story is just one example of the countless ways our Service Dogs transform lives. Together, we are creating safer, more independent futures for those who need it most.

Our hearts are full of joy for this new placement, and we wish nothing but the best for this amazing family!

~The Retrieving Freedom Team

 

P.S. Want to help us continue changing lives like Fynn’s? Consider becoming a monthly donor today and receive our new challenge coin as a token of appreciation! Every contribution makes a world of difference.