Many may see dogs as loveable, furry companions that will curl up next to them, but for others, dogs can be an essential part of performing day-to-day tasks and responsibilities. For individuals who use service dogs as an aide, dogs are not only pets but working companions as well.
For those interested in learning more about or working with service dogs, Illinois State University’s Indy–Pendence Service Dog Organization strives to educate ISU students about the work and care of service dogs.
President Lillian Ridinger, a fifth-year history major, has been a part of this registered student organization since her freshman year and views her current position as a “natural next step.”
“We are planning a lot of stuff this year.We have fundraising opportunities throughout the year, and this is where we will have a lot of the dogs together in a group and not just with their trainers in class. I think this year we are going to try and do more community outreach,” Ridinger said.
“[For example], we went to one of the local high schools in the past and taught people about what service dogs do, how to interact with service dogs when you see them in public and what to do if one approaches you to inform the community,” Ridinger continued.
Franny Cipriano, a senior special education major specializing in deaf and hard of hearing, has had a service dog since May 2023. With her service dog, ISU’s campus hasbecome more accessible to her.
The organization helped train her dog through Paws Giving Independence (PGI). As a nonprofit organization in Peoria, IL,. PGI works with Indy–Pendence Service Dog Organization to train members on how to train the animals. Because PGI is a nonprofit, Cipriano did not have to pay for her service dog, which would not have been covered by insurance.
“He allows me to safely get to class so I can go to all my classes. He gives a type of independence that I do not think I ever would have had without him,” Cipriano said. “I know he takes stress off my parents, who now know I am safe when I am away from home.”
At 7 p.m. every Monday in Schroeder Hall, the RSO meets to engage in a presentation to learn about the different skills the dogs could know and then practices with the dogs on how to train those skills.
“Indy-Pendence has changed my life. I would not be able to be where I am in my education without the support of them working with me,” Cipriano said.
More information about the Indy–Pendence Service Dog Organization can be found on Redbird Life.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
