WHY WE RAISE

As a part of our annual raiser selections, we asked raisers why they decided to raise. Their words speak for themselves, and we wanted to create a whole website section designed to showcase their stories!

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

"Like many other people in this club (and possibly you!), I wrote about 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, but if I were you, I’d apply and find out how amazing it is first hand ;)"

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."

Cally & Vader

"I decided to raise for a lot of reasons. When I came to Tulane, I joined TUSTEP and instantly fell in love with the mission of the organization and the dogs! Within my sorority, I knew several raisers and got to puppy sit their dogs a lot. This only increased my desire to become more involved with TUSTEP. I did the shadowing program in TUSTEP and learned firsthand the type of commitment and rewards that raising a dog took. I applied to raise and was given the most incredible dog, Vader. Working with him throughout his time as a service dog in training is something I wouldn’t trade for anything. He taught me patience, responsibility, kindness, and, most of all, the love of raising a dog by myself. Unfortunately, his working career is over as he was medically released for IBD. I adopted him, and he is now my pet. However, I plan on raising again one day."

Haley & Newton VII

"I decided to raise a TUSTEP dog because I knew that one day this dog would make such a huge difference in someone’s life and I could be part of making that difference. During the year and a half that I had Newton, I experienced some of the most challenging and rewarding moments in my life. Newton and I learned and grew together and I feel so much more prepared to take on life after Tulane. I also made so many friends through this program and I loved being part of such a supportive community. I am forever thankful for my time raising Newton and this is an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life."

Olivia & Lily iV

"I decided to raise because of my genuine love for dogs and a strong commitment to advocating for individuals with disabilities. Raising was a way for me to blend these two important aspects of my life. Lily, the dog I raised, played a significant role in my Tulane experience. She showed me unconditional love and represented something much larger than myself. The entire experience, from the challenges to the joys, was incredibly rewarding. Being a part of Lily's journey and witnessing her growth has undoubtedly been my proudest accomplishment."

Jen & Willow

"I raised because it was an opportunity to help a community that has meant so much to me. When I was seven, my twin sister received her service dog with facilitator, Blue, and he changed her life. He gave her a new sense of freedom and independence, transforming our family dynamic. Even though he was owner-trained, because I was so young when Blue came into our lives, I didn't appreciate what it took for him to be as amazing as he was. I later learned about the everyday people who took time out of their lives to raise a dog to make families like mine's life better. I raised because I wanted to do for someone else's family what was done for families like mine.

Raising Willow has been a big part of my time at Tulane. Through TUSTEP, I have had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people and have made lifelong friends. Although it was hard work, I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. Willow taught me patience and that not everything has to go perfectly to be perfect. I can not picture my time at Tulane without her golden grumbles and sassy side-eyes. To anyone who's thinking about applying, do it! You won't regret it!"

Eric & Yeti/LUcky

"I decided to raise because I wanted to do my part and give back to the community by doing something I have always wanted to do. Raising while in school allowed me to educate others on service animals and accessibility rights. It also gave me something to focus on outside of class."

Bella & Pluto

"There’s nothing more selfless than dedicating almost half of your college career to raising a service dog. As a raiser, you experience the many facets of puppies. You are there for so many “firsts”. Their first command, first play date, first birthday, and so many more. You do all of this knowing you are going to proudly walk across your pup’s graduation stage and hand the leash over, saying goodbye to your best friend for the past year and a half. You know that this dog is going to change someone’s life in countless ways, and they’ll be the light of their life. Service dogs are honestly heaven sent, but they need raisers who will love them, cheer them on, and teach them to be an indispensable friend and medical tool. I chose to raise because I was taught the importance of philanthropy from a very young age, and wanted to challenge myself. I had never had a puppy, but I knew TUSTEP’s culture was one of community. Pluto was a spitfire as a puppy, but we grew together during my last two years at Tulane. We worked hard to master the skills for service dog training, and it taught me so many skills like time management and patience, and a better understanding of living with a disability."

Meredith & Apollo

"I chose to raise a dog through TUSTEP because I understood the profound impact of having support when disabled in a society designed for able-bodied individuals. My experience of bringing a therapy dog to assisted living and nursing homes highlighted the substantial emotional benefits dogs can offer. Acknowledging that service dogs provide both emotional and practical support, I concluded that raising a dog could genuinely enhance someone's life. Raising Apollo was truly transformative. While I was his caregiver and taught him commands and basic behavioral training, he offered valuable lessons in patience, unconditional love, time-management, and adaptability. Navigating college and public spaces with a golden retriever surely brought attention, but it provided opportunities to set boundaries, forge connections, and advocate for the disabled community."

Morgan & Vera

"Deciding to raise was hands down the best decision I’ve made in the last few years. Vera came into my life as a whiny, wiggly girl with a love for learning, and she changed my life forever. Raising a puppy brings out the best in you and challenges you to address your weaknesses. It challenges you to make selfless decisions every day because, ultimately, you are pouring your heart into a dog who was born for someone else. I decided to raise because I wanted to channel my love for dogs and training into helping someone. I had no idea what the true potential impact of these dogs on someone’s life was. TUSTEP gave me the opportunity to see a glimpse of this impact through the dogs that graduate as service dogs and gave me the opportunity to see that in a dog I raised myself. Each of the dogs I raised and trained holds a piece of my heart, and they carry that with them as they change the lives of their handler every day. It’s truly a gift I never thought I would be able to give someone, and I would encourage anyone considering raising a puppy to take the leap and do it."

Sarah & Sailor/Hawke

"I loved the support and community I found through puppy raising, beginning with TUSTEP. Puppy raising helped me become a more confident advocate in my every day life. Seeing my first pup graduate as a service dog and make a difference in someone’s life is something I am proud to hold on to forever. Being able to puppy raise was an absolute privilege, and I am thankful that I had the opportunity to do it twice. My second puppy changed careers but is working towards being a therapy dog, to one day work alongside me in my social work practice. Every puppy’s journey is different, and it is amazing to see how every single one finds their true path!"

Gaelen & Glamour/Misha

"I knew I was interested in puppy raising from the moment I saw a TUSTEP dog prancing down McAlister on my first tour at Tulane. What truly excited me was hearing raisers share the small, joyful moments they experienced with their puppies and their genuine desire to see these dogs succeed in helping others. I wanted to be a part of that. The most common question that puppy raisers get asked is, “Is it hard to give the dog back?” Spoiler alert: yes, it is. However, reflecting on the sadness of parting with the dog I raised is undeniably outweighed by the happiness derived from witnessing their success throughout the entire puppy raising process. Whether it’s the satisfaction of watching a new command finally click, receiving a successful report card after turn in, or witnessing the bond with their forever person, puppy raisers experience numerous moments of joy and pride. I was fortunate enough to have raised two puppies who are now service dogs for two incredible women, Amanda and Celeste, who keep in touch with me. Every time I get an update from them, I am reminded why I have and will continue to puppy raise."

Kara & Ramsey/Sarge

"I can’t begin to imagine how to put into words why I decided to raise and the enormous impact that raising had on me throughout my undergrad journey and beyond. I went to Tulane knowing I wanted to be involved with TUSTEP because I have always felt very comfortable around dogs, but I had no idea the impact raising would have on me. I cannot express how amazing it is to have the supportive collegiate community to help you when you have questions, take your pup for a bit to play, or just be a friend. I ended up living with Sarah, a previous TUSTEP raiser, for four year and co-raising our second service dog with USVSD, Sarge. Ramsey, my first puppy, matched with the sweetest young woman outside of Atlanta, Georgia, as a skilled companion service dog. No matter how big the world is, the raising community makes it seem small. To this day, Colin, Sarah's TUSTEP dog, and Ramsey meet up and play like they did when we lived together. If there was ever anything that made raising a dog worth it, it is seeing both dogs you lived with thrive in their jobs and get to still hang out. The second pup I raised was so different than Ramsey, but it made it just as fun. Sarge loved people, kids, and making people happy, so when he matched as a facility dog at the VA in New Orleans, where I still lived, my co-raisers and I could not have been more thrilled. A facility dog is the perfect match for Sarge, and the impact he has on the veterans who are struggling is just immeasurable to anything I could ever do. Sarge also kept me connected with the raising community throughout the pandemic and postgrad, so even as a current medical student three years out of college, I still feel close to and loved by the raising community, especially the collegiate raising community. Taking some of the young pups in the New Orleans area to train them brings me so much fulfillment, and I could not imagine being where I am without the confidence I get from training. I am so grateful to the raising community for supporting me not only as a raiser, but also as a person. If you decide to raise, there will be tough times, but looking back, I can barely remember them compared to all my successes. And when (not if) you decide raising is in your future, just know that you have generations of raisers (including me) willing to help you guide the balance of raising with being a student and your own growth as a person."