For the Allen ISD students raising service dogs through the Canine Companions Puppy Raising Program, a typical school day looks a bit different.

Their four-legged partners come to school, spend time in classrooms and practice commands throughout the day. When the final bell rings, the responsibility continues at home, where students handle feeding, training and everyday care.

It is a significant commitment, but it is also an experience students will carry with them long after the puppies leave their care.

How did Allen ISD's Canine Companions program get started?

The program began in 2019 after FFA student Hope Miriam discovered Canine Companions and brought the idea to agricultural science teacher Stacy Schertz. After a year of conversations and planning, the program welcomed its first puppies.

Since then, students have raised two to four puppies each school year and eight puppies are currently part of the program. Students work under the supervision of Canine Companions’ South Central Region puppy program manager Chandler Stokes, as well as community member Canine Companions’ volunteers Judy Eastburn and Erin Lamonte, and they participate in monthly training sessions focused on developing the skills future service dogs need.

Golden retriever service dog puppy in yellow vest walks on leash beside a person's legs indoors.
Photo credit to Gaven Dean, Allen ISD

What does it take to raise a future service dog?

Allen High School student Lauren Scanlan is currently raising future service dog Opus and she said the experience has taught her responsibility and patience.

“Taking an eight-week-old puppy, doing all of the socialization and teaching him all of the commands definitely takes patience and time, but it is very rewarding watching him grow up and [expand his knowledge].”

For Allen High School student Maddie Williams, raising future service dog Octavia has created opportunities to meet people and introduce others to the work of Canine Companions. Octavia accompanies Williams to school, events and other environments, giving her plenty of opportunities to practice being comfortable around people.

“I have a lot of people tell me stories about their medical problems and how they want a service dog, and it lets me tell them what Canine Companions is,” Williams said. “Octavia has made so many new friends. Everybody knows her name. I think she’s more popular than I am. She loves meeting new people, and I love giving people the experience to meet her. I've met a lot of people who are afraid of dogs as well, but once they get to know her, it's a totally different experience.”

Golden retriever puppy in yellow service dog vest looks up at person holding its leash indoors.
Photo credit to Gaven Dean, Allen ISD

Over time, both Williams and Scanlan have watched their puppies develop unique personalities.

“Watching Octavia grow up has been such a great experience. I definitely feel like a proud parent. Right now, she loves sleeping, playing and interacting with people. The biggest thing I'm happy to see is that she loves kids,” Williams said. “She does really well in a lot of environments. We've gone to a state convention, and there's been a concert there, and she slept the entire time. She also goes to the hospital with me and helps me with my medical condition. She's really caring. I feel like she's one of those dogs that can look at you and see how you feel.”

Scanlan added to that, describing Opus’ determined personality.

“Opus is very ambitious; he's bold, and he always wants to work, but he also really appreciates sleep. He’s very playful, and most importantly, he's so loving,” Scanlan said.

Yellow Labrador puppy in Canine Companions vest stands beside a person's legs on a tiled floor indoors.
Photo credit to Gaven Dean, Allen ISD

What do students learn from giving the dogs back?

The emotional side of the program is just as important as the training. After 16 months, students give their dogs to Canine Companions, where they can continue professional training before being matched with someone who needs a service dog.

Schertz, who has raised Canine Companions dogs herself, has seen the impact firsthand. One of her former dogs, Melman, now serves at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, while another, Wyatt, assists a person in Midland.

“To get the reports back of what the dogs are doing, and the impact that they're making on a daily basis, makes it so worth it, and it definitely gives you that warm feeling inside,” Schertz said.

Smiling woman in blue sweatshirt stands with golden retriever service dog puppy in yellow vest indoors.
Photo credit to Gaven Dean, Allen ISD

For Schertz, the goal is to help students develop skills that extend beyond animal science.

“I would hope that they take away that empathy for animals and [a deep understanding of] what we’re trying to accomplish; we’re providing opportunities for others that are in need,” Schertz said. “I also hope they take away that responsibility, because that is not just going to help them in this moment with the animals that they're raising, but that will help them in life.”

Ultimately, students learn that their time with each puppy is part of a much larger journey. Although saying goodbye can be difficult, the opportunity to help provide someone with greater independence makes the sacrifice worthwhile.

In addition to Scanlan with Opus and Williams with Octavia, current puppy raisers and their dogs include Julia Park with Lennox, Cheney Wood with Kipling, Madison Flores with Arwin, Scarlett Jackson with Nosh, Jaedyn Yeransian with Shepherd and Amelie Schiavon with Alfonzo.

Yellow Labrador service dog in training vest sits looking up at handler holding leash in a lobby.
Photo credit to Gaven Dean, Allen ISD

Those interested in learning more can find resources here:

Frequently asked questions

What is the Allen ISD Canine Companions Puppy Raising Program?

The program allows Allen ISD FFA students to raise future service dogs for 16 months. Students integrate the dogs into their classrooms, homes, and daily routines to socialize them and teach commands before the dogs advance to professional service dog training.

When did Allen ISD begin working with Canine Companions?

The program began in 2019 after FFA student Hope Miriam proposed the idea to agricultural science teacher Stacy Schertz. Since then, students have raised two to four puppies per school year, under the supervision of Canine Companions’ South Central Region.

What do students learn by raising future service dogs?

Students gain hands-on experience in animal science while developing essential life skills, including responsibility, patience, empathy and community engagement.

What happens after the 16-month puppy raising period ends?

Students return the dogs to Canine Companions for professional training. Once fully trained, the dogs are matched with individuals who need service animals, such as facility dogs in hospitals or personal assistants for individuals with disabilities.

The above story was produced by Senior Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.