So often, students only see one side of the Capital University staff. It is often hard to remember that a certain faculty or staff member has a life outside of their job on campus. Sometimes, though, it is easier to remember. Especially if the staff member is seen with a dog.
One such case
is Deanna Bond, Capital University’s associate director of admissions. Outside of Capital, Bond volunteers with an organization called 4 Paws for Ability. This non-profit institution, based in Xenia, Ohio, works to provide service dogs to those in need.
Their target groups are primarily children with disabilities and veterans who have needs as a result of their service. Although the organization was started with dogs from outside of the group, 4 Paws for Ability breeds their own dogs specifically for the program. This is so they know the overall temperament of the dog and can ensure that they will make good service animals.
Bond and her family serve as foster parents for service dogs before the dogs are assigned.
“Our main goal as a foster family is really just to socialize [the dogs] and get them used to being out in public,” Bond said. She says that Thunder, her current service dog in-training, goes everywhere with her “to get him used to everything we can get him used to.”
Several college campuses around Ohio work with 4 Paws for Ability by letting students foster a dog for a semester. Capital does not currently
have a program, but other area schools such as Ohio State University, Wittenberg University, Cedarville University, and Ohio Northern University have programs in place.
The college scene is how Deanna Bond originally got to be a part of with 4 Paws for Ability. Bond told the Chimes that her daughters participated in the program while enrolled at Wittenberg University, and this led to the whole family becoming involved.
Currently, Bond is living with Thunder, who is around one year old. Thunder has been with Bond since the age of five months. Bond said that 4 Paws for Ability gives the family everything they need to take care of Thunder. This includes supplying a crate, food, and other necessary supplies, as well as paying for veterinary appointments and obedience school.
Thunder’s time with the Bonds is almost up, and upon leaving, he will be sent on to improve the life of someone who is in need of a service dog.
The employees of Capital University carry on lives outside of campus just as students do. Deanna Bond’s work with Thunder and 4 Paws for Ability is just one example of how Capital faculty and staff contribute beyond their jobs.
