Meet Ruger & Archer

The Four-Legged Team Behind hey-nicole

Ruger — Chief Reading Buddy

Hi! I'm Ruger, Nicole's reading partner and certified service dog.

Most days you'll find me listening to children read, celebrating brave attempts, and reminding young

readers that every big accomplishment starts with one small step.

I love cheering kids on when they're learning something new. Sometimes all they need is someone

who believes they can do it.

I'll let you in on a little secret—I still get in trouble for sneaking into the trash once in a while. Nicole

says I know better. She's probably right. But I keep trying to do better.

I guess that's why I understand what it's like to make mistakes. Around here, we don't expect

perfection. We celebrate trying again.

Favorite Things

• Listening to stories

• Celebrating reading victories

• Belly rubs

• Barking at squirrels

• Occasionally investigating the kitchen trash... purely for research purposes.

Archer — Chief Encouragement Officer

Hi! I'm Archer, Ruger's teammate and fellow certified service dog.

I believe every child deserves encouragement, patience, and someone who reminds them that

learning takes time.

While Ruger is usually the first one to celebrate a reading victory, I'm the one quietly cheering

everyone on. Sometimes a gentle nudge is all someone needs to keep going.

I should probably admit something... If someone leaves a pan on the stove, I might decide it's my

responsibility to make sure nothing delicious goes to waste. Nicole calls it "licking the pans." I call it

quality control.

Just like kids, I'm still learning too.

Favorite Things

• Encouraging families

• Listening to stories

• Barking at squirrels with Ruger

• Performing unofficial kitchen inspections

• Reminding everyone that learning takes practice.

Our Promise

Even service dogs aren't perfect.

Ruger sometimes investigates the trash. Archer occasionally volunteers to clean the pans. We both

bark at squirrels like it's our full-time job.

But every day we try to do a little better than the day before.

That's what we hope for every child, too.

Not perfection. Just another chance to learn, grow, and keep going.

Location

Indianapolis, Indiana

Contact Us

Call us at:

Email us at: [email protected]