Ayla

Placement | June 2020

Some are scared of change, but I am excited for the future! Due to health reasons, I am unable to continue down the path to become a service dog. My foster decided to adopt me, and I can't wait to spend the rest of my days relaxing and loving on her! Thank you to all who helped me throughout this journey!

Sponsor Announcement

Retrieving Freedom staff have been working closely with the American Legion Auxiliary to help sponsor my training. The American Legion Auxiliary graciously donated toward a sponsorship, which provided them the opportunity to give me my wonderful name! My name comes from taking the first letters of American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) and sounding it out. I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart for their generosity toward my training. I hope to make them proud!!

Ayla's Journey

Stage 1 Introduction

Hello, I am Ayla. I am proud to have been selected to enter into the Retrieving Freedom training program. My parents are “Luna” and "Angus" of Golden Rule Labradors. I got my name from the American Legion Auxiliary in Iowa. During this stage of training I will be spending approximately 8 months with my new volunteer foster, Jess.

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.

June 2019 - 3 months old

When I first started my vest was a little bit too big for me, but as a growing puppy that wouldn't be a problem for long. My absolute favorite memory from this month has been meeting and getting to know my new foster mom, Jess.

July 2019 - 4 months old

This month I've been enjoying lots of naps and new toys from Bark Box! I am learning that my kennel is a comfortable and safe place. Kennel training is very important for growing puppies! I'm getting used to my vest and learning that when it's on, I am in work mode.

July 2019 - 5 months old

I was very patriotic this month! I've mastered many commands already with my foster mom Jess. She enjoys taking me on trips into public for training. I think I enjoy it more, though.

September 2019 - 6 months old

The weather is cooling off and mom says this scarf will keep me warm.

October 2019 - 7 months old

You bet I had to try on Halloween costumes this month! The veterinary clinic where my foster mom Jess works at has this nice set up outside where people can take photos of their beloved dogs. I think I should be their poster child!

November 2019 - 8 months old

I am learning lots with my pals Friday and Dasher at puppy class. We had a Golden party. I've been told I'm getting a new RFI foster sister soon. We will see how I handle not being an only child anymore.

December 2019 - 9 months old

Check out all this snow! Being from Texas, I'm still learning to love all this white fluffy stuff, but it's kind of fun to romp around in. I can't begin to express to Jess enough how much she has taught me over the last 6 months. We have grown so much together and I am very thankful for our bond. I hope to make her proud in the next phase of training and can't wait to see her again someday! For now, she will continue fostering RFI service dog in training, Ackley!

Stage 2 Introduction

Wahoo!!! I have officially been entered into stage 2 training, and I am so excited! Over the past 8 months I have had the opportunity to see the RFI mission first hand, and can’t wait to dig deeper in the mission of changing lives through my training for veterans with disabilities and children with autism. This training stage will be another 8 months of working within the Retrieving Freedom Impact programs. Currently these impact programs include working with college students, at-risk teens, summer campers, inmates, and elementary students. During this Stage, I will also work closely with the RFI professional training staff to solidify my understanding of intermediate tasks and the foundation of future commands to help mitigate a disability. Follow me through this stage learning how I continue to make an impact!

January 2020 - 10 months old

Sending you all a wave as I head to Mississippi! I am going to enter the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (CMCF) to work directly with an inmate handler. I can't wait to meet him and see how much we can learn from each other over the next few months.