Wally

Placement | October 2020

Some are nervous for change, but I'm excited for my new journey! My trainers made the decision that going down the service dog path wasn't the best path for me. I was removed from the training program and adopted by my wonderful foster, Melissa! I am thrilled to spend the rest of my days going on new adventures with and loving on her! Thank you to all who helped me get here. 

Wally's Journey

Stage 1 Introduction

Hello, I am Wally.  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, Melissa who is part of the Iowa State University Program. 

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 2019 -  2 months old

  

I love going to class with my foster Melissa at Iowa State. I'm already a huge Cyclones fan and adjusting to being in class and at work. I'm learning to be patient and that napping is the best way to pass the time. 

September 2019 - 3 months old

New tricks! I am working on "leave it" and ignoring food and distractions while maintaining eye contact with Melissa. I'd say I'm nailing it, so far!

October 2019 - 4 months old

  

Super Wally! Melissa enjoyed dressing me up for Halloween. Nobody recognized me. I have been taking advantage of the cooler weather by going on walks with mom and posing by pumpkins. I behave very well in public!

November 2019 - 5 months old

 

This month, I am thankful for Melissa. And treats. Always thankful for treats. 

December 2019 - 6 months old

For the last Service Dog Training Science class of the semester, my friends Koda, Enzo and Rose and I took a trip to PetCo. Despite an environment of enticing smells, toys, and treats, we practiced "sit" and "down" and were able to overcome all these distractions.

February 2020 - 8 months old

I have been learning lots with my foster Melissa at Iowa State! Here I am performing the "place" command while I show off all my new toys.

March 2020 - 9 months old

 

Note to self - never pass up an opportunity to embarrass my foster, Melissa! She finds my quirks adorable, and I enjoy bringing a smile to her face during this time of uncertainty. Melissa's senior year at Iowa State University has been cut short due to a global pandemic, and I know she is sad. I take every chance to make her smile!

April 2020 - 10 months old

   

Hi there! Look how handsome I'm getting. Melissa can't believe how big I am getting, and how quickly our time together is coming to an end. I'm looking forward to the future and the possibility of helping someone, but for now I will soak up every minute I have left with Melissa.

May 2020 - 11 months old

  

I wish we could walk across the graduation stage together, but this photoshoot will do for now! I am so proud of her!

June 2020 - 1 year old!

    

I turned one year old this month! My foster Melissa got me the perfect birthday hat for my paw-ty. I've been enjoying the sunshine, and made my first appearance back into public! I was very patient while Melissa shopped. It didn't seem like I spent months in quarantine at all!

July 2020 - 13 months old

      

Melissa and I are soaking up every training opportunity as we head into our last few months together. I am learning to walk patiently and confident next to a moving grocery cart. So far, I am doing great!

August 2020 - 14 months old

          

So many adventures this month! Melissa and I went to our first restaurant in 5 months. You couldn't even tell I hadn't been at a restaurant - I was great! I performed the "under" command and took a nap at Melissa's feet. Then we traveled to Minnesota and I went on my first boat ride. I've also begun transitioning back into public training and enjoy resting on the carpet much more than the tile! I'm a pro at keeping focus on my handler the entire time I'm in public. 

Stage 2 Introduction

Wahoo!!!  I have officially been entered into stage 2 training, and I am so excited!  Over the past several 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! 

September 2020 - 14 months old

      

This month I said the most difficult "see you later" to my foster Melissa. She has taught me so much over the past year, and I can't thank her enough for her dedication toward my training. We had so much fun, and I hope to see her again someday! For now, it's time I continue in my training. I'll begin working with the trainers at Retrieving Freedom to further the tasks from the foundation that Melissa provided me with.