Welcome, Jen!
In January, we welcomed Jennifer Alvarado as our new Client Experiences Manager. She’s already become an important part of the team, bringing a steady, thoughtful approach to how we support our clients from the very beginning of their journey.
Casper & Cooper
Mama Rey &
Samson, Pom Pom, Lucy, Grace, Ruth, & Moxie
Our Newest Heroes in the Making
January brought a lot of new energy into the program – puppy energy!
We welcomed Cooper and Casper, who have been settling in quickly. It hasn’t taken long for them to find their footing with their trainers at Riverbend!
Around the same time, our newest breeder dog, Rey, welcomed a litter of six. Samson, Pom Pom, Lucy, Grace, Ruth, and Moxie are now placed with their puppy raisers and getting comfortable in their new homes. These early weeks are simple but important. They’re where confidence starts to build.
The people who step in at this stage make a lasting difference. It’s one of the clearest ways to be part of what happens next.
RI in the Community
In January, we brought together our working facility dogs and their handlers for a Facility Dog Seminar. It was a chance to reconnect, sharpen skills, and spend time learning from each other in person.
We also took ambassador dog Mando to a LifeFlight training session. The setting was fast-paced and unfamiliar, which made it the perfect environment to practice staying grounded. Mando did exactly that.
Experiences like these help shape dogs who can show up calmly in moments that aren’t.
Celebrating our Spring 2026 Graduates
In April, we hosted our latest Client Camp and Graduation.
Five dogs moved into their next roles:
Andi – Service Dog
Rousey – In-Home Skilled Companion
Birdie, Max, and Ren – Facility Dogs
A huge congratulations to the Spring Class of 2026!
Each placement represents a long process that involves a lot of people behind the scenes. When a dog reaches this point, it reflects the time, consistency, and care that got them there.
These life changing teams are made possible by your support.
Andi
Service Dog
Birdie
Facility Dog
Max
Facility Dog
Ren
Facility Dog
Rousey
In-Home Skilled Companion
Coming Up: Retrieving on the Ridge 5K
Also in April, we announced our upcoming Retrieving on the Ridge 5K.
Designed for every body, every pace, every level of participation. There will be a timed wave for competitive participants, and an open wave for these who want to go at their own pace. The goal is participation in whatever form works for you!
You’re welcome to come with friends, family, or your dog. The course and structure are built to support a wide range of abilities, energy levels, and ways of showing up. There will be an accessible course for those wanting to roll or move at their own pace.
We’re currently seeking sponsors and vendors to help make this event possible. Registration is open for participants!
Looking Ahead: Retrieving in the Round
We’re also sharing a first look at our fall signature fundraiser, Retrieving in the Round.
Save the date for September 19th at the Honey Alexander Center in Nashville.
Expect a night full of food, live music, and exclusive auction items. This event brings our community together in support of our mission and is a night you don’t want to miss!
More details and opportunities to participate coming soon.
Growing Our Pawprint at HAC
The Honey Alexander Center recently completed construction, and RI’s presence has grown from one office to five, storage, and a conference room.
For the first time, our full team can work onsite together. We also have dedicated areas for training, meeting, and storage, which makes day-to-day work more efficient and gives us more flexibility as we grow.
We’re grateful to Family & Children’s Service and the Honey Alexander Center for their partnership and support of RI’s continued success.
Join us on Thursday, May 14th from 7:30AM-9AM for a rededication event hosted by Family & Children’s Service to see the new and improved building!
