March 2025 at Retrieving Independence
This month, our mission came alive in some beautiful ways—from a 1,000-mile fundraising ride to a day on the Hill with one of our newest trainees. We saw healing, advocacy, partnership, and purpose in motion. Here’s everything that’s happened at RI in March:
🚴 Mike’s Miles: Riding 1,000 Miles to Fund a Veteran’s Service Dog
Mike Hynes has officially completed his incredible 1,000-mile bike ride from Key West, Florida to Hilton Head, South Carolina! Riding completely unsupported and carrying all his own gear, Mike took on this journey to raise awareness and funds to sponsor a service dog for a veteran.
Along the way, he shared stories, built community, and spread the mission of Retrieving Independence with every mile pedaled. His ride may be over, but the impact is still going—and we’re not done yet.
You can still support Mike’s mission and help us fully fund the veteran’s service dog he rode for. Every donation brings us one step closer to honoring that goal.
👉 Read About & Support Mike’s Mission Here
🧡 Supporting the Antioch Community
In the wake of a school shooting in Antioch, TN, we were honored to be invited to a local community event focused on healing, rebuilding, and reconnecting. We brought several of our dogs to offer comfort and companionship, knowing that presence often speaks louder than words.
This event wasn’t about tragedy—it was about hope. It brought together students, educators, families, and local organizations, all working to restore a sense of safety and connection. For us, it was a powerful reminder of the many roles our dogs play beyond formal placement—from quiet support in crisis to tangible bridges of trust and peace. Thank you to Friends of Mill Ridge Park/Mill Ridge Park for allowing us to share some good feelings!
🦴 Disability Day on the Hill: Advocacy in Action
This March, we attended Disability Day on the Hill at the Tennessee State Capitol, with one of our rising stars—Kermit the service dog-in-training—by our side.
We joined hundreds of advocates and organizations championing greater equity, access, and independence for Tennesseans with disabilities. Kermit, as always, stole the show, helping us spark meaningful conversations with elected officials and community leaders about the importance of service dogs, rehabilitation programs, and the human-animal bond.
🐶 Puppy Stress Down at Kraft CPAs
What do you get when you pair hard-working accountants with a room full of puppies? A whole lot of smiles.
This month, we brought some of our pups to Kraft CPAs for a “Puppy Stress Down” session—a wellness event designed to help employees decompress through the calming presence of our service dogs-in-training. Events like these are a special perk available to our sponsors and community partners and offer our pups extra socialization while bringing genuine joy to the workplace.
Interested in partnering with us for one of these sessions? Reach out to learn more at info@retrievingindependence.org
🐾 Betty’s Career Change: From Service Dog to Search & Rescue Hero
Not every dog’s path leads to a traditional service role—but that doesn’t mean they don’t do life-changing work.
Betty, a pup who began her journey with us, was career-changed and is now thriving as a Search and Rescue Detection Dog with Allied Universal. Her sharp focus, drive, and work ethic made her an ideal candidate for detection work, and she’s already saving lives in her new role.
We’re so proud of Betty and the trainers, volunteers, and partners who helped her find the path she was born to take.
👉 Read her full spotlight here
📣 Client Update: Anna & Kylo
Anna and Kylo are settling into their partnership beautifully. In a recent update, Anna shared how Kylo has been instrumental in helping her navigate the day-to-day and in building her confidence and independence.
They’ve been exploring local parks, working on custom tasks tailored to Anna’s needs, and continuing their training journey together with lots of tail wags and teamwork.
You can catch more on their story in our recent Instagram post—but spoiler alert: it’s heartwarming.
🎓 Upcoming Graduation: Save the Date!
It’s almost time to celebrate another class of incredible dogs and the humans whose lives they’re changing.
📅 Graduation Ceremony
🗓️ Saturday, April 26
🕚 11:00 AM
📍 Honey Alexander Center, Nashville, TN
We’d love to have our community join us to witness the powerful moment where partnerships become official.
💻 Trainers at the ADI Virtual Conference
This month, our training team attended the Assistance Dogs International (ADI) virtual conference. These continued education opportunities help our staff stay sharp, inspired, and informed about the latest techniques, ethics, and innovations in the service dog world.
We’re proud to invest in professional development that benefits not just our dogs, but the clients they’ll go on to serve.