4-H members learn about service dog programs

Over 45 4-H members from Winneshiek and Allamakee counties recently got an up-close look at how an area service dog program operates.

"Retrieving Freedom Inc.," which is based in Waverly, trains service dogs for placement with veterans, children with autism and adults and children with diabetes

RFI Program Coordinator Keegan Birkicht met with the 4-Hers and brought along Jax, a golden retriever she is currently training for an autistic child.

RFI breeds and trains golden poodles, golden retrievers and labradors with the specific traits needed for the duties of service dogs.  Specialized schedules are created for each dog over the two years needed to successfully train a service.

The 4-H'ers who met with Birkicht and Jax are part of a two-year 4-H Citizenship Program.  For more information on joining 4-H or learning more about the 4-H Citizenship Project, call Winneshiek County Extension Youth Coordinator Bobbi Jo Wild at (563) 382-2949 or e-mail bobbiw@iastate.edu.