Teaching dogs to do good
They’re the campus sensations everyone’s talking about in Upstate New York. Their names? Tarzan and Juan.
These two dogs (a golden retrievers and a lab) not only are known on the Syracuse campus for their hearts of gold, nor just for their super-cute faces. They’re the latest recruits in a heartwarming story of student volunteerism and canine companionship.
When you think about it (I know I did), you realize that universities offer a large population of willing trainers and helpers, a good learning situations, and a larger environment.
When it comes to these two dogs, there are two undergraduates, Arianna Kuhn and Megan Panny, who are raising them on behalf of Guiding Eyes for the Blind. This organization’s goal/mission? To train these pups to become invaluable companions for people with vision loss.
It's a labor of love that's as rewarding as it is challenging.
As previously stated, a University campus is just as good of a training ground for future guide dogs as it is for young men and women. The bustling energy, diverse crowds, and unexpected challenges mirror the real world they both will soon navigate in their “professions.” In specific training takes place in the Syracuse arena, the JMA Dome, where the dogs must navigate real life obstacles like stairs, elevators and expansive areas.
“My hometown <Westchester county> is near the Guiding Eyes for the Blind headquarters, which has given me the ability to see how the program works throughout my life, When I saw the opportunity to be involved through Syracuse University, it was one I was excited about. This program has allowed me to help others while also fulfilling the love I have for animals.”
Megan Panny
The partnership between Syracuse University and Guiding Eyes for the Blind also strengthens the local and community ties. By opening their doors to these canine students, the campus is instilling a sense of contribution and compassion in its staff and students.
“I am passionate about giving back to the community and wanted to have a positive impact on an individual that would benefit from the services of Guiding Eyes… As I have embarked on my puppy raising journey, it has been life-changing to see the impact that this organization and its pups have on the lives of not only individuals with visual impairments but the lives of us as raisers as well.”
Arianna Kuhn
The relationship was first made in 2022 via the university’s Student Experience team. Soon after that students were enlisted into working with potential guide dogs. It was at a student fair 2023 that Kuhn and Panny saw the opportunity to take their love for dogs and make a difference in someone’s life.
As you probably well know, guide dogs are much more than just pets; they’re symbols of hope, independence, and the enduring spirit of service. And people train these dogs, and as these dogs do their duty a sense of pride and anticipation is commonplace for all involved.
That’s a good thing.