Meet the group of handlers that are training The newest class of pups to become service dogs
Gracelin O’Malley | Contributing Writer
“The most challenging part of being a handler is letting go. Sometimes they need to go on to their next step and that isn’t always with me. That happened with Tonks, and it hit hard,” Kat Bishop, a University of Dayton senior, said.
The University of Dayton is home to a dedicated club called 4 Paws for Ability, which collaborates with a well-respected organization that specializes in breeding, raising, and training service dogs.
Established in 1998, this organization has made it its mission to support children and veterans with various disabilities. The volunteers who care for these dogs take them everywhere with them through daily life.
How did they start in the club?
Emily Hardie is a senior who is fostering Amp, an 18-month-old golden lab newfoundland from the units litter. She joined the club as a general member her sophomore year. As a general member, she was not responsible for the dogs in any way.
“I began sitting dogs my junior year, and then my senior year I became a full-time handler for Amp,” Hardie said.
Hardie shares that the most rewarding aspect of being a handler is watching Amp grow more confident in public and over time. Emphasizing that seeing Amp experience and learn new things has been a validating experience.
Madi Bell is a senior who is fostering Edwin, also an 18-month-old golden doodle from the angels among us litter.
“My roommate was a primary handler, and I was looking to get involved in a service organization, so 4paws was a perfect fit. I’ve always loved dogs and wanted to be able to help her out with Ciara. I quickly realized it was a very rewarding position, and knew I wanted to become a handler my senior year,” Bell said.
Bell goes on to explain that being a handler affects her everyday life by causing her to appreciate the “little wins” throughout the day. The most rewarding part for Bell is to see the impact in someone’s everyday life.
Lindsey Person is a senior who is fostering Renior, a 1-year-old golden lab from the artful doggers litter. She is the president of the club and has worked with service dogs since high school. She began as a sitter for the service dogs in training and decided to begin handling full time her senior year.
“My life revolves around Ren. If he is having a tough day, I have to adapt things to make sure he needs are being met. It really does feel like I have a child, which can be hard to balance while being a student. He really has impacted my life for the better because I love his goofy personality. He brings me so many laughs and so much joy. I also love seeing his progress and make sure to always celebrate his wins, no matter how big or small,” Person said.
Person’s advice to those curious about 4 Paws for Ability is to join. “It has been the best club I have gotten involved with on campus and has made my college experience. I am going to miss it the most once I graduate,” Person said.
Skylar Archer is a senior who is fostering Volt, an 18-month-old golden lab newfoundland from the units litter. She joined as an onsite volunteer with the club. This means that she went to the headquarters in Xenia to help with tasks such as cleaning. Handling was a new way for Archer to help the organization.
“I knew that I wanted to push myself by doing more hands-on training and being able to be a co-handler with one of my friends was very fun. Being able to have a dog with you throughout your day is very comforting and taking them to new places alongside you is so fun and nice to be able to do,” Archer said.
Kat has lived in the area since 2010 and has known about 4 Paws for Ability since then. During her time in the club at the University of Dayton, she has fostered three dogs. These dogs range from golden labs to golden doodles. She is currently fostering Hope, a 6-month-old golden doodle from the Oliver’s hugs litter.
“I started handling full time a couple years ago. I knew that I was interested in handling, and when I heard there was a Harry Potter litter that was getting ready to go to handlers, I knew that I had to work with one! So, I started my work with Tonks. “
These handlers work hard to ensure the future of these service dogs in training. The advice they all corroborate is to join the club and learn more. When you see a 4 Paws dog on campus, remember to ask first before petting a 4 Paws dog.
FAQs
What is the primary focus of the UD’s 4 Paws for Ability club?
The club collaborates with the 4 Paws for Ability organization to raise and train service dogs. This organization, established in 1998, focuses on providing service dogs to children and veterans with various disabilities. The University of Dayton club plays a crucial role in the early stages of a service dog’s training and socialization by having student volunteers act as handlers.
How do students get involved with the 4 Paws for Ability club at UD?
Students can join as general members, which doesn’t involve direct dog responsibility. They can also become sitters, helping care for the dogs in training. For those seeking a more involved role, they can become full-time handlers, taking on the primary responsibility for fostering and training a service dog in their everyday life. Some also begin as onsite volunteers at the 4 Paws headquarters, helping with tasks like cleaning, and later transition to handling.
What are some of the challenges handlers face in the 4 Paws for Ability program?
One of the most significant challenges highlighted by handlers is the emotional difficulty of letting go of the dogs after they have completed their training and move on to their placement with a child or veteran. Balancing the responsibilities of being a handler with the demands of being a student can also be challenging, as the dog’s needs often dictate the handler’s schedule and activities.
What are the most rewarding aspects of being a handler for 4 Paws for Ability?
Handlers find it deeply rewarding to witness the dogs’ progress and growth in confidence, particularly in public settings. Seeing the dogs learn new things and become more capable service animals is a validating experience. Additionally, handlers appreciate the positive impact the dogs have on their own lives, bringing joy, laughter, and a greater appreciation for small daily successes. They also find satisfaction in knowing they are contributing to something that will significantly impact someone else’s life.
How does being a handler affect a student’s everyday life?
Being a handler significantly influences a student’s daily routine and requires adaptability. The dog’s needs become a central consideration, sometimes requiring handlers to adjust their plans. Handlers take the dogs with them to various places, integrating their training and socialization into their everyday activities. This constant companionship can also be a source of comfort for the handlers.
What motivates students to become full-time handlers?
Students are often motivated by a desire to be more directly involved in the training and development of the service dogs. Experiencing the rewarding nature of assisting primary handlers or seeing the positive impact the dogs have can inspire general members and sitters to take on the greater responsibility of full-time handling. The opportunity for more hands-on training and being able to constantly be with a dog are also strong motivators.
What advice do handlers offer to students interested in joining the 4 Paws club?
Experienced handlers strongly encourage interested students to join the club. They emphasize that it has been a highly positive and impactful experience that has enriched their college lives. The collective advice is to get involved and learn more about the program.
What should you remember when encountering a dog and handler on campus?
When encountering a 4 Paws for Ability dog on campus, it’s important to remember to ask before petting the dog. Additionally, it’s crucial to recognize that the handler is actively working with and training the dog and is doing their best to ensure the dog’s success in its future role as a service animal.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Notebook LM was used to create the FAQ section. When using Notebook LM, the writer fact-checked, made sure the news content met the basic standards of accuracy/ethics.Gracelin O’Malley is a student in the Flyer News Practicum, offered through the Department of Communication. Most students in the Practicum are assigned stories to write. Some executive photo assignments. Others may want to produce a podcast or work on FN social media. All Practicum assignments are geared toward giving students the chance to have their work published on the student-run online newspaper website.