Paddy the Puppy: Belmont’s Newest Hero-in-Training
There’s a new star at Belmont University, and he’s got four paws, fluffy ears, and a whole lot of heart. His name is Paddy, and at just 8 weeks old, this Labrador-Golden Retriever mix is already on a mission to make a difference.
Paddy is part of a special program through Canine Companions, a group that trains service dogs to help people with disabilities. He’s also Belmont University’s very first pup to be raised on campus through the Canine Companions Collegiate Puppy Raising Program. The student taking on this amazing challenge? Morgane Wilkes, a first-year physical therapy student with a heart for helping others.
“I definitely feel a strong call to help people and give them back independence. That’s why I decided to go to PT school. To be able to do that, raising a puppy, who’s going to do the exact same thing when he gets older, is truly a gift,” said Wilkes.
Paddy wears a special blue and yellow vest that shows he’s a service dog in training. He’s already learning important commands like “sit,” “down,” and “kennel.” He’s even figured out that “okay” means it’s time to eat!
“It obviously is a little big right now, but he has 2 sizes and he’ll wear that when he’s out with me. He’s learning commands like kennel and sit and down and okay is his release word for his dinner and lunch, and breakfast. He’s gotten really good at that.”
Wilkes will care for Paddy for his first year of life. After that, he’ll head to Orlando, Florida to complete his training. Then, he’ll be matched with someone who needs a service dog—maybe someone who is deaf, has PTSD, or lives with another disability.
“He’ll get placed with someone, and they’ll see if they bond and if they bond. Then, he’ll go home and help someone for the rest of their lives. He could be with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing — he could be with someone who has PTSD.”
This special puppy-raising program at Belmont was made possible thanks to Dr. Christi Williams, an Associate Professor in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. She started the Belmont Collar Scholars Club and the Layla Memorial Fund, which honors her late therapy dog, Layla.
“One thing I have learned is that dogs bring people together. I think it’s important for students to work together as a team for a common goal.”
The Layla Memorial Fund helps pay for everything Paddy needs—like food, toys, and vet care—so that Wilkes can focus on raising him right.
“It was really awesome to just see the joy that he brings people already.”
Dr. Williams hopes more students will join in and raise future service dogs on campus.
Paddy may be tiny now, but he’s already proving how much of a difference one dog—and one person—can make. I think it’s amazing that students like Morgane Wilkes are stepping up to raise future service dogs while balancing their own studies. Service animals change lives, and this program is a perfect example of teamwork, compassion, and dedication. I hope more schools follow Belmont’s example and create opportunities like this.
Source:
- https://youtu.be/7aajikWtLxo?si=k3mcF7A8_mf1r6fd
- https://www.wsmv.com/2025/05/09/belmont-student-trains-future-service-dog-through-canine-companions-collegiate-program/
- https://app.pictory.ai/
- https://chatgpt.com/
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