UWF transfer students raise future service dogs

The University of West Florida's Transfer Task Force, a student organization formed just last year, is making a major impact through a wholesome service initiative: raising service dogs for Canine Companions. Transfer Task Force students often describe their role as helping prepare the puppies to "transfer," much like they transferred to UWF.

Created to strengthen community and belonging among transfer students, the Transfer Task Force blends connection with meaningful service. Since forming, the group has focused on building awareness for Canine Companions, educating peers about the role of service dogs and raising funds to support the puppies in their care. Their efforts have included campus events, car washes and a "Puppy Shower" fundraiser to kickstart their puppy fund.

"It's been so incredible to witness the Transfer Task Force unite and ignite these major service initiatives," said Lexi Miller, Transfer Task Force staff advisor. "Having these puppies on campus reflects months of dedication, hard work and determination, and I couldn't be more proud of each of them."

UWF currently has two student puppy raisers: Gigi Maduro, who is raising Wryland, and Emily Miller, who is raising Veracruz. Elaina Priebe '25, who is raising Maestro, graduated last semester. The student handlers will socialize the puppies, help them become comfortable in a variety of environments, and establish foundational training skills that prepare them for advanced service-dog school.

"I truly love dogs and have two puppies back home that I don't get to see, so I thought that it was a great idea to have a furry friend with me while I navigate my way through college," said Maduro. "I feel even more honored to foster such a special puppy that will one day be a hero to someone else. I couldn't be more excited to be Wryland's mom for a year."

Students can expect to see the puppies around campus in the new year wearing their yellow Canine Companions vests as they begin socialization and training activities. Canine Companions supports college puppy raisers through its Collar Scholars Fund, which reimburses veterinary and preventative-care costs. The organization also provides guidance through a dedicated college program coordinator and receives local support from Kathryn Daniel, a leader within the Emerald Coast Volunteer Chapter.

"This is an opportunity to be a part of something much bigger than myself, and I am incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity," said Emily Miller. "A team of students who do not fit into the typical college student box came together to support the two of us who could house a puppy and help allow these puppies to go to classrooms, attend meetings and walk the UWF trails. Having a puppy who has some big shoes to fill and being hands-on with that so he can then go on to change someone's life brings an unexplainable joy. This puppy forces me to take a step back and reflect on all the good that we can do. College can be incredibly difficult, but this pup is able to put smiles on so many faces."

The group plans to travel together to Orlando for the official sendoff once the puppies reach about 1 and a half years old. At that point, the dogs will train as professional service-dogs with Canine Companions.

For more information about UWF, visit uwf.edu. For more information about Canine Companions, visit canine.org.