Chesney & Tilly IV

"I decided to raise to raise awareness and help someone with a disability find their forever helper. As someone interested in pursuing medicine, I knew I wanted to be a part of a journey that helps foster someone’s ability to lead a healthy life. Raising Tilly has been the best time of my life and the best thing I have done at Tulane. It has educated me and many others, taught me how to love something so much, and provided me the opportunity to do something greater than myself. Tilly is the smartest girl I know and I’m so glad I’ve been able to help prepare her for her future career."

Ella & Parker VIII

"I decided to raise because my physical disability has connected me with so many awesome people who could benefit from service dogs. I wanted to help raise a pup just to know that there is one more working dog out there that can help support someone in gaining independence."

Neha & Judy V

"Becoming a co-raiser was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The idea of getting to make such a big difference in someone’s life is a huge motivator for me, and spending time training with Judy every day is one of my favorite things. It’s such a rewarding experience day in and day out to see Judy learn and grow with her different commands or skills and socialization. Coming home to Judy will always be the highlight of my day, and I would highly recommend raising or co-raising to anyone who is interested even though it is a big responsibility!"

Haley & Judy V

"TUSTEP in my why Tulane. I fell in love with the people and the pups, of course, and knew from the moment I stepped on campus that I wanted to raise, and I feel so incredibly grateful to have been given that opportunity by TUSTEP. TUSTEP has made such an impact on other people’s lives, but I really believe that it has changed my life just as much. I’m a co-raiser with one of my best friends, Neha, and it has been such a blast to watch Judy evolve from a puppy who wouldn’t stop peeing every 20 minutes to this gorgeous and mature pup that is so incredibly smart. I’ve gained so much confidence in raising Judy that has translated into confidence I never knew I had in my personal life. I could go on and on about how much I love this program."

Anisa & Bubbie

"I’ve known since I found out about this program that I wanted to raise a puppy! It is such a unique opportunity to be able to properly train and raise a puppy while in college- especially a future service dog! I’ve learned so much about training and dogs in general. A service dog can be life-changing for someone, and it’s incredible that TUSTEP helps Canine Companions provide service dogs to people for free! Bubbie is only 4 months old, and she has already changed my life. She has challenged me and shown me so much love. Training her has become so exciting because I get to watch her learn and grow with me, and it’s the best feeling when she finally gets a command down and the work has paid off! I feel so incredibly lucky to be a part of her beautiful life."

Grace & Joelle V/Hamlin II

"I applied to Puppy Raise after becoming familiar with the incredible work Canine Companions does with their dogs. In high school, I got to know a puppy raiser in my area who was also a facility dog's handler, and she highlighted the incredible impact puppy raisers had. When I arrived on Tulane’s campus, I was thrilled about the opportunity TUSTEP provides and its students and began getting involved. Fast forward to my application getting accepted and the arrival of Joelle V, aka the most precious girl ever! I knew the raising process would be meaningful, but the experience of taking Joelle from a tiny puppy to a confident dog-in-training was beyond rewarding. My college experience has been so much better because of TUSTEP. I am in love with the program and the people, and the community of raisers in my generation are some of my closest friends. The people who raise are some of the kindest, brightest, and most dedicated individuals ever. My college experience has been formed by puppy raising - I am now raising Hamlin II, my second dog, and acting as TUSTEP's president. Leadership, love, hard work, and fulfillment are some of my top takeaways from my puppy raising adventure thus far."