Ask anyone at the University of Delaware what their favorite thing on campus is and nine out of ten times the answer is, all the puppies everywhere. While this may seem like an odd answer for a college, the University of Delaware’s Puppy Raising Club, also known as PROUD, is a unique asset of the student body. PROUD is an organization of students who devote their time to The Seeing Eye Puppy Raising Program by either raising a dog themselves or puppy sitting the dogs when their raisers can’t watch them. It is a 24/7 time commitment, which explains why the puppies are always out and about with their owners. This week’s Campus Celebrity is the newest pup, Enzo. We sat down with his owner, Sarah Mayo, to find out a little bit more about this adorable 12 week old pup.
Her Campus: How did you get Enzo/who decides who gets what puppy?
Sarah Mayo: I got Enzo by putting in an application to the Seeing Eye Puppy Raising Program and by remaining very active in PROUD. If a club member decides that they are interested in becoming a raiser they first have to have gone through the certification to become a sitter and fill out a formal application to the program which they mail to the Seeing Eye. After that, they must complete at least 50 hours of puppy sitting, with at least one overnight and the PROUD puppy hunt. After all of those things have been completed The Seeing Eye ultimately decides whether or not you will be able to raise and then you are put on a waiting list to receive your puppy!
HC: How does the process of raising the puppies work?
SM: We receive the puppies when they are 7 weeks old and begin training immediately. It is our job to train them in basic obedience, such as sit, down, rest, come, etc., as well as to expose them to as many new situations as possible. I will raise Enzo until he is about 14-16 months and then he will return to The Seeing Eye for formal training.
HC: What is a typical day like for you and Enzo? Do you have to do any certain training things with him?
SM: Typically, Enzo will wake up around 7:30, I’ll take him out and feed him breakfast. He has just recently started going to classes with me and he will lay down and take a nap. He usually takes a few naps a day because he is still so young, and will eat three times a day including breakfast. When he is not in class I take him on walks and he plays with his toys. Training is an ongoing process throughout the day where we work on different commands as well as how to behave in public and how to walk without being distracted by things such as leaves, people, cars, squirrels, etc. After working and playing all day he typically falls asleep sometime between 9pm and 10pm.
HC: How would you describe Enzo as a puppy?
SM: Enzo is very playful and loves to run around and play with his toys. He also likes to interact with other people and puppies and very much enjoys the attention he gets as a little puppy. He is very brave and has always done well when encountering something new. So far he has been a very fast learner as well, and has done a great job learning multiple commands.
HC: What exactly are the rules regarding playing with Enzo when you see him on campus?
SM: When you see Enzo or any other dog in our program it is very important that you don’t try to get their attention through calling their name, cooing, or any other gesture because if they are working and walking with us on campus then we are trying to teach them to avoid any and all distractions. We have to correct them every time they take their focus away from us because one day they will be leading a blind person and they could severely hurt them if they continue to look at distractions. Most of the time if they are not working, then they are allowed to be greeted, however always ask first and respect the owner’s answer! If you ever see us on campus and have questions about our program or training please ask! We would love to answer any questions you might have.
HC: Is there anything else you want people to know about Enzo or the work that you do with him?
SM: The work that all of the raisers do with their respective dogs is wonderful and we absolutely love doing it. While it is a 24/7 time commitment it is 100% worth it to us. While many people have said to me that they could never be a part of the program because they would be unable to give up their dog at the end, knowing that you are truly changing someone’s life makes it completely worth it. Many of the graduates say that when they receive their first Seeing Eye dog it feels as if they are flying or as if they can see again, and knowing you helped in that journey is an amazing feeling. And if anyone ever has any questions or wants to join the club feel free to ask! It would be fantastic if knowledge about The Seeing Eye and our role in the puppies’ development became common place knowledge around the university, because this truly is more than just a club to us, and these dogs are not only changing the lives of blind people but our lives as well.
A few of Enzo’s Favorite Things:
Favorite Toy: A flying squirrel shaped toy named Roger
Favorite activity/game/exercise: He loves to play with his toys and with the other dogs!
Favorite place on campus: Enzo really enjoys Trabant because there are lots of things to look at
Best puppy friend: Doris, the female German shepherd that is the same age as him.
Fun Facts About Enzo
-Enzo loves to snuggle and would spend almost all his time sitting in my lap if he could.
-He loves being in his crate and will put himself in there
-He loves to give kisses