Puppy Raisers are the heart of Collar Scholars, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of service dogs in partnership with Canine Companions, a renowned non-profit organization that provides expertly bred puppies and comprehensive training resources. These dedicated members welcome a puppy into their lives for 12–18 months, offering love, care, and consistent training to instill foundational skills and behaviors. Raisers teach the puppies basic commands, expose them to diverse environments, and ensure they grow into confident, well-mannered dogs ready to transition to professional training with Canine Companions. This hands-on experience not only allows Raisers to directly support Canine Companions’ mission of providing life-changing service dogs free of charge but also equips them with valuable skills in leadership, responsibility, and empathy. Puppy Raisers are integral to creating brighter futures for individuals with disabilities while fostering a sense of community and purpose within Collar Scholars.
Began Raising October, 2025
Meet Tiki! Raised by Deni, this golden-coated dynamo is defined by her radiant confidence and boundless energy. She approaches every training challenge and new adventure with a fearless, enthusiastic spirit. Her self-assured nature makes her a standout prospect, ready to eventually bring independence and joy to her future match.
Began Raising March, 2025
Meet Stash! Raised with boundless energy by Caleb and Abby, Stash is a lively dog with a bright future. Whether he's romping on walks, crunching on ice cubes, or simply enjoying a good play session, Stash embraces life with gusto. His playful spirit and intelligence make him a strong candidate for either our breeding program or as a future service dog, ready to make a joyful impact.
Began Prison Program May, 2025
Meet Chia! Co-raised by Sydney and Whitaker, Chia has returned to the chapter enriched by her time in the prison training program. A true social butterfly, she finds her greatest joy in playing with her canine friends. Chia is back on campus and eager to continue her journey toward service.
Matriculated November, 2025
Meet Fleur! Raised by Lily, Fleur has successfully matriculated into professional training to refine her advanced skills. This high-energy dog is famous for her intense toy motivation and love of chasing frisbees. Now taking her playful spirit to the next level, Fleur is hard at work preparing for her career as a life-changing service dog.
Matriculated May, 2025
Meet Carina! Raised by Whitaker, this adventurous pup was well-known for her love of attending class and squirrel-watching. Her keen senses have since led her down an exciting new path outside of service work. Carina is now training with Pacific Coast Canines, where she is thriving in her preparation to become a detection dog.
Graduated May, 2025
Meet Klancy! Raised initially by Lily, this incredibly gentle and easygoing dog loved spending time with kids. Klancy finished his foundational training with Mat and Michele, where his kind demeanor and relaxed presence truly shone. We're incredibly proud to announce that Klancy has now graduated professional training and is making a profound impact, working as a dedicated facility dog in a courthouse.
Matriculated August, 2023
Meet Ollie! She began her journey as a promising prison puppy, where she received an excellent start. Ollie was then finished raising by Lily, who helped her blossom into the wonderful dog she is today. We're thrilled to share that Ollie is now a valued breeder for Canine Companions, having already brought two beautiful litters into the world, helping to create the next generation of service dogs.
Matriculated Febuary, 2023
Meet Lily and Rocket! Rocket was a truly special dog for our club as our very first Canine Companions pup. This high-energy boy brought so much joy, and while he decided a different path was best for him, he now enjoys life to the fullest as a beloved family pet. We're so proud of Rocket and the wonderful journey he's on!
Began Raising June, 2025
Poke was a wonderful part of our program during his time with us, bringing joy and energy to everyone he met. He is now continuing his journey with another loving puppy raiser in Arkansas, working toward becoming a remarkable future service dog. We’re proud to have been part of his story and can’t wait to see the amazing things he’ll accomplish!