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.

Client Lesa and Service Dog Nicholas recently got some professional photos done, and we’re a little obsessed with how sw...
09/02/2026

Client Lesa and Service Dog Nicholas recently got some professional photos done, and we’re a little obsessed with how sweet these turned out.

Loving this yearbook photo energy! 🐾


08/31/2026

Pool party… take two! 🐾💦

Our July training session was all about water tolerance and safety, and thanks to a scheduling hiccup, some of our pups took their turn this month!

Safe to say, nobody’s complaining about puppy pool party round 2. 🐶☀️




[Several clips of labradors & golden retrievers with white, yellow, and black fur show dogs swimming, jumping, & splashing in a pool.]

Mission moments 🐾Every month, we start our staff meeting by coming back to the reason behind the work.This month, that m...
08/28/2026

Mission moments 🐾

Every month, we start our staff meeting by coming back to the reason behind the work.

This month, that meant celebrating our facility dogs heading back to school in Franklin, adventures with our dogs in training at Opryland, new matches, and updates from the clients whose lives are being changed every day.

A lot happens behind the scenes at Retrieving Independence, and these moments remind us exactly where it all leads: love, dignity, and change. 💙




[Two light blue collages celebrate service dogs in action. The first, titled "BACK TO SCHOOL! - AUGUST 2026," features photos of dogs Parker, Luca, Ren, Scottie, Wilson, Harley, and a coloring page of Henry interacting with students, posing by balloon arches, and resting in classrooms. The second, titled "MORE MISSION MOMENTS!", highlights field trips, reunions, matches, and daily companionship, featuring dogs like Scottie, Otto, Cody, and Nikk posing alongside handlers, students, and clients in museums, stadium seats, and outdoor settings.]

08/27/2026

New in Town 🐾

Meet Freddy and Jossie! These two joined us from Circle Tail (Circle Tail, Inc.) last Friday and are already settling in, making new friends, and enjoying plenty of yard time. 💛

Their names carry special meaning, too. Freddy honors a beloved father whose family called him “Freddy, Freddy!” when he did something exceptional. Jossie honors Cody Joss, a former RI client whose memory remains part of our community.

Welcome to RI, Freddy & Jossie! 🐶




[VD: Several clips of dogs and puppies playing. Special focus on two small, eight-week old puppies.]

🎶 Meet the artists of Retrieving in the Round! 🎶We’re thrilled to welcome Ryan Larkins (.larkins), Emily Shackleton (), ...
08/21/2026

🎶 Meet the artists of Retrieving in the Round! 🎶

We’re thrilled to welcome Ryan Larkins (.larkins), Emily Shackleton (), and Brian White () to the stage for an unforgettable night of music, stories, connection, and service dog magic.

Join us September 19 at The Honey Alexander Center for a one-of-a-kind evening benefitting Retrieving Independence and the service dogs who help create greater love, dignity, & change.

🎟️ Get your tickets at the link in our bio!




[VD: Set against a soft, glowing bokeh background, this series of promotional graphics features dark blue bordered frames and a circular event logo depicting a yellow service dog with musical notes. The cover slide announces the "Retrieving in the Round" artist preview above a trio of performer photos, followed by individual spotlight graphics for hit Nashville songwriters Ryan Larkins, Emily Shackleton, and Brian White, each paired with their headshot and a brief career bio.]

What’s been happening at RI? 🐾From new service dog journeys and client stories to exciting growth across our organizatio...
08/07/2026

What’s been happening at RI? 🐾

From new service dog journeys and client stories to exciting growth across our organization, there’s been a lot to celebrate this summer.

Read our full Summer Update at the link and see how our community is helping change lives. 💙

https://loom.ly/2UHa3Ys




[VD: A series of photos depicts, a 5K, dogs, puppies, and people.]

National Assistance Dog Week is the perfect time to celebrate a few of our incredible working dogs! 🐾Nicholas recently j...
08/05/2026

National Assistance Dog Week is the perfect time to celebrate a few of our incredible working dogs! 🐾

Nicholas recently joined his client at the National Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Conference in Orlando, where he quickly became a favorite. The gift shop team loved meeting him so much they sent him home with a stuffed toy pup, and the Shingle Creek Hotel made sure he had a bowl for his stay. 💙

Meanwhile, Facility Dog Henry is back at school, ready for another year of supporting his students and school community.

From travel days to school days, our dogs are making a difference wherever they go. ❤️




[VD: Yellow Lab service dog Nicholas wears his vest while traveling with his handler to the National Disabled American Veterans Conference in Orlando. Photos show Nicholas in different locations, plus a stuffed toy dog beside a bowl he received as a gift. White Lab facility dog Henry stands with his handler at school, ready for another year of supporting students.}

07/13/2026

Do you believe in magic? ✨🐶

Every July, our dogs dive into water safety training… literally! 💦 They practice important skills, build confidence around the water, and get to enjoy a little well-earned fun along the way.

A little training and a whole lot of splashing is pretty magical to us. ☀️🐾


07/09/2026

🎟️ Tickets are LIVE for Retrieving in the Round! 🐾✨

Join us September 19th at The Honey Alexander Center for an unforgettable evening celebrating Love, Dignity, & Change.

Enjoy a night of inspiring stories, meaningful connections, and a celebration of the service dogs who help transform lives every day.

✨ Early Bird Tickets are available now, but only for a limited time!
Save before prices increase Saturday, July 18 at 11:59 PM.

Grab your tickets and be part of the magic. Together, we’re changing lives, four paws at a time. 💛

🎟️ : https://loom.ly/9_WKKd4




[VD: An animated event announcement for Retrieving in the Round, a fundraiser hosted by Retrieving Independence. The video features a circular logo with a yellow dog, musical notes, set against a soft, light background with bokeh lighting. Text on screen reads: "You're Invited! Retrieving in the Round — Celebrating Love, Dignity, and Change. Saturday, September 19th, 2026, 6PM–9PM at The Honey Alexander Center, 2400 Clifton Avenue, Nashville TN 37209. Come, sit, stay, & raise a glass to Retrieving Independence at our annual fundraiser. Enjoy Nashville songwriters & tasty treats! Get your tickets now!"]

One act of generosity today can help create years of independence for someone tomorrow.We’re looking for individuals wit...
06/26/2026

One act of generosity today can help create years of independence for someone tomorrow.

We’re looking for individuals with Type 1 diabetes to donate scent samples that help our future diabetic alert service dogs learn to recognize changes in blood glucose. These samples are an essential part of their training, helping them develop a skill that can one day provide greater safety, confidence, and independence to someone living with Type 1 diabetes.

Interested in participating? Click the link in our bio or email [email protected] to learn more.

Thank you for helping us train the next generation of life-changing service dogs. Every scent donation brings us one step closer to changing a life. ❤️🐾




[VD: A happy Labrador Retriever wearing a blue vest holds a wooden sign that says "Looking For: Type 1 Diabetes Scent Donors". The second image has a rounded white rectangle on a blue patterned background of faint paw prints. At the top is the Retrieving Independence logo. The main text reads “Help Us Train Future Diabetic Alert Service Dogs,” followed by a request for individuals with Type 1 diabetes to donate scent samples and a contact line listing [email protected] and a link in bio. The bottom includes a thank-you message and an illustration of raised blue hands.]

Address

Honey Alexander Center, 2400 Clifton Avenue
Nashville, TN
37209

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