Program welcomes first puppy to campus, launches Layla Memorial Fund
The Belmont Collar Scholars club is preparing to welcome its first service dog trainee to campus, marking an exciting milestone since the program's approval last summer. With the club's first designated service puppy raiser approved, the organization is now focused on spreading the word and gaining involvement.
“Launching the club is a huge step towards enhancing student involvement and education about service and therapy dogs," says Dr. Christi Williams, club advisor and associate professor. "With our first puppy raiser already lined up, we're excited about the impact these dogs will have not just on individuals, but on our entire community."
First-year physical therapy student Morgen Wilkes was named the club's inaugural puppy raiser. After completing an application process, interviews and home environment checks, Wilkes is now on the waitlist to receive a puppy as soon as April.
Raising a service dog is a significant commitment, and puppy raisers like Wilkes are responsible for all expenses including food, veterinary bills, crates, leashes and supplies. This is where the support of the Belmont Collar Scholars club comes in, providing puppy sitters who can watch the dog during exams or when the raiser needs a hand.
"When I first considered becoming a puppy raiser, I was really concerned about the time commitment, especially with the long hours required for physical therapy students and a trip I had planned over the summer,” said Wilkes. “Dr. Williams reassured me about the support from puppy sitters, explaining they could step in during classes, exams or even take care of the puppy while I’m away.”
As a puppy raiser, Wilkes will be responsible for the puppy from about eight weeks to a year-and-a-half old. She will provide basic training and socialization before the dog moves on to professional training in Orlando.
"The reason I went into physical therapy was because I feel like I have a strong calling to care for people, and I really feel passionate about giving people their independence back,” said Wilkes. “I saw this as another opportunity to do that."
To further support its student puppy raisers, the club is launching its first fundraising campaign — the Layla Memorial Fund — named after Williams' late therapy dog who was beloved around campus and the community.
"The Layla Memorial Fund is a tribute to the impact service and therapy dogs like Layla have on their communities," said Williams. "This fund will help alleviate some of the financial burdens for our student raisers, ensuring that more students can participate without the stress of financial constraints."
The fund aims to raise an initial $5,000 to help offset costs for student puppy raisers like Wilkes, with aspirations for more fundraising as the club continues to grow.
The impact of these service dogs extends far beyond campus. According to Wilkes, these dogs serve people with various conditions: 19% assist those with cerebral palsy, 16% help people with neuromuscular disabilities, 11% aid those with paralysis, 12% assist deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals, 9% support people with autism spectrum disorder and others help with various conditions including PTSD.
"Being able-bodied, I can manage my daily activities independently, which isn't the case for everyone," said Wilkes. "Supporting this program means we're not just helping others with their physical needs but also alleviating the mental and emotional challenges they face. It’s a privilege to contribute to such important and necessary work."
The club will kick off its fundraising efforts with a St. Patrick's Day event on March 17 from 10:00-11:30 a.m. outside McWhorter Hall. Students can take photos with future service dogs for their playful "Kiss Me, I'm a Service Dog" themed photo booth, complete with festive props for both students and dogs.
"This event is the perfect opportunity for students to meet some of our service dogs and therapy dogs and learn more about our program," said Williams. "We'll have a QR code available for donations to the Layla Memorial Fund, which will go directly to supporting our puppy raisers and club activities."
Wilkes suggests that everyone consider joining the club.
"There are so many ways to get involved, from fundraising to puppy sitting. You don’t have to take on puppy raising to make an impact. Any level of involvement supports a great cause," she said.
As the club gains momentum, Williams envisions a campus where service dogs in training become a familiar sight, creating both educational opportunities and meaningful connections.
"What starts with one puppy has the potential to transform our campus culture," said Williams. "These dogs aren't just providing independence for individuals with disabilities — they're teaching our students invaluable lessons about service, compassion and the profound difference one dedicated person can make in someone else's life."
Those interested in contributing to the Layla Memorial Fund can donate via Venmo to @ChristiWilliams34 (with "Belmont Collar Scholars" in the description).
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