Savannah Carr | The Crow’s Nest
By Savannah Carr
Marty and Bernie, two guide dogs in training, celebrated their first birthday on Oct. 22.
The USF St. Petersburg Puppy Raisers Club threw a birthday party complete with pizza – for the guests – and birthday cake for the pups.
Marty and Bernie are part of the Puppy Love Living Learning Community on campus, which partners with the Southeastern Guide Dogs Association. The nonprofit provides guide dogs for the visually impaired and military veterans with PTSD, at no cost.
The LLC raises the puppies from two months old to around 14 months old. After that, they’ll go to “puppy college,” where they’ll learn 20 to 40 commands, depending on whether they’ll end up being service dogs or guide dogs.
“Puppy college, or more formally ‘in for training,’ is to see if they have what it takes to be a guide dog or service dog. It depends on temperament, ability and if they want to work,” said freshman LLC member Natalia Belive. “While they are with us, we teach them house manners and basic commands to get ready for puppy college.”
At the party, Marty and Bernie showcased their obedience training skills and taught the guests how to properly greet a guide dog. The party, while fun, also further trained the dogs how to behave in large crowds.
Those who attended also had the chance to win gift cards to venues around St. Petersburg, including The Tavern, by entering a raffle. All proceeds went to Southeastern Guide Dogs.
“I went because I have friends in the LLC, plus I love dogs,” said freshman Erin Hays. “I thought it was super fun and cool that they put together an entire party for just two dogs.”
