South Plains Service Dogs

Raylee Davis 

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I founded South Plains Service Dogs with the goal of providing expertly trained service dogs to the Texas Panhandle. I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Canine Studies from Bergin University of Canine Studies. Bergin University is the only university in the world where you can study dogs, dogs, and more dogs. I also received my Associate's Degree in Service Dog Education. My courses at Bergin University included behavior assessments and troubleshooting, work with shelter and rescue dogs, canine nose work (scent detection), service dog training, and of course, PUPPY training.

I began working as a nurse when I was 19. My goal was to get my doctorate in physical therapy. Three years into my bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology,  I knew that this was not what I wanted to spend my life doing. It took me several more years before I found service dog training. 

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My brother was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 3. I watched his struggles as he attempted to interact with the world around him. He is easily frustrated when I do not see or process the world as he does. Helping him successfully navigate an incredibly overwhelming world was how I found my career path. I began the process of learning how to train service dogs for people with disabilities. 

 

We are only beginning to understand the capabilities that dogs have. In the last decade, the service dog world has expanded to include diabetic alert dogs, autism dogs, PTSD dogs, and so much more. These dogs not only mitigate various disabilities but they provide unconditional love and acceptance to their handlers. Knowing this makes this job the best job in the world.