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Witt students socialize service dogs
Sunday, December 21, 2008
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Lasser, a service dog appears to be bored with the conversation Wittenberg students, from left, Chrissie Shuss, Lauren Bryant and Emily Rudman are having while another service dog, N'Sync, looks on. The students are socializing the dogs for a Xenia agency that will train and place them with children with autism and other physical and mental challenges.
Lasser, a golden retriever service dog, is being trained by Wittenberg University students.
N'Sync, a golden retriever service dog, is being trained by Wittenberg University students.SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — Lauren Bryant promised herself she would not get attached to the golden retriever puppy placed in her care in September.
But as the Wittenberg University senior planned to go home for Christmas vacation last week, the thought of returning N'Sync to 4 Paws for Ability brought tears to her eyes.
"They tell me that when I drop him off, he'll watch me through the window. They said he'll be OK but..." Bryant said, her voice trailing off.
Bryant and four other Wittenberg students spent this fall socializing four future service dogs for the Xenia organization that will train the dogs to be placed with children with autism and/or limited vision or mobility.
Wittenberg juniors Chrissie Shuss and Emily Rudman decided to share their dog — 8-month-old, Lasser.
"He's a celebrity," Rudman said as students gathered around to pet the caramel-colored puppy. "People don't know my name, but they know who he is."
The university got involved in the program after the dean of students, Sarah Kelly, saw the 4 Paws founder on a television program.
"I've always thought a university campus would be a perfect place to socialize a dog," Kelly said.
After the show, Kelly called Karen Shirk, the executive director and founder of 4 Paws for Ability.
"Training is something we can do with any dog, but making sure a dog is socialized is so important," Shirk said. "They have to be able to work out in the public."
The students, including seniors Alex Potapenko and Lilly Pate, took the dogs with them everywhere they went — to class, the cafeteria, bookstore and off-campus adventures.
Bryant laughed when she recalled how N'Sync once fell asleep in class.
"I guess he was dreaming because he started moving his feet and making noises," she said.
He also had an "accident" in the middle of the Upper Valley Mall shortly after Bryant took him in.
"That was embarrassing," she said.
The dogs now will undergo professional training as they prepare to be placed with a child.
"We placed 90 dogs this year," Shirk said. "About 60 percent of our dogs go to children with autism."
Shirk invited the students to attend the dogs' graduation in February, where they can meet the new families.
"I know whoever gets him will love him," Bryant said. "I'm glad that I had a chance to do this."
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0347 or kmori@coxohio.com.
