It’s that time of year again, when the autumn air brings with it the familiar feeling of “Back to School.” But this season isn’t just for students; it’s also an exciting time for several Guiding Eyes “Pups-on-Program.” Puppies of varying ages have embarked on college campuses, attending classes, bonding with friends in dorm rooms and dining halls, or basking in the sun on the Quad. These young pups all share a common aspiration: to become guide dogs while learning valuable life lessons alongside their dedicated puppy raisers.
We hope you will enjoy the Pups on Campus profiles below:
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Colleen: Associate Director of the Center for Global Education
Pups raised: 2
Fudge: 4 mths old Male Black Labrador;
Fudge is described as: Sweet, sophisticated, contemplative, goofy, & cuddly
Nicknames: Fudgey, Fudgesicle, Fudgepop, Fudgernaut, Fudgey Wudgey
Catchphrase: “Is it lunchtime yet?”
Favorite Spot on Campus: the grass overlooking the quad – Fudge loves laying in the grass and watching students throw frisbees on the quad below.
From Colleen:
“Puppy raising allows me to be part of the community in an impactful way. It is a privilege to be part of future guide dogs’ journeys and I love how much learning I get to do in the process! It is wonderful to be able to make an impact in this way. …and the puppy cuddles are a huge bonus!”
“I love seeing how happy a Guiding Eyes puppy can make people on campus. From students to colleagues – Fudge makes so many people smile. It is really neat to witness that and it’s so helpful for Fudge to practice people-greetings so often in his day-to-day life. After saying hello to my pup on program, I have overheard multiple students say “Ah! This is why I love college!” and hearing that while knowing these dogs will then go on to change someone’s life really warms my heart!”
Ohio State University
Kali: Studying Animal Sciences
Number of Pups Raised: 3
Richie: 18 mths old, Male Yellow Labrador
Richie is described as: Curious, driven, happy-go-lucky, eager, & polite
Nicknames: Rich, Richard, Rich Man, Smitchard, Big Man
Catchphrase: “Did anyone remember to bring my tennis ball?”
Favorite Spot on Campus: Jesse Owens Recreation Center South
From Kali:
“Puppy raising means giving up a part of yourself to give someone else the opportunity to gain independence.”
“My favorite puppy raising memory was when my last pup, Ohana, spent a day with one of the sitters that had been with us since the beginning. While Ohana was with her, I got a paragraph texted to me about how much improvement Ohana had exhibited and how incredible of a dog she had become. Sometimes with puppy raising, it can be hard because the progress is never immediate. Getting that text reassured me that Ohana and I were both working towards the same goal and that all the hard work we had been putting in for months was worth it.”
Bridgewater State University
Ashley: Studying Early Childhood Education and History
Number of Pups Raised: 1
Watkins: 16 mths old, Male Black Labrador
Watkins is described as: Friendly, thoughtful, intelligent, cuddly, & playful
Nicknames: Watt
Catchphrase: “I’m not sad, I promise!”
Favorite Spot on Campus: The BSU trails!
From Ashley:
“Puppy raising is a great way to better my community and help advocate for more accessibility. I think it also has made me a better person and educator because I had to be selfless and care for another living being.”
“What is my favorite puppy raising memory? Bringing him to teach with me for the first time!”
Ithaca College
Leo: Studying Biology
Number of Pups Raised: 1
Quantum: 18 mths old, Male Black Labrador
Quantum is described as: Carefree, snuggly, jaunty & affectionate
Nicknames: Q-tip, Qbert
Catchphrase: “All these people are friends I haven’t met yet.”
Favorite Spot on Campus: Emerson Field
From Leo:
“To me, puppy raising is about building a bond with my pup and giving them my very best so they can in return give their very best. It’s also a way to teach others how great dogs are outside of just being pets. Seeing people excited to learn about how great working dogs are is a highlight of my day when working with Quantum.”
“The first time it snowed I took Quantum to play in it and the first thing he did was try to eat it as it fell from the sky. After he gave up on that he rolled around in the snow with the biggest smile on his face.”
SUNY Cobleskill
Carly: Studying Canine Training & Management with a minor in Art studies
Number of Pups Raised: 1
Wyatt: 13 mths old, Male Yellow Labrador
Wyatt is described as: Goofy, patient, energetic, & enthusiastic
Nicknames: Wy-Guy, Mr. Man
Catchphrase: “Is class over yet?”
Favorite Spot on Campus: The Canine Training Center
From Carly:
“To me, puppy raising is a life changing experience that I would recommend to anyone. Being a puppy raiser adds joy to the lives of your family and everyone else around you.”
“My favorite puppy raising memory has to be the moment I saw him try on a harness during a walk & talk assessment. Seeing him wearing the harness put into perspective how much he has grown and learned over the past year that I’ve raised him. I am very proud of all of his hard work.”
Many U.S. colleges and universities are involved in Guiding Eyes Puppy Raising and have raisers or sitters currently on campus. The number of Guiding Eyes Puppy Raising Clubs continue to increase and we are currently in discussion with other institutions of higher education about puppy raising opportunities on their campuses. We thank them for allowing their students and staff to participate, promoting volunteerism, and making a profound difference by providing exceptional guide dogs for those with vision loss.
The following have Guiding Eyes Puppy Raising clubs on campus:
The following have Guiding Eyes Puppy Raisers or Sitters on campus:
If you’d like to learn more about raising a future guide dog, on campus or off, follow this link to our Puppy Raising page. There’s a Guiding Eyes puppy waiting to meet you!
Guiding Eyes for the Blind is approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (C) (3) tax-exempt organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind Federal Identification Number (EIN) is 13-1854606.
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