Retrieving Independence

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Nashville, TN
Retrieving Independence

Empowering lives through service dogs.

We train and place highly skilled service dogs while transforming lives through volunteerism, community partnerships, and second chances. 🐾💛 We are a registered 501(c) non-profit organization that breeds, trains and places top quality service dogs with children and adults living with physical and mental disabilities.

11/24/2025

Another training day, another round of dogs showing off. 🐾

Here’s a quick photo dump from last week’s session!

Did You Know: Giving Tuesday is coming up next week! Every bit of support helps these pups get one step closer to changing someone’s life. 💛 Support our Amazon Wishlist or keep your eyes peeled to see how you can support us directly!

11/19/2025

Our hearts are heavy today as we say goodbye to Mack, one of our beloved facility dogs. His handler put it best: “Mack has touched so many clients, volunteers, and people in the community.”

As our very first facility dog, Mack helped shape the program and set the standard for every dog and handler who followed. He had a gift for showing up exactly when someone needed him, and we’re grateful for every life he brightened. We will carry forward the comfort and example he gave so many.

Thank you for your service, Mack. We’ll miss you deeply.

11/18/2025

Training last week gave us plenty of great moments, and even better photo-ops! 📸🐾

Here’s a little dump from the session.

If you’d like to support their progress, our Amazon Wishlist has the tools and treats that keep these cuties running.

Every item makes a difference: amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/XT0IR3U4RET3?ref_=wl_share

11/16/2025

Huge thanks to the Eastwood Church volunteer crew for spending a day helping us put up our sun shades!

This upgrade is going to be a lifesaver once the heat returns, giving our dogs and handlers a cooler, safer space to work outdoors.

We’re so grateful for volunteers who jump in and make meaningful improvements possible. ☀️🙏

11/15/2025

This week we had the privilege of joining Impact100 Nashville for their annual grant reception.

Impact100 Nashville brings women from all walks of life together to award transformational grants that strengthen our community. We’re so grateful to be included in that mission!

Their commitment to moving big ideas forward reminds us why community matters in this work, and we can't wait to place 5 Facility Dog Teams in the near future. 💛

11/13/2025

A day late, but never short on gratitude. 🇺🇸

Service dog Nicholas represented alongside his veteran client today at the Wounded Warrior Project at the Titans’ Salute to Service — a powerful reminder of the bond between veterans and their dogs.

Supporting those who’ve served is close to our hearts, and we’re honored to help veterans find new independence through partnership.

💛 We currently have two scholarships available for veterans ready to begin their own service dog journey. Apply now!

(Thank you Mike's Miles for funding these!)

11/07/2025

Did Christmas come early? 🎁🐶

We are so overwhelmed with gratitude to all those who have supported us through our Amazon wish list recently!! Your kindness and generosity mean all the world to us and the dogs.

Thank you for continuing to support RI!

PuppyRaising

11/05/2025

Thank you to WKRN for sharing this part of our story! Read the full article here -> https://loom.ly/byb-45Y

As we continue to grow our prison training programs, we’re gathering supplies for the dogs and pups currently in training. If you’d like to support our trainers and dogs directly, our Amazon wish list is here -> https://loom.ly/XCUpTi8

Every treat, toy, and training tool makes a meaningful difference. Thank you so much to all those that have donated!

Thank you for being part of this work and our story!

11/02/2025

Once upon a time, in a park full of magic, a brave service dog named Pongo helped his human navigate every adventure with confidence and joy.

From castle gates to parade floats, he stole hearts along the way—especially the princesses’! 🐾✨ Together, they made memories that will last a lifetime, proving that a little teamwork and a lot of love can make every day a fairy tale. 💛

Every fairy tale needs a hero—help us train more real-life ones! ✨🐾

10/31/2025

It’s all treats, no tricks, when training meets spooky season 🐾

🎃 Clients, volunteers, trainers, and pups all joining in the spooky fun
✅ Henry showing off his task focus while being the cutest hot dog in town
🏈 Packers pups repping their custom jerseys, handmade by their trainers
👻 Puppies practicing confidence around spooky sights, sounds, and movement

The Halloween bustle gives our pups the chance to practice focus and confidence and prepares them to handle anything the real world throws their way.

Here’s to all the tricks (or cues 😉) learned this season!

Happy Howl-oween! 💛

10/29/2025

New digs, same mission. 🐾

We’re gearing up for a new prison program location, and our pups-in-training have a few items on their wish list! You can help us check them off: https://loom.ly/XCUpTi8

Address

Honey Alexander Center, 2400 Clifton Avenue
Nashville, TN
37209

Website

http://www.retrievingindependence.org/, https://linktr.ee/RIServiceDogs?fbclid=PAAab2iu9vbMiRrO6MJXAxRppvsPj4RRQ0Ko1avG8

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