Tracy Rogers trains service dogs to transform lives: March 2024 Jefferson Award Winner

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) — Tracy Rogers' passion for pups is a gateway to healing.

She has carried a deep affinity for dogs all of her life.

Now, she uses that love and nurturing to train them to be service dogs.

"We get them when they're eight or nine weeks," she said. "We give them back when they're 18 months."

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And it's the latter that is the hardest each time the young pups graduate to the next level.

They must be proficient in 45 commands before they can be considered to become a service animal.

Tracy is a dedicated volunteer trainer with 'Canine Companions.'

According to its website, the national organization "provides service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings."

"I've cried for every dog I've turned in," she said. "But then you go to a graduation, and you see somebody with a disability that needs this dog: The joy they bring to that person, the independence they bring to that person, the way they increase their self-esteem, that you just say, 'Ok, I can sacrifice this little bit to provide that for somebody else.'"

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Watching 3-month-old "Alba" scampering across Tracy's backyard on Isle of Palms, you can see the wonderment of discovery.

She spent a few seconds following the movements of a pesky mosquito before it disappeared into the grass.

Alba then shifted her focus to dry leaves that tumbled nearby.

In 15 more months, the young pup will leave the familiar space Tracy has made home for her and be placed with someone who needs her the most.

Only 55% of the dogs in the Canine Companions program become service dogs.

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"Marcus" is a galloping bundle of energy easily tempered by the simple command of "Marcus, heel."

The golden labrador retriever mix is eager to please.

While he didn't earn the title of 'service dog,' Tracy has found a way for Marcus to still serve as a therapy dog.

"We go to College of Charleston, we go to the airport, we go to an elementary school and we read with kids," said Tracy.

The important thing is that he is a 'hero' in a different but impactful capacity.

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All of Tracy's doing.

She incurs the cost of feeding each canine- companion-in-training over 18 months.

That also includes veterinarian bills.

She views it as a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things.

Tracy stands just a few steps away as Marcus and Alba playfully tussle with each other under gray clouds on a breezy and cool spring afternoon.

The look on her face carries the expression of a proud mother.

"When you see kids, you see adults, you see veterans, whoever it is that is getting this service dog, this fully trained service dog, you just see the joy in their face," she said.

With a smile, she adds, "It's worth that sacrifice."

To nominate someone for a Jefferson Award, email Jeffersonaward@sbgtv.com.