Hardin-Simmons University is home to a program that has helped change the lives of countless individuals with disabilities. The Canine Companions Puppy Program has, since its introduction in October 2021, provided the opportunity to both raise and train future service dogs.
The program began when Dr. Wendy Anamaet joined the Physical Therapy (PT) Department.
“Dr. Anamaet had been involved with Canine Companions prior to coming to HSU and wanted to continue the program here.” Dr. Janelle O’Connell, dean of the College of Health Professions and professor of physical therapy, said. “It’s a wonderful leadership and service activity, and it has grown quickly.”
Now, multiple departments across campus, including Nursing, Engineering, the Registrar’s Office and Disability Services, are involved in training and raising these puppies. Currently, PT is raising two pups — Naan and Fizzy — while Nursing has one named Paschal, who is co-raised with Hendrick Healthcare.
“Students are responsible for feeding, brushing, potty training, and teaching basic commands,” Dr. O’Connell said. “The dogs need 5-20 minutes of training multiple times a day, and consistency is essential.”
Students also take part in a weekly team training session.
“Every Thursday from noon to 1 p.m., all the dogs on campus come together for group training,” Dr. O’Connell said. “This is crucial because service dogs must learn to obey commands even when there are distractions.”
The puppies in the program are specifically bred in Santa Rosa, Calif. They stay with their mother and littermates for eight weeks before being sent to trainers.
“Through extensive research, Canine Companions has found that crossbreeding Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers produce the most successful service dogs,” Dr. O’Connell said. “Of the eight dogs we’ve had at HSU, seven have been crossbreeds, and one has been a full-blooded Labrador.”
Once the puppies arrive at HSU, they stay on campus for about 16 months before moving on to advanced training.
“After they leave us, they go to a regional training center in Las Colinas,” Dr. O’Connell said. “There they spend six months in professional training. However, not every dog makes it through. Some may be released if they struggle with advanced skills, show fear of loud noises, or develop health problems.”
After spending over a year raising a puppy, saying goodbye can be difficult.
“It’s hard to turn them over when you’ve spent 14 months bonding with them and training them,” Dr. O’Connell said. “You’ve watched them grow, mature, and develop their skills. However, when you see them graduate and then be placed with someone who truly needs them, it’s heartwarming. It reminds you why you do it in the first place. Two of our PT-raised puppies, Greer and Dion, have completed their professional training and were placed with pediatric patients with disabilities.”
Dr. O’Connell shared the profound impact that these dogs have had on their owners.“Greer was placed with a 7-year-old girl with muscular dystrophy and helps her with daily tasks like pulling her wheelchair, retrieving needed items, and even brushing her teeth. Dion was placed with a 13-year-old, non-verbal individual. He assists her with her therapy; helping her walk, work on fine motor skills and retrieve objects.”
Hardin-Simmons is the only university in Abilene participating in the Canine Companions program, making it a unique opportunity for HSU students.
“This program is more than just raising puppies, it’s about teaching leadership, responsibility, and making a difference in the lives of others,” Dr. O’Connell said. “We are always looking for more volunteers. It’s a rewarding experience, and it’s something that truly changes lives.”
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