Join Team Roofus
*as of 12/7/2020
About Roofus
Hi, my name is Roofus! I was born on February 16, 2018, I am a Dudley Labrador Retriever. My nose has a lighter pigment than other Labs and I also have yellow/green eyes too. My favorite things in life are treats and attention. I’m learning all kinds of things at NLK9s because I get to be a service dog when I grow up. So far, I have learned to answer yes and no questions, how to identify different objects and colors, unzip clothing, walk nice on leash and can make you laugh with my silly play.
From Roofus' Handlers
“ The NLK9s program has been a blessing to my life. Working with all the dogs has been an awesome experience. Roofus lights up all of my days. He doesn’t judge me or look down upon me, he only shows me unconditional love. Being his handler is something I love and something my wife & family can be proud of.....” - Jo
“ I am proud to be a part of the New Life K9s Program. I am ready to begin mending the damaged relationships I have caused in my life. The bond I have developed with the little guy Roofus has made my life matter again. To be able to teach K9s for Veterans and First Responders is truly a blessing....” - Dave
See Roofus' Progress Below
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January 2020 Update
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December 2019 Update
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I went to the animal barn (AKA petting zoo) where I met chickens, goats, and every other little animal. I did so great and got some awesome photos. Check out this one of me on a hay barrel! This month was Thanksgiving and so I got to enjoy some quality time with family and love. I'm learning it's hard to be a big brother to Chief because he is soooo energetic. I'm so excited for December! It's my second Christmas and I can't wait to love up on all of my family. It's my last chances to refine my skills before graduation.
November 2019 Update
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I'm a busy guy! I went to the dog park and the market, the spa, and the doctor's office. My puppy raiser has been bringing some of my pal's over for the weekend and I have been really enjoying getting more quality time with them and my puppy raiser. I got to celebrate Halloween and loved seeing all of the costumes in the neighborhood. I was even dressed up as superman! Look how handsome I am!
October 2019 Update
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Hi, it's Roofus. I've been going to plenty of new places, as usual, like the Greek Festival, (that was a blast!) and the beach, spa, and a New Life K9s picnic. Guess what? I'm getting ready for graduation! But there's still more to do in the program. It's fun to help the little puppies in their education. I teach them new skills and that work can be fun. Something new I learned myself is how to push a crate, (like a step), close to a wall so I can step on it and grab something off of a high shelf. Finally, October is coming up and I can't wait to dress up for Halloween. Last year I was a bat! This year is a surprise, so be sure to check back!
September 2019 Update
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Hello everybody, Roofus here. I had a great time during car week in Monterey with my puppy parent. We saw some exotic and loud cars, as well as many dogs. I behaved like a champ and represented New Life K9s. Lately I have been accompanying my puppy parent everywhere. We're such a strong team. We check out places like the doctor office, restaurants, the gym, spas, and grocery stores. One day when I graduate as a service dog, I will go everywhere with my first responder or veteran. I learned how to retrieve specific items from a cupboard, then close the door when I am done. We are still refining the light switch and placing objects in a person's hand. No luck pulling off socks, but I will keep at it. This month was cool because CTF added new handlers and puppies to the team! I have been showing everybody around and teaching the new handlers how to work with dogs. I look forward to learning new skills and hopefully go to my first amusement park soon!
August 2019 Update
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Last time we left off, I was super excited for 4th of July. Well, it went awesome! I went to the parade and sat in the front row to see horses and a marching band. My puppy parent says I’m quite the professional. It’s so fun to accompany her everywhere she goes, like shopping and the doctor’s office. Plus, quality family time is the best. I’m learning to be a role model for the little puppy recruits. Next month, I look forward to meeting more puppies at CTF that I can help mentor. I'll catch up with you then!
July 2019 Update
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Hey! Roofus here, back with another update. I’m so excited to share what I’ve been up to! Hanging out with my puppy parent family on the weekends is one of my favorites things to do. We go for nightly walks, the dog park, and the beach when the weather is nice. The staff say I behave like a professional with so much promise for service. I’ve been working on my skills to close doors and turn the light switch on and off. Plus, I get to learn how to put objects away, like a book back on the shelf. It’s been fun! I’m looking forward to celebrating my second 4th of July and show off how brave I am when the loud sounds come. Bye!
June 2019 Update
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Hey guys! It's Roofus. I did so many cool things this month! I got to go to a fair and meet a bunch of strange animals. I was only inches away from a pack of goats! I was a little jealous of the pigs though because I didn't get to join them in the mud. I've also been spending a bunch of time with my puppy mommy and her family. We go on walks around the neighborhood and hang out at the beach. This month, I have been working on learning how to close doors, turning off lights, getting help and freezing in case of an emergency. It's been so much fun to work on learning all the skills I need to become a service dog! Next month is going to be very exciting because a new puppy is coming to live with me! I'm going to get to show them the ropes. It's also going to be my big brother Jett's 2 year birthday, so you should definitely check back in to hear all about the party shenanigans.
May 2019 Update
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Hey guys, it’s Roofus! I got to go to the beach this month! I jumped around in the waves and got to run off-leash. It was so much fun! (I think I might want to be a part-time surfer now) I also have been going to stores with my puppy raiser so I can show off by NLK9’s service vest and good manners. In addition to that, I have been helping out to support my puppy raiser at Doctors appointments. I have also been working on my skills. I practiced “Like me”s and copying my handler. I’ve heard whispers that I get to learn “light switch” and removing socks next month. I’m not sure what those are, but I’m excited! That’s all for now! See you guys later!
March 2019 Update
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Roofus is in the house! I've been spending lots of time with friends and family. I've had two sleepovers with my buddies Jett and Roofus, went to a spa and the doctor's office. I've been working on my skills with the light switch and practicing my patience. I'm really good a removing gloves, jacket, shoes, and opening doors. Did you know I also turned i on February 16th? I had an awesome puppy party with my friends. However, the downside to turning 1, was getting fixed. It was rough, but I'm doing okay. See you next month!
February 2019 Update
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Hello everyone! It's Roofus. This month I got to spend a bunch of time with my puppy raiser! I got to go visit the Pacchetti dog park, where I got to run around and chase a lot of new friends! I also got to walk around in Pacific Grove and take in the ocean breeze and all the other cool scents! Mom took me to a pet supply store too! There were so many collars and leashes and toys! I've also been working on all my skills this month. Everyone says that I'm a pro at removing gloves and opening doors now. I also learned how to help take off a jacket by pulling on the zipper or sleeves, and I worked on emergency recall. I'm so excited for next month because I will finally be one year old! Make sure to check back in so you can hear all about my big party!
January 2019 Update