Chasing Claire

The purpose of this fundraiser is to raise funds to train our German Shorthair Pointer to become a service dog for Claire.

Hi, My name is Jenifer Lipe. It is my hope that our story and experience will raise funds for our cause.

It's hard for me to share this story, but I wanted to give some insight into why we decided to seek help and why we chose this path.

My mom and I experienced one of the most heartwrentching scares of our lives last week. Claire, my daughter, had gone missing.

My mom had taken my two daughters to Kroger just like any other day. Things were fine until they weren't. I got a call from my mom but I was unable to answer. Another followed immediately, followed by a text saying "Answer Help”. I rush to call her back but this time she doesn’t answer. She left a voicemail that I wasn’t prepared to hear. It was her yelling for help and describing what Claire looked like while my 4 year old was in the background saying “we can’t find my sister!”

Claire had gone missing.

In that moment, all I could imagine was that someone had taken my daughter. There will be no way for anyone to know she needs help! She can’t scream out!!” I felt like my worst nightmare was happening.

But praise God! It wasn’t! Claire was found in the store by a sweet associate who has loved Claire for years now.

Most of you know but for those who don’t, Claire is my sweet, 15 year old, autistic non-verbal, CHD warrior princess. Her being non-verbal and not being aware of her environment made this situation even more terrifying. Because of that it has kicked me into high gear to ensure we don’t experience something like this again.

I have spent the last week wondering if we should ever go out in public with her again. Heartbreaking that I even considered that! But it happened so quickly! How can we make sure she doesn't wander off again?

I tried to come up with possible solutions. “Do I put her on a leash from now on?” “I’ll order air tags and attach them to her!" Then it was suggested to me that I train our GSP to tether her. To know her scent and be able to track her in the event of an emergency. So, that’s the course we are taking!

We have found a well known K9 trainer in the area that is helping us. However, the price is more than I can do alone.

That is why I am here, asking you. This will enable her to be monitored and assisted in her daily activities, while also providing her with another source of comfort and companionship. We hope to raise enough money to cover training costs and other expenses.

Our family would be forever grateful if you could help us reach our goal while also providing relief that Claire will be protected.

Any amount raised over the 5K will go towards continued medical support for Claire

With love,

Jen Lipe