Golden Opportunities for Independence

Golden Opportunities for Independence (GOFI) specializes in breeding, raising, and training English Type Golden Retrievers to become highly skilled service, therapy, or facility dogs. These dogs are custom-trained to perform tasks such as Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT), retrieving objects, opening automatic doors, and crowd control, tailored to the specific needs of individuals with disabilities. The program emphasizes handler involvement to build strong bonds and effective communication.

For the general public, GOFI offers a range of group training classes for all dog breeds. These include the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program for young dogs (2-6 months), Pre-Canine Good Citizen (Pre-CGC) for dogs under one year, and AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and Advanced CGC (CGCA) for dogs over one year. They also provide a Therapy Dog Track, Basic Obedience classes, and ongoing Tuesday Night Training sessions. Classes typically run for 5 to 6 weeks, with some including an exam on the final week.

Pricing Summary

Class costs vary: AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Pre-CGC, and CGC classes are $250 for 5-6 weeks, with an additional $30 for the test in some CGC-related classes. Basic Obedience is $225 for 6 weeks, and the Therapy Dog Class is $300 for 6 weeks. Tuesday Night Training costs $25 per class.

All classes must be paid in full at the first session. A full refund, minus a $40 processing fee, is available up to 48 hours before the class starts. A 50% refund is provided within 48 hours until the class begins. No refunds are given after a class has started; only credit is offered. Returned checks incur a $25 fee.

Policies

For class cancellations, a full refund minus a $40 processing fee is available up to 48 hours before the class begins. A 50% refund is provided for cancellations made within 48 hours until the start of the class. No refunds are issued once a class has commenced; only credit will be offered. A $25 fee is charged for any returned checks.

Golden Opportunities for Independence (GOFI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to breeding, raising, and training English Type Golden Retrievers. These dogs are prepared to serve as service, therapy, or facility dogs, aiming to enhance the independence of individuals with disabilities by providing companionship, care, safety, and task assistance.

In addition to their service dog programs, GOFI offers a variety of public dog training classes for all breeds. These classes utilize positive motivational methods and cover different stages of a dog’s life and training needs.

Their offerings include AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Pre-Canine Good Citizen (Pre-CGC), AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC), AKC Community Canine Good Citizen (CGCA), and a Therapy Dog Track. They also provide a Basic Obedience Class and ongoing Tuesday Night Training sessions. GOFI relies on individual donors and volunteers, such as puppy raisers, to support its mission.

Accomplishments

Golden Opportunities for Independence is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Executive Director and Founder, Pauline Hoegler, RN, BSN, CPDT, has over 20 years of experience breeding Golden Retriever dogs, which contributes to the high quality of service dogs in their program. GOFI is also an Assistance Dogs International (ADI) Candidate program and has a rating on GuideStar, a premier destination for nonprofits and nonprofit research.

How to Get Started!

For individuals interested in a service dog, the process begins with an application. Applicants are required to complete a Behavior Assessment Form if they currently have a dog in the household. Prerequisites for service dog placement include no household members with dog allergies, no smoking (cigarettes, vapes, or marijuana) in the home, and living within a 25-mile radius of Walpole.

For public training classes, interested individuals can sign up, with some classes having waitlists. All classes require payment in full at the first session. Volunteer opportunities, including puppy raising, are also available, requiring a volunteer application and attendance at an orientation session.