Retrieving Independence

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.

Another day, another LifeFlight session 🚁🐾Sirens, ambulance rides, and plenty of new experiences for Valor and Vernon to...
05/20/2026

Another day, another LifeFlight session 🚁🐾

Sirens, ambulance rides, and plenty of new experiences for Valor and Vernon today. These sessions give our dogs invaluable exposure to real-world medical environments. Huge thanks to for their continued partnership. 💙


[VD: A yellow lab and black lab lay down in the back of an ambulance. They are wearing blue vests. One photo shows the yellow lab resting his chin on a person’s knee.]

05/16/2026

Training Outings 🤝 Community Partners

This month, our dogs in training spent time working in public spaces at Mill Creek Brewing Company. They practiced positional cues in a restaurant-style environment, learning how to navigate busy spaces successfully, and exploring the ways service dogs can assist their handlers out in the community. 🐾

Huge thanks to KP and the whole Mill Creek team for welcoming us in. Between the patio, games, food truck, and family-friendly atmosphere, it’s such a fun spot to train and hang out in, and we already can’t wait to come back. Check them out in Nolensville! 🍻💙

05/11/2026

One month out! 🏃‍♀️

Our community 5K is almost here! Whether you want to run it, walk it, roll it, or just come be part of the day, we’re inviting you to the Ridge! Every registration helps support service dogs and second chances.

🏃 5K run/walk (timed optional)
🐶 Dog-friendly event
💛 Community-focused
♿ Accessible participation

📅 June 13, 2026 | Check In: 7:30 AM, Start: 8:00 AM
📍 Mill Ridge Park | Antioch, TN

Details + registration in bio! 🔗


Ren’s placement as a Facility Dog at Poplar Grove Middle School () feels a little like the galaxy aligning at exactly th...
05/07/2026

Ren’s placement as a Facility Dog at Poplar Grove Middle School () feels a little like the galaxy aligning at exactly the right time.

Named after the Star Wars character, Ren officially began her new role on May 4th (Star Wars Day!) because apparently the Force has a great sense of timing. ✨🌟

She’s now settling into school life, bringing her steady presence and calm to students and staff alike. 🐾💛

May the support be with them! 🌠

April birthdays are here—no showers, just a couple of very good dogs. 🌸A very special happy birthday to these pups!🎂 Tur...
05/04/2026

April birthdays are here—no showers, just a couple of very good dogs. 🌸

A very special happy birthday to these pups!

🎂 Turned 2: Ren & Shirley

If we missed an April birthday, consider this your official excuse for an extra treat. 🐾

From new beginnings to big milestones, this season has been full of meaningful progress.🐾 Five dogs placed with their pa...
04/29/2026

From new beginnings to big milestones, this season has been full of meaningful progress.

🐾 Five dogs placed with their partners at our latest graduation
🐾 Six new puppies starting their journeys
🐾 Real-world training experiences for our dogs
🐾 An expanded space to better serve our clients and community

We also announced our upcoming Retrieving on the Ridge 5K—designed to be accessible for all. Run, walk, roll, or simply come be part of it. There’s a place for you here.

There’s a lot happening behind the scenes, and it’s all made possible by this community.

Read the full Spring Update at the link in our bio.

Leash up and lace up 🐕🏃‍♀️We’re officially 2 months out from our 5K, Retrieving on the Ridge. Mark your calendars!Whethe...
04/13/2026

Leash up and lace up 🐕🏃‍♀️

We’re officially 2 months out from our 5K, Retrieving on the Ridge. Mark your calendars!

Whether you want to chase a PR in our competitive wave or just show up for the fun run, this event is all about community coming together.

Bring your family, your running shoes, and all your friends (furry or otherwise!).

All proceeds support service dogs changing lives every day.

Registration link coming soon!






[VD: A light, neutral background features a bright yellow dog running mid-stride, holding a leash in its mouth, with blue shapes behind it suggesting motion.

Curved text around the dog reads, “Retrieving on the Ridge: A 5K Run for Love, Dignity, and Change.”

Below, in larger script, it says “Retrieving on the Ridge,” followed by event details: June 13th, 2026, from 7:30 AM to 11 AM at Mill Ridge Park in Antioch, Tennessee.

At the bottom, it reads “Presented by TINCUP Whiskey.”]

04/12/2026

It’s time for a quick pupdate from our Reys of Sunshine! 🌞

This week the pups are working on novel objects & environments, and bringing us a whole bunch of smiles along the way!



[VD: A series of clips of Labrador puppies. The first one shows a puppy crossing camera with the Nashville skyline in the background with the words “Reys of Sunshine. 11 Week Pupdate.” Then a black puppy in a stroller looking at a playground. A clip of a yellow puppy looking at itself in the mirror. A black puppy with its paws crossed being pushed in a stroller. Two yellow puppies looking at each other in a fenced yard, one puppy jump playfully around the other. A black puppy circling a blue slow-feeder dish, eating kibble. A yellow puppy in a blue crate, with its tail sticking out through the bars and wagging. Finally, a yellow puppy asleep in someone’s arms, with its belly up.]

For us, Volunteer Appreciation Month starts at the very beginning.Volunteers Victoria, Mike, and Sara stepped in as pupp...
04/07/2026

For us, Volunteer Appreciation Month starts at the very beginning.

Volunteers Victoria, Mike, and Sara stepped in as puppy whelpers for our recent litter. They supported mom, monitored the puppies, and put in all the behind-the-scenes work that made everything else possible.

We are endlessly grateful to all our volunteers - & a big thank you to our whelpers for getting our most recent litter started!

March birthdays are here! No luck needed, just a lot of very good dogs. 🍀A very special happy birthday to all these wond...
04/03/2026

March birthdays are here! No luck needed, just a lot of very good dogs. 🍀

A very special happy birthday to all these wonderful pups!

🎂 Turned 4: Bruce, Clifton, Leia, Rheena Jo, Dusty, Betty, Willow, Fergie, Mando, and Mia
🎈 Turned 2: Rousey

If we missed a March birthday, consider this your official excuse for an extra treat. 🐾

The results are in! Max is:50% Poodle33.9% Black Mouth Cur12% Australian Shepherd4.1% Shetland SheepdogThanks to everyon...
03/27/2026

The results are in! Max is:

50% Poodle
33.9% Black Mouth Cur
12% Australian Shepherd
4.1% Shetland Sheepdog

Thanks to everyone who joined our “Guess for Good” raffle. Some of your guesses were spot-on! 🐾

No matter the mix, Max is one of a kind, and we are so excited for him to begin his Facility Dog journey!

Address

Honey Alexander Center, 2400 Clifton Avenue
Nashville, TN
37209

Website

https://linktr.ee/RIServiceDogs?fbclid=PAAab2iu9vbMiRrO6MJXAxRppvsPj4RRQ0Ko1avG8-PKzsR9HB

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