Rowan University Puppy Program Raises Service Dogs For Non-Profit
GLASSBORO, NJ (CBS) -- If you see puppies sporting little yellow vests around Rowan University the answer is "yes" you can pet them.
Several students are taking part in the volunteer puppy raising program of future service dogs for the non-profit Canine Companions for Independence.
Three students received 8-week-old labs in December and will raise them for about a year and a half to teach them basic commands and social skills.
"I bring him to the student center a lot and to class and things like that. In class he's great, he knows if I tuck the lease under my leg he's pretty much going to sleep cause we're not moving for a while," says Rowan student Jimmy Witkoski.
The students are responsible for the dogs' care 24-7 including paying for food and vet bills.
By lending their dogs out in the puppy-stage CCI is able to save money so people with disabilities can receive fully trained service dogs at no cost.
At 18 months of age the dogs are brought back by CCI to complete training.
"You absolutely fall in love with these dogs and you don't look forward to the day you give them up, but when you get them you know they have a higher purpose in life," says Rowan student Nicole Puzio.
To learn more about Rowans CCI club check out www.facebook.com/CCIatRU/ and to learn more about Canine Companions for Independence visit CCI.org.