They say that the dog is man’s best friend. Service dogs are a perfect example of this. These dogs make for loyal partners for people with disabilities: they can guide a person who is blind, prevent panic attacks, aid with mobility and much more. In fact, around 500,000 Americans have built partnerships with a support canine. These dogs are not always born as patient, focused workers, however. Just like any skilled worker, they need to be taught the skills required to become a service dog.
This is where junior occupational therapy major Samantha Machmer comes in. Machmer, a resident assistant in Schlosser Hall, has partnered with the Susquehanna Service Dogs program to take Farmer, a future service dog, to live with her on campus. She will raise him until he is old enough to work as a full-fledged service dog. During his time at Etown, Machmer will teach Farmer how to be patient, calm and well-mannered. He will also learn from the positive example that Truman, Etown’s famous “therapy doodle,” sets with his calm demeanor. So far, Farmer has built a reputation for bringing a spark of joy into the lives of students and faculty. One student said that she has spotted Farmer occasionally around campus, and that she “love[s] seeing him because he’s just the cutest and sweetest dog.” It is evident that Machmer is doing an excellent job raising him and that he will make for a great service dog when he grows up.
Machmer would like to bring more puppies to Etown’s campus through a potential program that will give more students the opportunity to experience the beautiful challenge of raising a service dog. She believes that Etown students and society as a whole will benefit from her program. Canine Companions claims that there is a “critical shortage” of trained service dogs across the world, so this program has the potential to make a big difference in people’s lives.
However, there are some factors that should be taken into account before volunteering to raise a puppy. Dogs need plenty of attention and need to be walked every day. In addition, service dogs must be taught how to be patient and calm from an early age. In order to teach them these virtues, they should be around people who act patiently and calmly.
First-year student Elise McCann has expressed excitement about the idea of having more puppies on campus. “I like the idea of having more dogs around,” McCann said. “It would make the campus a happier place. How could you be sad around puppies?”
Susquehanna Service Dogs is a part of Keystone Human Services. This nonprofit organization raises, trains and places service dogs. They are searching for volunteers to raise puppies as Machmer is doing, but there are also plenty of ways for those who are not interested in puppy-raising to show support for the foundation. For example, they are happily accepting donations of money and items such as dog food and toys. Susquehanna Service Dogs appreciates all of the support they are given, considering that the cost for them to raise and train a single dog can cost around $30,000, according to their website.
Despite the challenges that go into raising and training a service dog, the result is worth it. Someday, Farmer will build an incredible bond with someone who needs him. Machmer exemplifies Etown’s “Educate for Service” motto: getting herself–and potentially other students–involved in puppy training will bring light into the lives of people who are in need of a service animal.
