Posted on: in [ Career Change Dogs ]
Placement | July 2020
Some people are scared of change, but I'm excited for my future! Unfortunately my trainers had to make the difficult decision to remove me from the training program due to some health issues. My wonderful initial foster family was excited to have the chance to adopt me, and I can't wait to spend the rest of my days loving on the Sage family!
Patton's Journey
Stage 1 Introduction
Hello, I am Patton. I am proud to have been selected to enter into the Retrieving Freedom training program. My parents are “Zia” and "Dovah" of Golden Rule Retrievers. I was named after General George S. Patton. During this stage of training I will be spending approximately 8 months with my new volunteer fosters, Kathy and Tom.
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 - 2 months old
The four of us traveled to Iowa from Golden Rule Retrievers in Texas together. On the far left you've got my brother Colt followed by my sister Indie. I'm the black one in the middle, and to my right is our friend Ayla. We are all service dogs in training with Retrieving Freedom and are excited to go to our new foster homes!
July 2019 - 3 months old
Training begins right away! My fosters took me on a trip to Walmart and I behaved perfectly.
August 2019 - 5 months old
Training is hard work! After long days working in my vest, I like to come home and relax.
October 2019 - 6 months old
I love supporting members our country's military, especially when they are in my family!
January 2020 - 8 months old
Hardest. Day. Ever. Today I had to say "see ya later" to my amazing foster parents, Tom and Kathy. They've taught me so much of the past 8 months. I hope to continue to make them proud in my next stage of training!
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. 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!
February 2020 - 9 months old
This month I will be heading to Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (CMCF) to continue my training. My new handler at CMCF will be paired with me for a few months to work on my task training.
June 2020 - 14 months old
After celebrating my first birthday at the correctional facility in Mississippi, I transitioned into full time training at the RFI facility in Missouri! I am excited to begin working closely with the professional trainers, and to see what we can accomplish together.
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