A "Student Service Dog" Visits the Lower School

Last Friday, the third grade Festival Class enjoyed a special visit from Ryan McNamara ’16 and service dog in training, Woodstock.

A rising sophomore at Tulane, Ryan was selected to participate in the Tulane University Service Dog Training and Education Program (TUSTEP) earlier this year.

TUSTEP is a volunteer organization that gives Tulane students the opportunity to raise and train service dogs for those with physical handicaps, skilled companions for people living with mental disabilities, hearing dogs for the hearing impaired, and facility dogs that help out at different types of government and medical institutions. “Puppy raisers” go through a very competitive application process, and then commit to training their dog for 18 months. They are responsible for providing all food, toys, and grooming for their puppies.

Ryan brought Woodstock, a one-year-old yellow lab and golden retriever mix, to show students how dogs can be trained to help humans with a variety of needs. This summer, Ryan will begin training his own puppy, who will live in his dorm room, attend classes, and participate in all daily activities. After 18 months, puppies leave New Orleans and matriculate to an advanced training program. Once complete, he will be placed in a home and officially work as a service dog.

Our third graders loved meeting Woodstock and learning about the service dog training process. Thanks for the visit, Ryan!