Freshman Jackson Bruce and his service dog are new additions to the school this year. As of now, the canine is in the school with Jackson, who has autism, as a trial run to see if things go well with Jackson and other students and teachers.

“I think that it makes Jackson more comfortable and secure to have a companion,” Jackson’s mom Amy Bruce said. “It makes Jackson more approachable by normal students. He has helped Jackson be less anxious at school.”

Jackson got the black poodle on March 1 when he was a little more than 10 months old. People didn’t think their relationship would work as quickly as he did, but the bond between the two continues to grow.

“I feel I am getting other friends who like [him],” Jackson said. “They are a lot friendlier.”

The family says the dog has helped in and out of school, helping keep Jackson calm and at ease.

“He definitely helps me keep up with Jackson now that he’s bigger than me,” Amy Bruce said. “It’s been an adjustment to include [the dog] in all our activities though.”

Despite the trial period, Jackson is hoping the school district will allow him to keep the dog in the school system.

“I am like all other teenagers and want friends,” Jackson said. “[He] helps me get to know other people better.”

Service Dog Guidelines

• Blue cape means the dog is  working. At school, the dog is always working.
• No petting, feeding or distracting the dog.
• Go around, not between the dog and Jackson.
• Just ignore the dog.
• The dog is here to work, not play.