It's a Dogs' Life on Augustana Campus - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

It's a Dogs' Life on Augustana Campus

By: Christine Souders

csouders@cbs4qc.com

An Augustana student group called Vikings Pups is training dogs to help people will disabilities.

The college gave the trainers and dogs student housing which trainers said they hope will make it easier to train the dogs.

Loki and Zorn, and their trainers moved in to what is now known by many on campus as 'The Dog House.'

"It's great living with three trainers in one house, there's definitely a lot more consistency to our training, makes it a lot easier for the dogs, and consistency is absolutely crucial," said Student Trainers Mary Kiolbasa, Sophomore, Allie Roehrenbeck, Junior, and Ashleigh Hresan, Sophomore.

Both puppies are only 4 months old now, but will soon have a lot more responsibilities than just going to class.

"Zorn for instance will brace for his owner to help them up off the floor, he'll stand still so that they can balance themselves on his harness and things like that, and loki will do things like medication reminder, there will be a timer on his collar and he will go fetch medication, bring it to his owner, make sure they take the medication on time," said Roehrenbeck.

And when the time comes to say goodbye, the trainers said it's difficult, but worth it.

"You watch them do something goofy where you're like they look like a regular dog but at the same time, you know they're going to change someone's life, someday their going to save someone's life someday, and they're going to make the world of difference," said Kiolbasa.

Both dogs will be ready for their new owners in close to a year and a half.

Vikings Pups is run mainly on donations.
If you would like to help out with dog food or other pet supplies, CLICK HERE