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!