Puppy Painting | Photos by Rose Taylor | The Wright State Guardian
On Friday, Sept. 27, students seeking shelter from the high winds found a cozy indoor activity hosted by Raider Pups in the Student Union atrium. The organization’s officers invited students to meet their service dogs-in-training, who helped create multi-colored masterpieces for students to keep.
Puppy painting
The Puppy Painting event was run by five dedicated Raider Pups members, among them the President of the organization, senior Ximena Santin Abarca.
“I think it went really well,” Santin Abarca said about the event.
Between managing the dogs and engaging with students, she noted that the goal of Puppy Painting was to generate awareness about Raider Pups, as well as teach students how to interact with service dogs.
The artsy activity drew in many students, who then stayed for the loveable dogs.
“I think a lot of people are having a lot of fun,” said Santin Abarca.
The event consisted mainly of two tables, containing Raider Pups swag, sign-up sheets and art supplies.
Each student was given a small canvas and a variety of paints to decorate it with. They then gave their canvas to a Raider Pups officer, who would cover the canvas with plastic wrap topped with creamy peanut butter.
While they waited, students were encouraged to pet and play with the four future service dogs at the event: Brian, Chief, Dexter and Kanga. One of these dogs would then lick the peanut butter off the wrapped canvas, smearing the paint and creating a unique work of art for the student.
This event had something for everyone: the dogs practiced socializing, the students enjoyed the dogs and their artwork, and Raider Pups spread the word about its presence on campus.
Raider Pups
Raider Pups is a Wright State University student organization and a branch of 4 Paws for Ability, located in Xenia, Ohio. The goal of Raider Pups is to socialize and train dogs from 4 Paws to become service animals for children and veterans with disabilities.
Students who are certified trainers through 4 Paws may volunteer with them directly or on-campus with Raider Pups. Anyone who is not certified can still be a member of Raider Pups and contribute to the organization.
Long-time members report finding fulfillment in the work they do and its impact on those served by 4 Paws. This includes Austin Wolfe, Treasurer of Raider Pups and full-time carer to Chief.
“I love the idea that all of the people we have are volunteers,” Wolfe stated.
Wolfe has watched every dog on campus and then some. He explained that the work that goes into a dog who will soon help someone who needs it makes the sacrifice of time and effort worthwhile.
This sentiment is the driving force behind Raider Pups. For many students, the idea that their work may go on to improve or even save a life is reason enough to participate.
Raider Pups is currently looking for new members who can help contribute to this goal.
Get involved
4 Paws and its mission rely on volunteer efforts, with thousands of volunteers helping, according to its website.
“... the organization has grown from a one-bedroom apartment to a purpose-built campus in Xenia, OH with more than sixty staff members and thousands of volunteers,” the website states.
WSU students can join their cause to support disabled youth and veterans by participating in Raider Pups as a trainer, general member or attendee at events.
Those interested in Raider Pups can contact the e-board via email. Contact information is located on Engage.
