Expanding Impact: HSU’s Canine Companions Partnership Grows Across Health Sciences

Since December 2021, Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) has had a meaningful partnership with Canine Companions, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing service dogs to individuals with disabilities at no cost. This collaboration reflects HSU’s commitment to integrating service into its curriculum, reinforcing its mission to deliver excellence in education guided by Christian faith and values. Here are five key highlights of this impactful partnership:

1. Volunteer Puppy Raising Program: The Canine Companions partnership at HSU began with the Physical Therapy program and has since expanded to include the Physician Assistant and Nursing programs. Faculty and students across these programs actively participate as volunteer puppy raisers, committing to a 14-month period of providing basic training, socialization, and care for the puppies. After this foundational phase, the dogs continue with six months of professional training to develop advanced skills tailored to assist their future families.
2. Campus Integration of Service Dogs: The university community has embraced the presence of service dogs on campus, where you might find a puppy in training even in the registrar’s office. Notable examples include Sesame and Serrano, sibling puppies who joined HSU as part of the third cycle of the partnership, following their predecessors, Greer and Dion. This integration fosters a supportive environment and raises awareness about the role of service animals. ​
3. Comprehensive Training from Birth: Dogs begin their journey at Canine Companions’ breeding facilities, where they are born to carefully selected parents to ensure they possess the necessary traits for service work. After spending their early weeks at the facility, these puppies transition to HSU for foundational training, marking the start of their path toward becoming dedicated service animals. ​
4. Community Engagement and Events: HSU has a partnership with Hendrick Health, where a puppy is shared between the two entities. Individuals from Hendrick’s nursing department, purchasing, human resources, and other departments help train the puppy, along with HSU. Events are held throughout the year in the community and on campus, allowing people to interact with the puppies. This not only highlights the partnership and the program but also educates the public on the importance of service dogs. ​
5. Leadership and Vision: Dr. Wendy Anemaet and Drs. Janelle and Dennis O’Connell, faculty members at HSU, have been instrumental in initiating and developing the Canine Companions service dog training program at HSU. Their dedication reflects the university’s broader commitment to innovative programs that serve both the academic community and society at large.

Through these initiatives, HSU and Canine Companions exemplify a collaborative effort that enriches the lives of individuals with disabilities while providing valuable experiential learning opportunities for students. If you’re interested in getting involved with this program at HSU, please contact Dr. Anemaet.