Member Spotlights

Colleen, Solano County

Colleen, Westwind 4-H Club, Solano County

Raising guide dogs for the blind while juggling school and other 4-H activities may seem like a lot of responsibilities for a middle-schooler, but Colleen takes it all in stride.

Colleen participates in a wide variety of 4-H projects, including service animals, which has become her main focus.  She has raised and trained two guide dogs over the course of one year.  This experience exposed her to two very different doggy personalities!  Colleen learned how to gradually introduce a shy dog to new environments and how to ensure a higher energy dog is not, “pushed too far.”

This project also introduced her to other service animals beyond guide dogs for the blind.  For example, Colleen discovered programs that help disabled people through horse riding.

In her leadership project, Colleen has learned valuable skills, such as interviewing tips and the historical influence of women.  She has also chaired several successful service projects that have allowed her to interact with her 4-H peers.

Colleen also completes many hours of community service, and she holds a club office.  In the future, Colleen hopes to become a veterinarian and possibly work for a guide dog facility.

Author: Brenda Bass, State 4-H Office State Assistant, bcbass@ucdavis.edu