Since Captain has graduated to a higher level of training, we would like to introduce the newest Switchbacks pup, Goalie!

Goalie, an eight-week old yellow Labrador/Golden Retriever puppy, is the newest edition to the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC roster.

Goalie is starting to mature from a puppy to a calm, confident dog. He has mastered several ques including hurry (go to the bathroom), kennel (enter his kennel and lay down), sit,  touch, and shake. Touch and shake are his favorite ques. He is working on down, drop, here, fetch, bed, and pivoting on a small step. These are all foundational skills he is learning on his way to becoming a service dog.

Goalie loves his daily walks and is already excellent at loose-leash walking, which is a skill required for service dogs. Goalie loves to cuddle with his big brother, Striker. Striker is teaching Goalie how to fetch!

This is the third Canine Companions future service dog the Switchbacks have followed. Captain, who was with the team last season, is currently in professional training, where he is learning advanced skills like turning on and off light switches, opening doors and picking up dropped items from the ground. He is getting closer to wrapping up his training and finding his forever match. Striker, who the team followed in 2021-22, is currently living his best life in Denver, CO.

“Captain has currently moved on to Canine Companions professional training in Oceanside, California. In professional training, he will learn advanced skills such as picking up dropped items, opening and closing doors, turning on and off light switches and up to 45 new skills! After his six months in professional training, he has hopes to be matched with an adult, child or Veteran with a disability and help his new partner lead a life with more independence. Good luck Captain!”

Plus we have a Striker update! Last summer, we took Striker into our family as he began his work towards becoming a service dog. Under the tutelage of an amazing Colorado volunteer, Striker learned lots of commands as well as some basic skills that will help him to be the best worker he can. Striker graduated in August 2022, and we’re very excited to let you all know that Striker has been invited to join the Canine Companions Therapy Dog Program, and will begin his training in October! His calm and soothing nature will be perfect in that role.

Canine Companions service dogs are expertly trained in over 40 commands and are matched with children, adults, and veterans with disabilities free of charge. These dogs assist with daily tasks such as retrieving dropped items, opening and closing doors and drawers, turning on and off lights, and much more to enhance independence for people with disabilities. To get there, it takes nearly two years of hard work and love, starting at the very beginning as adorable puppies. 

We are also thrilled to announce a partnership with Animal Care ER – kindness, compassion, and integrity.