A different kind of assignment

For four University of Redlands students, one of their most meaningful assignments this year comes with four paws, a wagging tail, and a responsibility that extends well beyond the classroom. 

They're the first cohort of Redlands PAWS — Puppies for Accessibility, Wellness, and Success — a new student program launched in partnership with Guide Dogs for the Blind. The students are raising puppies that could one day help people who are blind or visually impaired navigate the world with greater independence. 

For program student leader Georgie Lee ’28 and her dog Naruto, the program is an opportunity to turn a love of dogs into something much larger: service to others.  

“We’re super excited to be able to raise guide dog puppies and help with Guide Dogs for the Blind’s mission,” Lee said.  

Making an impact with four paws  

Lee is joined by three fellow raisers: Miles Blanco ’29 and her dog, Caroline, Mikayla Foster ’28 and her dog Viceroy, and Belle Sanchez ’28 with her dog, Fedora.  

For the students, puppy raising is far more than having a dog on campus. It is a 24/7 commitment that must be balanced with classes, studying, activities, and the everyday demands of college life. Along the way, the students are helping their puppies learn how to navigate classrooms, public spaces, social situations, and the many distractions they may encounter in their future work.  

“There are times when people may feel uncomfortable or distracted by having a dog in a classroom or other space where they are there to learn, and I completely understand that — especially because Fedora is still in training,” Sanchez said. 

That training also comes with plenty of reminders that these future working dogs are still puppies. Sanchez discovered that firsthand when Fedora developed a particular fascination with ice.  

“Fedora absolutely loves ice, so I got her a water cup, expecting her to simply drink from it. Instead, she shoved her entire nose into the cup and started pulling out the ice cubes!” 

Those small moments have helped Sanchez better understand the relationship between a service animal and the person who may eventually depend on it.  

“Service animals aren’t simply tools that help someone with a disability — they are living animals with their own personalities, needs, and behaviors,” Sanchez said. “Raising Fedora has given me a much better understanding of the responsibility and consideration that comes with having a service animal as part of your everyday life.” 

From student club to living-learning community 

When their time at Redlands is complete, the puppies will return to Guide Dogs for the Blind for the next stage of their training. Based on their individual temperament, abilities, and needs, they may continue toward work as guide dogs or other service roles, or enter the organization’s breeding program. 

But the impact of Redlands PAWS is intended to extend beyond the puppies themselves. 

The University is developing the program as an interdisciplinary living-learning experience that connects community service, academics, accessibility, and the study of human-animal relationships. 

“What makes this especially exciting is that we are building this as a living-learning community, rather than simply a student club,” Interim Director of Community Service-Learning Erin Sanborn said. “Beginning next year, the puppy raisers will live together, creating a community centered around service and human-animal students. There is a lot of interest across campus from students, faculty, and staff wanting to participate and support the puppies.” 

Sanborn serves as co-advisor with Biology faculty Lai Lani Stelle. Together, they see opportunities for the program to connect students and faculty across disciplines while creating a tangible way for students to experience service and accessibility firsthand.  

The partnership also has another Redlands connection. Christine Benninger, CEO of Guide Dogs for the Blind, serves on the University of Redlands Board of Trustees. 

“I think this partnership is such a wonderful example of someone centering public service in her career,” Sanborn said, “and it makes the connection between the University and Guide Dogs even more meaningful.” 

For Lee, Sanchez, Blanco, and Foster, that connection is already taking shape one class, one training session, and one puppy at a time. What begins as the responsibility of raising a dog has the potential to end with something much greater: helping another person move through the world with greater independence.