Retrieving Freedom Success Story

The CL Werner Foundation has continued to support Retrieving Freedom's Mission since 2012. Through the generosity of their gift in 2019, the Foundation assisted Retrieving Freedom to set a record year by placing 11 Service Dogs with children with Autism and 14 Veterans with disabilities. Since then, we have continued to change the lives of 9 more children with Autism and 11 Veterans with disabilities. With the support from the CL Werner Foundation and all Retrieving Freedom supporters, every placement is made at no cost to our clients.

James says, “My work history is in the United States Marines, Park Ranger Enforcement Officer for Miami Dade County Parks and Recreation, Forest Ranger (Wildlife Firefighter) for the state of Florida, Special Response Officer for Turkey Point Nuclear Plant, and an Information and Reference Specialist for Miami Dade County Mayor.

This is just a few of my jobs before being forced into early retirement. Having my service dog has brought me hope, freedom, independence, happiness, and security back into my life. I thank you and everyone at Retrieving Freedom for never giving up on me and working hard and faithfully all the way to the end and beyond. I now feel I have a sense of purpose in life... THANK YOU!!!!!"

Colton is a 9 year old boy who is on the Autism Spectrum. He was diagnosed in the fall of 2015, at the age of 3. His mom, Ambi, says “Every day before Chase, had been a day we learned something new about Colton and how to learn from him. He is a very energetic boy who loves everyone he meets. In early 2016 we learned about an organization called "Retrieving Freedom" who trains service dogs for people in need. Colton can benefit from a service dog in many ways we cannot provide. The service dog provides a calming effect when Colton has been overstimulated and also serves as an anchor, when he is tethered to the service dog in a busy public setting, where Colton has a tendency to run off. Retrieving Freedom will work and train Colton and his dog to make sure they will be able to make the most out of having a service dog. We greatly appreciate all those who are willing to help Colton have a better life by having a service dog by his side as he grows up.

Two service dogs are being sponsored in honor of CL Werner.  Otori and Graf are Golden Retrievers who were born on July 3rd, 2021.  They were selected out of a litter of 8 puppies and are showing great promise in the training program.  Once a puppy enters the program they undergo an initial health screening, bath, and then meet their full-time Foster Family.  Although they were born one day before Independence Day, we hope they will provide a new level of independence for a client in the future.

Along with the Service Dog placements the CL Werner Foundation assisted with, Retrieving Freedom was able open our national headquarters in Sedalia, Missouri with their support. This purposely designed facility replicates the accommodations at our Iowa center to make our clients comfortable and successful. Both facilities include residential suites to allow clients to stay free of charge when training with their future Service Dog. With two facilities, Retrieving Freedom can double the impact on a national level.

From all the clients, staff, and volunteers at Retrieving Freedom, we would like to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to the CL Werner Foundation for their continual support!

Retrieving Freedom's Mission is to change lives through the training and placement of Service Dogs for Veterans with disabilities and children with Autism.

To find out how you can support Retrieving Freedom, please visit our website at https://www.retrievingfreedom.org.