Freedom Fidos in Progress
Every bond begins with a possibility. Our Freedom Fidos in progress are learning, growing, and discovering where they belong. One experience, one milestone, and one connection at a time Together we are building bonds, creating hope, and preparing dogs and Veterans for brighter future.
Fierce Fido
Specially selected dogs paired with Veterans and entered into an intensive service dog training program. These dogs are task trained to meet the needs of the Veteran.
Friendly Fido
Carefully assessed rescue dogs or breeder donated dogs paired with Veterans and trained under the guidance of Freedom Fidos year long companion dog program.
Bond Builder
Building the bond through behavior and training support for dogs already in their Veterans home.
Freedom Fidos
Oscar
Jon
Fierce Fido Coming 10/15/26
Oscar’s Freedom Fidos journey started right here! Born into the care of Forever Fido Rescue, Oscar began early training and evaluation as a potential program dog. During his development, Oscar was diagnosed with hip dysplasia, which means he will not be considered for service-dog task work.
After evaluation by a board-certified veterinary orthopedic surgeon, we received encouraging news: Oscar may never require surgery or experience hip problems that significantly affect his quality of life. With his wonderful temperament and training foundation, we believe Oscar could still have a very bright future as a companion dog for the right veteran.
Oscar will remain under the care of Forever Fido Rescue, and should his hips require surgery in the future, the rescue will assume responsibility for that care. His health and comfort will always come first as we determine the right future for him.
Jon was born into Forever Fido Rescue and has been surrounded by thoughtful handling, socialization, and observation from the very beginning. Following his early behavioral and temperament assessments, he was selected to remain with us as a potential Freedom Fidos candidate.
Right now, Jon is showing qualities that could make him a wonderful fit for our year-long companion dog program. As he grows and develops, we will continue evaluating his temperament, health, confidence, and working abilities. If he continues to demonstrate the qualities needed for service work, he may also be considered for our Fierce Fido Service Dog Program.
At this age, nothing is guaranteed—and that is exactly why we allow our puppies time to grow before deciding what job is right for them. Our goal is to find the future that allows Jon to thrive while creating the strongest possible match with a veteran.
A very special little Freedom Fido is on the way!
Our newest Fierce Fido Service Dog candidate is currently a female Golden Retriever puppy growing up with her litter right here in Southeast Minnesota. We interviewed and evaluated multiple ethical breeders before selecting the breeding program we felt best aligned with our goals for health, temperament, early development, and service-dog potential.
This puppy is being raised with the goal of eventually partnering with a local Rochester-area veteran. Once she joins Freedom Fidos, her journey will include careful socialization, training, health screening, behavioral evaluation, community exposure, and eventually specialized service-dog training if she continues to demonstrate that this is the right career for her.
Pictures, puppy updates, training milestones, and her official introduction are coming soon!