Unique partership benefits many

Unique partnership provides benefits for many at Freedom Canines

Todd and Becky Kier. Photo courtesy Freedom Canine Intl.

By Ernie Altgelt

Freedom Canines International (FCI) is a wonderful Wimberley-based organization whose primary function is to breed, highly train and then, ultimately place (at no charge) remarkably caring service dogs with individuals in need of special assistance. Definitely a very worthwhile undertaking that positively affects so many participants – two and fourfooted. But, the benefits don’t stop there. Since 2018, FCI has partnered with Wimberley High School allowing eager and receptive young students to become involved, as well, sharing in this transformative effort where animal and human bond to the immense value of each.

Freedom Canines International is the creation of husbandand-wife team Becky and Todd Kier. The animal-loving pair, independently of each other, have been in the service dog business for more than two decades working as breeders, trainers, teachers and administrators around the world and together, have placed more than 100 exceptional animals skilled in aiding people challenged with a variety of conditions. Becky, originally from the Waco area and degreed in animal sciences, and Todd, a British Columbian with a background in education, met serendipitously at an industry conference 20 years ago, and developed a close friendship. Then like so many other couples having similar dreams and interests, they saw their relationship reach a higher level that culminated in marriage and relocation to Wimberley. In tandem, as they established a new household, they also were able to fulfill their joint vision of founding an organization solely dedicated to the raising and placement of service dogs. Hence FCI.

But, like so many other fledgling enterprises, logistics could prove to be problematic. For Becky and Todd, even with their extensive skills and experience, operating a demanding animalintensive enterprise within their modest home didn’t seem practical. Quite frankly, FCI lacked the facilities for training and educational purposes. And then there was the need for supporting personnel as well? What to do?

Enter the local high school! Four years ago, FCI and the Wimberley ISD reached an agreement where enrolled students in the agricultural department would assist with FCI’s mission of service dog development while furthering their educational requirements. The results have been quite satisfactory for all involved, allowing new skills to be acquired among the students while providing FCI with a unique resource in manpower and facility requirements. But, the biggest beneficiaries are the animals and, of course, those who will receive these future, indispensable companions.

So, what is involved? Becky and Todd provide the dogs (puppies actually and usually Labrador retrievers born at the Kier’s home) that will be used in the program. After that, volunteer students, overseen by the Kiers, become “puppy

See FREEDOM CANINES, page 31

raisers” nurturing the playful youngsters through the first months of their lives within each student’s individual home. Later, as the dogs mature, higher levels of training ensue, on campus and elsewhere. Eventually, as each animal progresses and is put on a specific career path, further “fine tuning” occurs (primarily by the Kiers but with student help) infusing a competency that completes the dog’s future role.

Afterwards, a one-on-one bonding period with the actual end-user (client) takes place. And, the range of specialized abilities acquired by each dog can be amazing – from diabetic care to object retrieval to hearing-assistance and on and on. Each animal ultimately becomes a “customized” extension of the client truly allowing both to live fuller, freer lives.

In closing, a symbiosis is created between FCI and its student participants that mirrors what develops between the “finished” service dog and its new partner. All are stronger for the shared experience and, that’s pretty wonderful. Freedom Canine International, the students, the recipients, the actual service dogs and even, greater Wimberley, all benefit. Arf, arf!

Photos courtesy Freedom Canine International.

FYI • For more information about Freedom Canine International, the Kiers, the service dogs and their relationship with Wimberley ISD, visit the comprehensive website at freedomcanines.com. FCI is a non-profit organization and relies on donations of time and money. October 29, 2022, FCI hosts a fun dog-walk fundraiser in Wimberley. Come, bring your pooch and join in. Others (besides students) with an interest may participate in puppy raising. Contact FCI for details.