We have many sayings in the NEADS Puppy Raiser community. Two that we use often are, “It takes a village,” and “We give a piece of our heart to every single dog we raise.” These aren’t just phrases; they reflect how our community truly operates. Our volunteer Puppy Raisers form a specialized network that weaves together into something much bigger than any one person.
And when important milestones happen, we celebrate them together.
After 20 years at Assumption University, Brenda Torres is retiring.
If you were to ask, “Who is Brenda?”, the answer is not just one thing. To our 200+ Puppy Raisers, she is a fellow Weekend Raiser who has raised 14 dogs. As a Puppy Raiser Council member, she works primarily with the volunteers who take our string-training dogs out on weekends, offering steady advice, thoughtful outings, and consistent support.
To our staff, Brenda is a vital strategic partner. She helps us navigate challenges, offers insight into the needs of her fellow Raisers, and provides honest feedback when something isn’t working. She also played a key role in establishing the College Raiser Program at Assumption University, serving as a dedicated liaison to our Student Raisers over the past two years.
At Assumption, Brenda has been a steady, welcoming presence. At her retirement celebration, Vice President of Student Success Conway Campbell described her in two words: welcoming and glue. He shared how Brenda supported students navigating independence for the first time—easing fears, building confidence, and connecting them with resources. She modeled consistency and care for the Student Affairs and Student Success teams through years of turnover, hardship, and the occasional student “shenanigans.”
Within her broader community, Brenda and her husband, Rick, are known as a safe, steady presence people can rely on and learn from. Their nearly decade-long involvement with NEADS reflects that same quiet commitment to showing up for others.
The NEADS Raiser Operations, Volunteer Engagement, and Training teams were honored to celebrate this milestone with Brenda. She has shown all of us what it means to give your whole heart to the things that matter most. Because in this community, we give a piece of our heart to every dog we raise—and through Brenda’s years of service, leadership, and care, she has given a piece of hers to all of us. Fortunately for us, retirement from the university simply means Brenda will have a bit more time to spare, and we are so grateful she remains an active, vital part of our NEADS volunteer team and the Puppy Raiser Council.
