Benji

Placement | June 2021

 

Some are nervous for change, but I'm excited for what's to come! My trainers had to make the difficult decision to remove me from the training program. Luckily for me, my wonderful puppy raiser Megan decided to adopt me! I can't wait to live the rest of my days loving on her. Thanks to all who helped me get to this point!

Benji's Journey

Stage 1 Introduction

Hi there, my name's Benji. I am proud to have been selected to enter into the Retrieving Freedom training program.  My parents are "Winnie," who is originally from Kerrybrook Labradors and now fostered by the Epley family, and "Really" of Dickendall Labradors. During this stage of training I will be spending approximately 8 months with my new volunteer foster Megan. 

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

  

I was so excited to meet my new volunteer foster home, Megan, this month! She is a student at Wartburg College so together, we will be attending classes and learning lots.

October 2019 - 3 months old

  

I've learned who my handler is and that if I pay attention to her long enough, she will give me treats! I love this cooler weather. Romping around in the leaves is my favorite. 

November 2019 - 4 months old

 

November brought my first Thanksgiving. I loved smelling all the yummy food even if I didn't get to have any, and I mastered taking stunning fall photos. It's hard to get a good photo of me, because I'm always on the move looking for the next thing to do. Notice my tail wagging in this photo! I love doing whatever my handler asks.

December 2019 - 5 months old

  

I loved spending Christmas with Megan and her family! We were both able to relax a little bit and stay inside, out of the cold weather. We will be heading back to college in a few weeks to learn some more!

March 2020 - 8 months old

Megan and I's time at Wartburg College is coming to an end early due to a global pandemic. Notice my orange Wartburg vest! I have been proud to be a part of this community, and am thankful Wartburg allowed Megan to foster me during her time on campus. 

April 2020 - 9 months old

 

I've transitioned back to Minnesota with my foster Megan. We are settling in and I have found a new love for ice cubes, sticks, and anything I can chew on! The task I'm currently working on is "watching" Megan when there are other doggies around that I want to play with, and not barking when someone comes home. My favorite things ever are car rides and morning snuggles!

Stage 2 Introduction

Woooo!  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.  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! 

June 2020 - 11 months old

This month I transitioned from my wonderful foster home with Megan to full-time training at the Retrieving Freedom facility. I've been working with the trainer on tasks, and enjoying time off on the weekends in weekend foster homes. 

July 2020 - 1 year old!

 

I've been training daily with the professionals at RFI. They call me "Bouncy Benji" because I am so eager to learn! On the weekends, I go home with weekend fosters. We go on new adventures like shopping and swimming!

September 2020 - 14 months old

 

I have been working hard at the training facility in Missouri. When I'm not working, I love spending time romping around outside!

October 2020 - 15 months old

I love going into weekend foster homes each weekend. This gives me the opportunity to show off my skills with various handlers and experience new situations in public, all while taking time to relax in a home. This helps keeps my stress levels down throughout the work week. I am always very aware of my handler while we are working together in public and stay focused on tasks well. 

December 2020 - 17 months old

 

I've been busy working with my trainer throughout the week, and going into weekend foster homes after the long weeks of training! It's nice to relax in a home with volunteers fosters. Sometimes, if I'm lucky, they have other dogs in the home for me to play with! When I work in public, I'm always well-behaved.

January 2021 - 18 months old

I've run into a few kinks in my training. I traveled to Iowa to work consistently with my trainers to try to iron them out.

February 2021 - 19 months old

     

This month I transitioned to Iowa State University, where I'll work with a student named Katie from the Animal Science program for the next few months! I'm so excited to get to know my handler and see what we can accomplish together.

March 2021 - 20 months old

  

Katie and I have been enjoying the nicer weather by going for long walks. I love to be outside!

April 2021 - 21 months old

       

Katie and I have been working consistently on various commands, including "visit." I was tolerant of the bunny ears that I wore on Easter! At the end of the month, Katie and I had to say a tough 'see ya later' as I was turned back in to my professional training staff at Retrieving Freedom. I can't thank her enough for all she's taught me!

May 2021 - 22 months old

      

The trainers say they haven't met a dog who enjoys training as much as I do in a long time. I really lock in and put my game face on, taking every opportunity to soak up new knowledge that I can! I visited Wartburg College again this month with student handlers from a Leadership course. It was fun to be back where I grew up!