Southern Connecticut State University sophomore Ella Bernegger is making a difference this holiday season with an initiative close to her heart. Inspired by her late family dog, Trent — a retired K9 narcotics detection dog — Bernegger founded Guiding Eyes Puppy Raising at SCSU. The club focuses on training service dogs to meet the growing demand for guide dogs, while also fostering a sense of community on campus.
The club, which already boasts 150 members, offers opportunities for students to socialize with dogs, learn training techniques, and even become certified sitters and raisers. Bernegger’s current trainee, a 10-month-old pup named Justice, has been learning essential skills since May, with the group meeting biweekly for training sessions.
“If you could change a life and it’s something you enjoy, why not?” Bernegger said, expressing her hopes that the club will continue to grow and positively impact lives.
Watch the full story on NBC Connecticut: “SCSU sophomore creates club to help train guide dogs” (Jennifer Cuevas, Dec. 18, 2024).
