It’s hard not to notice the service dogs that are on WSU’s campus. 4 Paws is an organization on campus designed to train these puppies to become service dogs for people with disabilities. 4 Paws fosters puppies to help them socialize and prepare for life as a service dog.
“The best part of being in 4 Paws is helping the dogs,” Elizabeth Guthrie, 4paws president, said. “Having a foster for the dogs so they aren’t sitting in a kennel is rewarding. When the dog leaves and goes with its new family, you have a feeling of what you were doing was important.”
4 Paws started last year. It is part of the bigger organization 4 Paws in Xenia, which started in 1998. The Xenia 4 Paws generally only gives the dogs to children with disabilities. They normally take care of the puppies until they are four to five months. From birth until that age, the puppies are a part of a prison program that goes over basic commands, manners and socialization. 4 Paws on WSU’s mission is to implement the things previously taught and focus mainly on socialization.
According to Guthrie, over the last year, 4 Paws continued to grow with 10 dogs and 22 people in the organization. One of the biggest challenges however for Guthrie is finding fosters for the dogs.
“It’s hard finding people who are pure about the program,” Guthrie said. “Who is going to be that person that would run out at 8 p.m. on last minute notice to get medication for the dog? What if the dog gets car sick, potties, or chews your things? I go through applications, interviews and find people who are truly fit for the position. This is a big deal and there are criteria that must be met such as mandatory training, experience with dogs, good standing with grades and wanting to help others and give back to the community.”
Guthrie has some tips for students at WSU for when they come into contact with the dogs.
“People have been petting working dogs which is confusing for the dogs and serves as distraction,” Guthrie said. “If it is a service dog, it’s very important to ask first before petting the dogs. The dog should also have sign visible.”
4 Paws also has upcoming events such as a campus fundraiser on Oct. 25 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Rathskeller in the Student Union. The money will go to the 4 Paws in Xenia to help with improving programs and providing a better facility for next fall.
For more information about 4 Paws or to get involved, their meetings are bi-weekly Sundays in the Multicultural meeting area in Millett Hall. Find them on Facebook at 4pawsforability@wsu and on orgsync.com.
