Gallant Hearts Guide Dog Center provides free, expertly trained guide dogs to individuals who are blind, empowering independence and confidence.
04/11/2025
🐾 Puppy Raiser Spotlight: Meet Courtney & Harley! 🐾
At Gallant Hearts, our incredible puppy raisers are the heart of our mission—and today, we’re shining a light on Courtney, who’s helping train Harley, one of our sweet golden retrievers currently in the program. 🦮💛
✨ Q: How did you get involved with Gallant Hearts and what inspired you to become a puppy raiser?
Courtney: I got involved through my Delta Gamma chapter at Southern Miss, where I met Gloria. I truly believe in the mission of Gallant Hearts and I wanted to support in anyway I could. Our chapter donates money through fundraising which is amazing but I wanted to find a way to be hands-on and that's when I found out about puppy raising.
🎉 Q: Can you share a favorite memory with Harley during training?
Courtney: My favorite memory while training with Harley was when we were at a soccer game and she was probably 4-5 months old and she just started going crazy trying to get her tail. She was going in circles while on the leash and people started looking and laughing. I squatted down to pet her and get her to stop and then as soon as I stood up she went right back to doing it. It was really funny. 😂
🌟 Q: How has being a puppy raiser impacted you personally?
Courtney: This experience has helped me learn how truly capable I am. I now know that I can do things that I may never have thought I could and that I am determined to succeed. This has truly made me less worried about the future since I am graduating in May and has provided me with comfort in knowing that I will make it through anything regardless of how difficult it may be.
📚 Q: What does a typical day with Harley look like?
Courtney: I am in college currently so we typically go to one or two classes a day to help with exposure to people and then if there is a certain skill we are focusing on we will work on that in the afternoon. For us right now her working is just going with me and working on control.
💬 Q: How has Gallant Hearts supported you?
Courtney: Gallant Hearts has supported me by answering any questions or concerns I may have and by providing me with resources that provide information about the next stage of puppy development and key things to be aware of that may arise during this stage.
🗣️ Q: What advice would you give someone thinking about becoming a puppy raiser?
Courtney: I would tell someone interested in being a puppy raiser to DO IT! I was honestly so nervous when I first started because I kept saying I didn't want to "mess up" the dog, but I have learned so much about myself through this and I have gained so many valuable skills through working with Harley. The first time you see your pup successfully learn something new you will want to shout it from the rooftops because you are so proud of your puppy but also of yourself. I have loved working with Harley and Gallant Hearts and I would not trade this experience for anything.
🐶💙 Thank you, Courtney, for your dedication and heart! You and Harley are making a difference, one paw at a time.
Interested in becoming a puppy raiser like Courtney? Reach out to us—we’d love to chat!
