Claudia Harris and Jester

I was introduced to Canine Companions for Independence through my mom (Jessica Harris) who started raising her first puppy, Jakers, in Winter of 2017. I was stuck with this 8-week-old puppy throughout my winter break home for college. I had fun learning all his commands and more about Canine Companions in general. I jumped right in with her, attending puppy classes, going to events and helping with socialization. I really enjoyed being a volunteer with Canine Companions because I learned so much more about Canine Companions every event I attended!

I decided I wanted to become a puppy raiser after learning about all the college puppy raising programs across the nation. I study Civil Engineering at the University of Mount Union. My sophomore year, I worked with administrators to allow me to raise a Canine Companions puppy on campus (the first assistance dog to be raised on Mount Union’s campus!)

I received Jester, my first puppy, in July this year and he currently resides with me at Mount Union! He is adjusting to college life well and will start attending my classes as soon as we master the QUIET command! I have really appreciated all of the support from Northern Ohio Chapter volunteers and puppy raisers and I look forward to Jester’s journey ahead!

Sue Klingshirn and Therapy Dog Bruin

I learned of Canine Companions for Independence through a friend and co-worker, Christy LeBlanc, when she decided to raise her first puppy for the organization. I would accompany her and assist at puppy socialization events as well as doggy sit for her on occasion. I attended her first dog's, Samford, matriculation and graduation ceremony. From there on I was hooked. Since that time, I have met many wonderful puppy raisers who work tirelessly in many capacities.

I love volunteering for DogFest (Canine Companions' annual fundraising event) and helping out anywhere I can. I have accompanied Canine Companions puppy raisers to presentations along with my Change of Career dog, Bruin. (Note: A dog that is released from Canine Companions professional training is referred to as a Change of Career dog as it will not become a service dog with the program, but may be adopted as a pet.)  Bruin is now a therapy dog and comes to school with me two mornings a week. I am a special needs teacher who works with students who have intensive needs at Medina High School. 

The difference Bruin has made is incredible. Not only does he comfort and provide incentive to my students, other students from the hallway stop in every morning he is there to see him and get their "Bru" hugs and love. I love spreading the word about CCI and the life-changing work they do.

Jack Fisher and SD Stielau

I am Jack Fisher, a 48-year-old man who found himself with a genetic disease, Ataxia SCA3. In 2012, I came to the conclusion that as I aged, I would lose my independence and ultimately end up in a wheelchair depending on others to do so much more for me that I could no longer do for myself. I have to admit, this was a fact I wasn’t ready to embrace. My form of Ataxia was inherited from my mother’s side of the family.

I was so lucky to have a friend who is a puppy raiser for Canine Companions for Independence. One day, I saw him out with his most recent puppy, Mari, and I got the opportunity to learn about the organization and how one loving animal could help someone like me. I began the application and moved step by step through the process. Eventually, I was awarded my newest best friend and a member of our family, Stielau. 

I knew that it would be a benefit to have a dog like this to help me with the things that at one time were simple, but not as much now as the disease progresses. Examples would be picking up items that I drop over and over again, or opening a door that I cannot support as I balance myself with my walker—a current issue I am facing. What I didn’t realize was that I would find myself with a new purpose in life, and that is loving and caring for something that needs me as much as I need him.