Nellie

Placement | May 2021

My trainers had to make the difficult decision to remove me from the service training program. Some are nervous for change, but I'm excited for my future! My wonderful foster family, Jake and Jenae, have decided to adopt me. I'm thrilled to spend my days loving them as my fur-ever family! Thanks to all who helped me get to this point.

Nellie's Journey

Stage 1 Introduction

Hi there, I'm Nellie!  I am proud to have been selected to enter into the Retrieving Freedom training program.  My parents are breeding stock from Wildrose Kennels and I was donated to Retrieving Freedom from the Wildrose Service Companions Foundation. During this stage of training I will be spending approximately 8 months with my new volunteer foster, Jenae. 

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. 

August 2020 - 2 months old

    

This month I transitioned from my breeding home to my new volunteer foster home in Iowa! Jenae and I will learn lots together over the next several months. First up, I will work on learning my name, potty training, and how to walk on a leash!

September 2020 - 3 months old

I'm forming much more of a personality! Crate time comes easy for me, as does giving my handler attention when my name is called, and being held in odd ways without feeling bothered. I need to work on my potty training and walking on a leash, but I'm getting there!

October 2020 - 4 months old

 

Now that I'm fully potty trained and have basic obedience under my belt, I have begun going to school with my foster! She is a teacher and together, we work at school. I have impressed everyone so far with how calm I remain during chaotic times at school, especially considering my age! I navigate crowded hallways well and take a snooze while Jenae teaches. I love school!

November 2020 - 5 months old

 

At training this month, I worked around mobility equipment. My trainer wanted me to get used to the different sights and sounds that come with various equipment.

December 2020 - 6 months old

 

I have been doing great with my training! My house manners are perfect and I'm so calm at school that the students think I am sad (I'm not!). I traveled to a massage and doctor appointment with Jenae and did fairly well, until I discovered her head poking out of the hole on the massage table! I kept checking in on her and had to be placed back in a "down" a few times. Right now we are working on holding commands for longer periods of time, and working through my fear period.

January 2021 - 7 months old

 

I had dental surgery this month which prevented me from training much, so I was excited to be given the green light at the end of the month! I spent time catching up on my public training by going back to school, making trips to restaurants and out shopping, and to the gym! At first I was nervous at the gym and wouldn't hold a command for longer than 30 seconds, but I've made plenty of improvement over the last few weeks! I also had the opportunity to celebrate a delayed Christmas with my best fur friend, Harley.

February 2021 - 8 months old

I am continuing to work through the fear period and showing improvement. The trainers and my foster Jenae see noticeable improvement at the Retrieving Freedom facility; where I used to be very timid I now show confidence and comfortability.

March 2021 - 9 months old

   

I haven't been able to train in public lately due to being in heat, but I'm getting lots of extra snuggles and training time at home!