When she arrived at Ohio State, Lynn Agee (BA, psychology, 2015) knew she wanted to work with dogs, but she didn’t know how to get started. Then, she found the organization 4 Paws for Ability, which raises and trains service dogs for children with disabilities. Agee wanted to help, and decided to open an Ohio State chapter of the organization to socialize dogs on campus in preparation for their training.

The red-vested pups can be seen around the university with their handlers, whose job it is take the dogs everywhere with them, socialize the dogs to other people and keep up on their obedience training. The handlers also act as foster parents to the dogs, housing them and caring for their basic needs at no cost to themselves.

Said Agee, “We want to make people aware of the reasons people need service dogs. The program doesn’t just train dogs; it educates people as well. It shows them the impact the dog can have on someone’s life.”

“My psychology degree taught me a lot,” she said. “I've learned how different people act and think, and that not everyone learns or comprehends things in the same way as others. It taught me that the ways we as human beings think and act have a tremendous impact on the ways animals think and act, which is an interest to me wanting to train dogs.”

Agee added that she’s learned a lot about disabilities and different ways the brain can be impacted. 4 Paws For Ability places quality service dogs with veterans who suffer from PTSD and/or hearing loss and with children with a variety of disabilities. It also helps with animal rescue and educates the public regarding use of service dogs in public places.

“Being able to see how the dog can bond with its forever person really brings out the connection my degree has with my career,” she said. “Being able to witness life-changing miracles from these dogs is truly amazing.”

Now an alumna of the university, Agee left the organization in good hands, with nearly 20 dogs being handled by students this semester.  She currently works for 4 Paws for Ability in Xenia, Ohio as a socializer in hopes to become a trainer.

“Honestly, we change lives,” said Agee. “Our goal is to train the dog to help the child and to give the child — and their family — security. We don’t disapprove anyone.”

By Molly Kime, ASC Communications student