Newman Club members participate in Seeing Eye Program

March 26, 2008

College campuses are known breeding grounds for life-shaping experiences.  And even though Russ hasn’t been on Rowan University’s campus more than a semester, he’s changed quite a bit.  His experiences include sharing an apartment, gaining the infamous “freshman 15,” preparing for his future career, and realizing that he’s one of the cutest guys on campus.  

That’s quite a lot for a 12-week-old German shepherd puppy.

Russ is one of Rowan’s newest canine participants in the Seeing Eye program, involving students who volunteer their time to raise puppies until they are old enough to attend guide dog training school.  In a few years, if his training is successful, Russ will be a full-fledged Seeing Eye dog for a companion who is legally blind.

But Russ isn’t the only one who is learning a lot through the program.  His caregivers, including two Newman Club members, have learned a lot themselves.

“It really teaches you responsibility,” said Megan Esola, a sophomore elementary education major.  “Like getting up early, or in the middle of the night,” Elsie Albone, a sophomore math major quickly added with a smile.  

Esola and Albone are two of Russ’ four student “parents” who will care for the puppy until he is ready to enter The Seeing Eye’s training school in Morristown.  Together, the girls take care of Russ’ basic needs including feeding, walking, and playing, as well as teaching him basic commands that will be a part of his future training. 

A Cherry Hill resident, Esola, 19, helped raise a yellow lab retriever mix last semester, though Russ is the first puppy she’ll be with during his entire stay at Rowan.  She has been interested in the program since hearing about it at freshman orientation, but had to wait until sophomore year to participate. 

An Erial resident, Albone, 20, just started the program in January at Elsola’s invitation.  Because of her mom’s relationship with a friend who is blind, she has been interested in the use of guide dogs from a young age. 

Both of the members of Rowan’s Newman Club participate in the music ministry there.   Esola is a member of St. Peter’s Parish in Merchantville, where she also volunteers her time as a third grade CCD teacher.  Albone is a member of Sacred Heart in Camden and provides liturgical harp and piano music to several area parishes.  
  
The two students agree that The Seeing Eye program has not always been easy.  When then 7-week-old Russ first arrived at their apartment Esola’s first reaction of “Oh my gosh he’s adorable!” changed later that night to, “Oh my gosh what have I gotten myself into?”

“The hardest part is dealing with people who don’t understand,” said Albone.  “It’s hard to field their questions,” Esola added, “and there are lots of myths to dispel.  But we know they’re doing it with good intent.”  Russ accompanies the students almost everywhere they go, but has to adhere to certain rules so he knows how guide dogs should interact with others.  Esola explained that fellow students find it hard to grasp that “when he’s walking with us, he’s working.” 

Both students laughed as they shared the misguided questions they’ve been asked by other students, including “Is it true that you never play with the dog ever?” “He works, and he’s going to work hard, but he’s still a dog,” Esola usually replies.

The four raisers had to adjust to living together and sharing the responsibilities of the dog while balancing their schedules.  “It’s hard with classes,” Albone admitted.  “It’s hard with everything,” Esola clarified, “with studying, work, keeping your spiritual life in line, and maintaining friendships and relationships.”

There are many challenges, especially while the puppy is still young, but Russ’ raisers welcome the learning experiences and feel their participation is worth the time.  Sometimes, it’s just his irresistible looks that keep them going.  “If he does anything bad, I’ll just laugh at his face because it’s so cute,” Albone explained.      

The students describe this unique college experience as very rewarding.  “More people should incorporate service into their daily lives,” said Esola, “it forces you not to always put yourself first.”  Albone plans to remain involved as a puppy raiser after college.  Esola is interested in continuing raising puppies, but might also adopt retired guide dogs. 

Every college graduate has a collection of experiences, some more valuable than others.  Albone, Esola, and their fellow raisers are sure to have an experience that develops their personal growth as they raised a puppy for a good cause.  Russ’ college experience is important to shaping his service career, and if all goes well, he’ll prove invaluable to someone in need. 

But for the next several months, he’s probably just planning to enjoy life in college.