Raven

Placement | May 2020

My trainers had to make the difficult decision to remove me from the training program. Some people are scared of change, but I'm excited for this new path! One of my wonderful foster families has decided to adopt me and make me a permanent member of their family. Thank you to everyone who has helped me get to this point!

Raven's Journey

Stage 1 Introduction

Hello, I'm Raven.  I am proud to have been selected to enter into the Retrieving Freedom training program.  My parents are “Timber” and "Razor" from the Norris Family. During this stage of training I will be spending approximately 8 months with my new volunteer foster, Mackenzie. 

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. 

April 2019 - 5 months old  

Getting to have an Easter egg hunt was so much fun!

July 2019 - 8 months old

    

Fourth of July brought lots of firsts and new adventures: swimming, kayaking, and fireworks. I'm learning to keep my cool in stressful situations, and not be distracted by others. I love swimming! I appreciate Mackenzie taking me on these fun, new adventures.

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 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! 

August 2019 - 10 months old  

My puppy foster Mackenzie threw me a going away pawty before leaving to meet my new teacher foster, Mrs. Meier. I'll get to go to elementary school with her and be part of her classroom. The small black lab puppy in this photo is my full sister, Hazel, who is another RFI service dog in training. She will be Mackenzie's new foster puppy! 

October 2019 - 10 months old

I was one hot dog for Halloween! Mrs. Meier enjoyed taking me to school in my costume. Her second grade students found me pretty entertaining!

November 2019 - 1 year old!  

My class threw me the best first birthday a dog could ask for. I felt so loved! I hope the students know they're leaving just as much of an impact on me that I hope I am on them.

January 2020 - 14 months old 

 
I often attend college classes at the University of Northern Iowa with Jacey. I must wear protective gear like the other students when we go to the chemsitry lab. Everyone says I'm growing into a beautiful girl. Below is a link to a video of Jacey and I. Thanks for putting it together, UNI!

https://insideuni.uni.edu/uni-student-uses-love-animals-good-cause

April 2020 - 17 months old

Hoppy Easter!