Jenga

Placement | August 2020

Some people are afraid of change, but I'm excited for my new adventure! I will be living the rest of my days in a loving home with my foster home! Unfortunately some health issues came up which removed me from continuing through the service program. Now I'll be able to relax with my fur-ever family!

Jenga's Journey

Stage 1 Introduction

Hello, I'm Jenga. I am proud to have been selected to enter into the Retrieving Freedom training program.  My parents are breeding stock from Empress Labradors. During this stage of training I will be spending approximately 8 months with my new volunteer foster at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center (IMCC).

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.

October 2019 - 8 months old

I have been training at IMCC and am learning lots from my handler!

November 2019 - 9 months old

My trainers have decided it would be best for me to spend more time in public. I will be working at Retrieving Freedom for a few weeks before transferring to Iowa State University, where I will be paired with a student. Stay tuned!

December 2019 - 10 months old

  

Meet my new foster, Emma! She and I will be working together for the next few months to get me comfortable in new, unfamiliar surroundings, such as the grocery store!

January 2020 - 11 months old

 

Although I'm trying my best, my trainer and I agree that I need new surroundings for a little bit to continue working on my confidence. I'm going to have a new handler for a few weeks to see how that goes! I will miss Emma and am thankful for the time we got to spend together!

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 Continued - 11 months old

 

I have been welcomed by many wonderful children and staff from St. Cecilia School in Ames. I visit at least 3 times per week to watch kids get in their classrooms and work on my fears of tiny humans running around. I am also a part of the buddy reading program! This photo was from my first visit. My reading buddy was super excited to be able to read to me and show me every picture in the book!

February 2020 - 1 year old!

    

I have been spending my training days outside since the sun has begun to come out! I am working on ignoring distractions when working around bicycles, skateboards, and geese. It took a couple of trips, but I am now comfortable and show a lot of enjoyment on these particular training days. I also train around many children at a local dance studio. After a month of attending classes, I now know exactly where to lay down when I arrive and I proceed to take many nice (and loud) naps. My humans spoiled me for my first birthday!

March 2020 - 13 months old

I am now 13 months old. I have been training on campus with Assistant Professor from Iowa State University, Mariana Rossoni Serao to work on some of my fears for small kids and shopping carts. Dr. Serao was able to work with me at many local places, including an elementary school, a dance studio and Target. I am so comfortable now that I am taking naps while kids read to her. This is great progress in my training, and I am thankful for Dr. Serao! 

May 2020 - 15 months old

 

I'm beginning to master the peanut! It takes a lot of muscle, balance, and focus - but I'm doing great! I love trying (and conquering) new things.

July 2020 - 17 months old

   

I went to the salon for the first time! It smells so good there. The cool flooring is nice for a good snooze while Mariana gets her hair done. I enjoy watching my tiny humans at their dance competitions!