Foliage Retrievers Service Dogs

Foliage Retrievers was started with the mission of placing highly-skilled service dogs with women and civilians with PTSD. Currently, a majority of service dog organizations do not train psychiatric service dogs, or they do not place service dogs with women or civilians with PTSD. One of FRSD’s goals is to serve underserved populations, which currently includes women or civilians with PTSD, however, we do invite other individuals that are currently underserved to apply as this helps us learn more about gaps in access to service dogs in the United States. As Foliage Retrievers Service Dogs grows as an organization we hope to reach more individuals and bridge gaps in access to service dogs for individuals with disabilities.

At Foliage Retrievers Service Dogs, our approach to achieving our mission revolves around a comprehensive process, with a particular focus on our puppy raising program. We adhere to a well-structured timeline designed to forge strong bonds between our dogs and their future handlers. Our puppy raising initiative begins by thoughtfully selecting young dogs that exhibit the potential to provide effective assistance to individuals with PTSD. These puppies are carefully matched with dedicated volunteers from our community of puppy raisers, who generously provide a nurturing and loving home environment. Spanning approximately 12 to 18 months, our puppy raising timeline follows a structured training regimen. Our raisers collaborate closely with our organization, adhering to standardized training practices. This phase includes foundational obedience, socialization, and exposure to various environments, all aimed at preparing the dogs for their subsequent specialized training as service dogs. As the puppies mature, they advance to more specialized training under the guidance of our experienced trainers. This tailored training refines their skills for assisting individuals with PTSD. Throughout this journey, our puppy raisers maintain a strong connection, contributing significantly to the dog's development and successful transition into their role as skilled assistance dogs. At the heart of our mission lies a deep appreciation for the contributions of our puppy raisers. Their unwavering dedication, love, and time are priceless resources that make our mission possible. To support the costs of raising and training these remarkable dogs, we rely on a robust array of fundraising efforts including grants, sponsorships, donations, and more. This collaborative approach ensures that our service dogs are not only exceptionally trained but also made accessible to those who need their support, ultimately embodying our steadfast commitment to making a profound and meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve.