February in Motion: Growth, Training & Exciting Milestones!
February may have been chilly and snowy, but that didn’t slow us down. Behind the scenes at Retrieving Independence, significant progress unfolded—from welcoming a new puppy and expanding partnerships to hands-on collaboration and community-based training.
Welcome, Valor! 🐾
We’re thrilled to introduce Valor, the newest pup to begin his service dog journey with RI! Valor comes to us through our new partner organization, Dogs Inc, based in Palmetto, Florida. He is already settling in beautifully with his dedicated puppy raiser, Megan.
Puppy raisers like Megan lay the foundation for our dogs’ futures, building confidence and teaching early skills that set the stage for success. We’re excited to watch Valor grow and thrive in the months ahead!
Hands-On Impact: CLE Collaboration 🎨
This month, we teamed up with College Living Experience (CLE) to make training tugs for our prison program. These durable tools help our dogs strengthen key service skills like retrieval and tugging—essential for opening doors, pulling drawers, and more.
Even more meaningful, CLE students had the chance to contribute directly to our mission, and their creativity and engagement made the day unforgettable. We’re so thankful for their support!
Public Training at L&L Market 🏢
Training in public spaces plays a critical role in preparing service dogs for real life, and L&L Market provided the perfect backdrop this February.
Located on Charlotte Avenue in Nashville, L&L Market is a vibrant destination featuring over 25 local businesses, including eateries, boutiques, and wellness studios. The market’s diverse environment offered our dogs exposure to various surfaces, sounds, and distractions, enhancing their adaptability and focus.
The warmth and hospitality extended by the L&L Market community were truly exceptional. Their support not only facilitated a productive training session but also underscored the strength of community partnerships in our mission. We encourage everyone to visit L&L Market to experience its unique charm and support the local businesses that make it special.
Behind the Scenes: Laying the Groundwork 🔄
While the weather was cold, our momentum stayed strong. February was full of foundational growth that’s setting us up for an incredible year ahead:
- Marketing & Sponsorships: We’re expanding our reach and exploring new partnership opportunities. Want to collaborate with us? Let’s talk!
- Dogs Preparing for Graduation: Several dogs are hitting exciting milestones and will soon be matched with their future handlers. Stay tuned for graduation dates—we’d love to have you there to celebrate!
- Staff Growth & Training: Our internal team is growing and evolving to better support volunteers, clients, and dogs. We can’t wait to introduce new team members soon!
Looking Ahead (Now Behind!): Mike’s Miles 2025 🚴
Back in February, we were gearing up for an incredible journey—and now we’re thrilled to share that Mike has officially completed his 1,000-mile ride from Key West, Florida, to South Carolina!
As a fully self-supported rider, Mike carried all of his gear and pedaled up the East Coast to raise funds for a veteran in need of a service dog. His dedication, grit, and heart inspired us all.
It’s not too late to support his journey—donations are still open and go directly toward placing a service dog with a veteran.
More updates and a full recap are on the way—stay tuned!
