Getting to Know ‘Retrieving Freedom’
The drive north on Tangle Nook Road, just outside of town, is nothing particularly memorable. Space and sky abound on a rolling country road. Fields and trees pass by, with scant houses and signs of other people. Perhaps, it's just the complete unremarkable-ness of it all that makes it a perfect place to decompress and step away from the world. As you crest a hill, a black sign reading, "Retrieving Freedom'' stands tall next to a paved entrance.
Stepping out of your car, you're immediately hit with the feeling of openness. A place to breathe deep and set your mind at ease. For the families who visit here, it's exactly what they need: freedom.
We had the immense pleasure of getting to tour Retrieving Freedom’s facility and talk with their Director of Operations, Kyle Cory-Yaeggi. Retrieving Freedom is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to training service dogs to help people. Their primary focus is training dogs to serve the needs of Veterans and children with Autism. To meet those needs, they breed their own dogs, and have an extensive 2 year dog training program.
Their beautiful facility, built in 2019, contains a desensitization room for the children who visit, complete with special lighting and toys to help them if they become overstimulated. Retrieving Freedom also has on-site housing suites for the families, so they can acclimate themselves with the dog. In speaking with Kyle, it became abundantly clear that they are laser focused on giving everyone involved the proper tools, training, and resources to have a successful match with one of their dogs.
Service dogs can cost $35,000 - $50,000 by the time they’re matched with their owner. How much does the owner owe? Absolutely nothing. To run this kind of service to those in need is a massive effort, involving hundreds of people and hundreds of thousands of dollars. Kyle laid out three ways everyone can help: Time, Talent, and Treasure. From weekend fostering to volunteering during the week, there is a place and need for all to contribute.
We are so proud Retrieving Freedom is headquartered in Sedalia. It speaks to the values we all hold dear and means we can help make a big change in people's lives.
