University of Pittsburgh students are participating in a service dog training program in collaboration with the nonprofit organization, Canine Companions. This initiative, which trains service dogs to assist individuals with disabilities at no cost, currently involves around 200 students. However, not all participants have a dog in training.
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Kailey Vento, a senior majoring in bioengineering, shared, "It's so life-changing, especially for college students." Vento acknowledged the challenge of balancing academics and dog training, stating, "I think a lot of people are worried about the workload of raising and being in college at the same time. I make it work."
Volunteers, including psychology and neuroscience junior Meghan Johns, typically care for the dogs for about 15 months before returning them to Canine Companions for further training. Johns mentioned her emotional journey, having just completed her first training cycle with a puppy that is now 12 weeks old.
The program allows dogs to live in the dorms with their handlers. Vento expressed her gratitude for the experience, even as she prepares to say goodbye to her puppy in a month. "I'm very excited to see him do something so much bigger than me, and just being a pet for me," she said. Vento noted the bittersweet emotions that accompany the transition, emphasizing the significance of the dogs' future roles.