Our Impact

"This sweet boy has given me so much. I'm more independent and willing to venture out on my own. I'm not worried about falling down due to tremors from my heart transplant meds. Cypress has increased my mobility and quality of life. He makes me get up in the morning (hard to ignore a labby staring down at you 😂) Cypress loves bringing my shoes to me in the morning, then his leash so we can do our morning walk. He has become so in tune with me, he knows when I'm not feeling well. He will lay with his head across me to make me feel better. He is super smart and knows my every move.

Since having Cypress, we have traveled to Houston for my yearly heart transplant testing. He met my ever so serious heart transplant doctor, who melted like a little kid when he saw Cypress. We also traveled to Ft. Worth to see Mr. George Strait in concert. Having Cypress with me made getting around so much easier and a lot less stressful for me. ❤

I'm so grateful for this sweet, handsome boy, he keeps me on my toes, laughing and living life! Thank you Freedom Canines International for Cypress! He's improving my quality of life, daily!" - Jackie Parker, partnered with Mobility Dog Cypress

"Gabby Girl. Gabbilicious. Gabby Dog. Gabbers. Gabs. Only a dog that is so loved gets so many nicknames! Blue Hole Primary is so lucky to have our own Facility Dog. It’s not every school where the students get to experience the love of a dog on their campus. But WE do ~ and Gabby has a beautiful impact on EVERYONE! She is adored by students, staff and parents!

Gabby spends time at Blue Hole Primary doing what she loves and what we ALL need~making others feel loved. And she is definitely the recipient of unconditional love as she receives what she gives. Supporting our campus just by her presence shows that she is doing what she is meant to do. She helps calm big emotions, brings a smile to the face of someone that needs it, listens with a non-judgemental ear as children read to her and teaches about companionship.

Her time on campus allows every child to have interactions with her if they so choose. She goes into pre-k classes to be a part of center time. Children (and teachers!!) get some time petting and loving on her. And she graciously (and patiently) receives it.

With the first and second grade students, she is part of our 30 minute full class social emotional learning lessons. Each time the students come to this class, 4 students are chosen to be with Gabby during the lesson. And when everyone has had a turn, we start over. EVERYONE wants that time with her. And they are very understanding when she sometimes needs a break and chooses to head to her favorite chill spot~the giant beanbag!

Gabby gets the opportunity to spend some one on one time with students. She has been able to help children that are feeling down, or upset about something. They feel comfortable sharing their emotions when they are sitting with Gabby and calmly petting her. Her presence in a reading circle has motivated children to read outloud and with confidence. Gabby has helped children feel important as they are given the chance to help hold the leash when walking down the hallway~or giving her commands that she responds to! EMPOWERING for a little one!

And the adults….well, they cannot get enough of her either. Many a time a staff member has asked for a minute to love on Gabby. It’s immediately evident that she gives them the comfort they are seeking.

Gabby has a “knowing” if someone needs a little extra. She will snuggle up a little closer, or put her head gently on their lap. It is one of her gifts. Gabby is a such an important member of our school family!"

- Wendi Norton, Social and Emotional Learning Teacher, Blue Hole Primary Gabby's Handler

"Spruce spends most of his time with me at Wimberley High School in the Wellness Center. His intuition to go directly to students, and even staff, who are in crisis or distress is uncanny. Sometimes he notices a student tearing up before I do, and he'll simply lay at their feet, or put his head in their lap. This is a great jumping-off point for me as the counselor to start addressing what brought the student in today, and how we can help. Just in the brief few months I've had him, Spruce continues to show me new ways to engage with students who are in crisis or simply need a few minutes of support, and I can't wait to see what we'll be able to do as a team next!" - Sarah Myers Wimberley High School Wellness Center Coordinator, partner to Facility Dog Spruce

"Freedom Canines' Class provided a much-needed respite from my otherwise intense schedule, which is often filled with challenging subjects like Algebra 2, physics, and English. The demands of these courses can be overwhelming, and without this class, I genuinely believe I would have lost my mind. The atmosphere here is a refreshing contrast; you all bring such humor and joy to our sessions, transforming what could easily be a mundane experience into something truly enjoyable. The laughter we share and the light-hearted banter create a sense of camaraderie that makes learning feel less like a chore and more like a shared adventure. - Jackson WHS Student

"As a staff, Mrs. Anita Cisneros and myself found the addition of Freedom Canines Inc into our weekly schedule an invaluable learning experience for our students and ourselves. We were able to use examples and the acronyms the students practiced with Freedom Canines, as ways to help them approach peer, parent, or teacher interactions. The growth in their communication was impressive.

Initially, we had scheduled for Freedom Canines to work with our students one day a week. We were excited and jumped at the opportunity to increase this learning venue to two days a week. I was impressed by the feedback and teaching strategies used by Todd and Becky with our students, and I was personally touched when they went out of their way to create written notes when they learned that would help one of our students to equally access the learning. This has been an extraordinary experience for a unique student population. My deepest gratitude to Becky and Todd for their mission and willingness to share with the youth in our community."

-Lauri Grisham, Former Director of DAEP (Disciplinary Alternative Education Program) WISD