Home / Lifestyle / Campus Puppies Steal Hearts: Tigers Raise Future Service Dogs
Campus Puppies Steal Hearts: Tigers Raise Future Service Dogs
4 Sep
Summary
- Students raise Labrador Retriever puppies for over a year to become service dogs.
- Both LSU and Clemson clubs assist Canine Companions, a national non-profit.
- Raisers emotionally prepare to let go of beloved dogs for professional training.
Colleges like LSU and Clemson are home to more than just football stars; they also hostAdorable Puppies On Campus (APOCs) through dedicated student clubs. These clubs partner with the national non-profit Canine Companions to raise Labrador Retriever puppies into fully-fledged service dogs.
Students volunteer for 14 to 16 months to train the puppies, teaching them commands, cues, and crucial social behaviors. This involves exposing the dogs to diverse environments, from quiet libraries to bustling events, ensuring they are well-prepared for any situation.
The Clemson club has raised 15 dogs since 2021, while LSU's four-year-old club typically raises five annually. Raisers are permitted to bring their puppies to classes and events, making the dogs integral parts of the campus community.
After the intensive raising period, puppies are returned to Canine Companions for a six- to nine-month professional training program. This final step readies them to be assigned to individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities, or professionals in fields like healthcare.
Canine Companions, founded in 1975, has placed over 8,500 service dogs. The organization continues its mission, currently supporting over 2,800 actively placed dogs and over 1,100 puppy raisers nationwide. Raisers find the experience emotionally challenging yet deeply fulfilling, knowing their efforts significantly improve lives.
