Spotlight on Service Dogs: Puppies with a Purpose

September is Service Dog Awareness Month. We’re shining a light today on Clemson Puppies with a Purpose. This is a student organization that exists to support the Guide Dog Foundation (GDF) through volunteer puppy raising, assistance animal advocacy and education. Student volunteers become pet parents to these sweet dogs to help get them ready for their intense training!

“Puppies will typically go to their puppy raisers around 8-12 weeks of age, and they will stay with their raisers for approximately 14-16 months before advancing to formal training,” said acting club president and club co-founder Ashlyn Wells (‘25).

Ashlyn is raising Luke, who is the golden retriever pictured above! The two other dogs in the pictures are Amber (left), who Mia Bleichrodt is raising, and Presto (right), who Hali Jones is raising. 

“Raising a service dog in training means being a part of something much bigger than myself,” said Wells. “Seeing each dog go on to fulfill their purpose is so incredibly rewarding, and I have loved being a part of the journey to provide someone with a life-changing service dog.”

According to Wells, The Guide Dog Foundation is a nationwide group, but they work with several colleges and universities across the country to raise future assistance dogs. If you’d like to learn more about helping out this important cause, you can find them on Instagram: @Clemson.PuppieswithaPurpose. Go Tigers!

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