LOS ANGELES — Canine Companions future service dog Pauley joined volunteer puppy raisers Kyubin and Audrey on the UCLA campus for a very special introduction.
Pauley dropped in at Pauley Pavilion for the conclusion of the Bruins women’s basketball team practice on Oct. 16. He was greeted with plenty of pets and play from the UCLA hoopers, all eager and welcoming to their newest addition for the 2025-26 season.
UCLA women’s basketball will help chronicle Pauley’s journey to entering Canine Companions professional service training. The partnership is an opportunity for Bruins basketball fans to learn more about the life-changing impact service dogs provide.
“Not only do we love making an impact on others, but it changes our hearts, as well,” Close said. “Being part of an organization that’s making a difference, that’s our honor and that’s our joy.”
The UCLA women’s basketball is coming off of its first-ever Final Four appearance to cap a remarkable 2024-25 season, and return All-American center Lauren Betts — who, along with her sister Sienna, showed Pauley some extra attention at the meet-and-greet.
But while the Bruins are helping raise awareness about service dogs, Close said the real stars are puppy raisers Audrey and Kyubin.
“To think students would choose this and be intentional about giving to someone else, hats off to Audrey and Kyubin,” she said. “They’re doing the real work.”
Both puppy raisers are in their senior years at UCLA. Pauley — named for the famed basketball arena on the campus — joins them at classes as part of the future service dog’s socialization.
They will also bring him to UCLA women’s basketball events throughout the season, and before hopefully crossing the stage at a Canine Companions graduation, Pauley will walk alongside Audrey and Kyubin at UCLA graduation.
“Being my last year here, I really wanted to give myself an activity that had a mission I aligned with,” Audrey said.
She came across the UCLA Collar Scholars program and decided to make the commitment. For both her and Audrey, it’s already been a rewarding experience only enhancing the meaning of their fourth year at the university.
