official newsletter from the staff, graduates and volunteers of bc...

www.bcguidedog.com • www.albertaguidedog.com • www.autismsupportdogs.org

Official newsletter from the staff, graduates and volunteers of BC & Alberta Guide Dog Services and Autism Support Dogs

ISSUE NO. 25

www.bcguidedog.com | www.albertaguidedog.com | www.autismsupportdogs.org

RodeoSacha

www.bcguidedog.com • www.albertaguidedog.com • www.autismsupportdogs.org www.bcguidedog.com • www.albertaguidedog.com • www.autismsupportdogs.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair: Verne Blyth

Vice-Chair/Treasurer: Rupert Bullock

Secretary: Jeremy Gomersall, B.Eng., ACSM

Director: C. Wayne Reeves

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

William S. Thornton, GDMI

ADVISORY BOARD

Ronald Austin

Charlotte Lycett Davis

Charlotte Keller, DVM, DACVO, DECVO

Victor Kern

Graham T. Lewis, DVM, DIP, ACVO

Irene O’Brien, DVM

Daniel Schwartz, DVM

Joanne Sutton

Norm Sayfy, B.Comm

PATRONSHowie Meeker C.M. and Leah Meeker

BCGDS FOUNDING PATRONSBette and Percy AdlingtonCharlotte Lycett DavisDiamond FoundationDorothy and Rondy DikeThe Fisher FoundationVictor and Anna Kern FoundationJanet LiIrene LyttleJohn Hardie Mitchell Family FoundationThe Nemetz FoundationNestle Purina Pet CareNovartis Animal Health Canada Inc.Dr. Hugo Sutton, MD, FRCS(C)Gordon and Suzanne ThorntonRobin and Kathryn ThorntonWilliam and Linda ThorntonVancouver FoundationThe Victoria FoundationGillian Willox

AGDS FOUNDING PATRONSAllard FoundationEldon & Anne Foote Fund – The Edmonton Community FoundationThe Arthur J.E. Child FoundationThe Calgary FoundationThe Robert Tegler TrustWild Rose Foundation

BCGDS FOUNDING DONORSDavid and Susan BakerThe Independent Contractors and Businesses Association of B.C.Susan and Victor MacKenzieQualicum Pet Food & Grooming Ltd.RC Pet ProductsThe Rotary Club of LadnerRotary Club of TsawwassenWestern Community Dog Clubw.F.I.D.O.

AGDS FOUNDING DONORSHusky EnergyLeanne Palylyk Children’s FoundationEdmonton Public Teachers – (Alberta Teachers’ Association Local No.37)REALTORS® Community Foundation

ASD FOUNDING PATRONSBC Guide Dog ServicesDiamond FoundationVanderkerkhove Family FoundationVariety — the Children’s CharityVictor and Anna Kern Foundation

William S. Thornton

How quickly a New Year comes around. With the arrival of a new year comes a new string of dogs for each of our Guide Dog Mobility Instructors to prepare for their working lives.

None of this would be possible with out the unselfish generosity of our amazing volunteer Puppy Raisers, who welcome a puppy into their

home at seven weeks of age and literally devote 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to nurturing the puppy through all of its developmental stages, including the dog equivalent of ‘the teen years.’ At about 15 months of age, the dog returns to us for full-time training with a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (who is also certified to train Autism Support Dogs. )

I once commented to a Puppy Raiser about how difficult it must be to give up their dog. The response that I was given was simply that it was no different than sending their own children to college with all of the same mixed emotions, aspirations and hopes.

So as we move forward in 2012, on behalf of all of us, I wish to salute and thank our amazing Puppy Raisers, and for that matter, our brood bitch and stud dog holders, for their unselfish dedication to serve the needs of others. Without doubt, this group of volunteers is a cornerstone of our organization.

Lastly, it is my pleasure to welcome Jan Buehler to our team in the capacity of Manager, Development & Communications, in our Victoria office.

Hello everyone. I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Shirley and I’m a resident of Hope, B.C.

I officially graduated with my new partner Sammy December 21, 2011 after three weeks of training with BC Guide Dogs’ Instructor Ashley Clark.

Ashley, Sammy, and I practiced on local routes in my area, Chilliwack and Agassiz. For me, it was [learning] to adjust from my white cane to the dog and of the sense of following [her]. But with Ashley and Sammy’s help, we did it.

Sammy has really changed my life for the better. I’m more independent and more secure.

Sammy enjoys her job. She loves going to the park to see her four legged friends, enjoying her play time, and me running after her. She has shoes and socks of mine that she loves to play with.

Sammy is always near me. She loves to ham it up. I really love and enjoy her.

Thank you Ashley - as you always say, “Good job guys” so good job to you Ashley Clark and everyone at BC Guide Dogs for your kindess and support.

Thank you!

Yours sincerely,

Shirley & Sammy

“The Two Mountaineers”

Shirley and guide dog Sammy. Team sponsored through a generous bequest

from Connie Whittle

Testimonial: Shirley & SamanthaBy: Shirley

Editor’s note: Shirley, who has partial vision, mailed us her testimonial as a hand-written letter, and every time she wrote Sammy’s name, she drew a little heart above it.

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Simply send an email to [email protected] to be added to our growing list!


New Arrivals

The phone call for Linda, our Breeding Manager, came in the wee hours of morning on November 18. By the end of the day, we had 5 healthy new puppies from mom Gillie (BLB) and dad Hans (YLM). This litter was conceived through a special insemination process, in cooperation with Guide Dogs Victoria in Australia (see next page). Thanks to Diane and Graham for taking care of Gillie and the litter.

Thanks to our Puppy Raisers: Gertie (BLB) – with Donna in Coquitlam, BC Ferenc (YLM) – with Victoria and Chris in Victoria, BC Ryan (BLM) – with Sandra and Seth in Calgary, AB

YL - Yellow Labrador Retriever BL - Black Labrador Retriever GL - Golden Retriever LxGR - Labrador Retriever cross Golden Retriever

B - Bitch (female) M - Male

Special delivery! On October 26, our friends at Guide Dogs for the Blind (San Rafael, California) sent us two 8 week old puppies to join our training program.

Thanks to our Puppy Raisers: Sacha (YLB) – with Mike in Vancouver, BC Max (BLM) – with Bev and Rupert in Surrey, BC

Sacha with Puppy Raiser Mike (L) and Max (R) show off their new training jackets!

Gerry (BLM) - with Nancy in Airdrie, AB Macy (BLB) - with Sheila in Calgary, AB

What Accent Does Your Puppy Have?

The world of dog breeding has changed significantly over the past 10 years, and breeding practices within the Guide Dog world are no exception.

Gone are the days of flying females to meet perspective mates and then back home again once “the deed” was done. Instead, the male can fly to us in what we affectionately call “pupsicles” – tiny straws of semen frozen in liquid nitrogen, which can be stored indefinitely for future use.

This has allowed guide dogs schools to diversify their breeding lines much more easily.

Last June, I spent a week at Guide Dogs Victoria in Melbourne, Australia assessing some of their male breeding dogs (known as stud dogs). I returned home with “pupsicles” from six incredible dogs, which is enough to last many breedings to come. We will reciprocate by sending Guide Dogs Victoria frozen semen from breeding lines to which they perhaps do not have access.

Of course, this alternative to natural breeding is quite a specialized procedure. In order for the “pupsicles” to be able to produce a substantial number of pups, we must carefully monitor the female’s progesterone levels until ovulation. The semen is then thawed, and using a technique called trans cervical insemination (TCI), the magic takes place. This procedure requires very specific veterinarian training as well as expensive and specialized equipment including an endoscope.

We hope that once our new Breeding Centre becomes a reality, we will have the facilities and equipment to perform TCIs on-site.

We would like to take this opportunity to once again thank the guide dog schools that have supported our breeding program over the past years, including: Guiding Eyes for the Blind in New York; Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc. in California; Guide Dogs for the Blind in the UK; Guide Dogs Victoria in Australia; and Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind’s Guide Dog Services in Auckland, New Zealand.

Thanks to all of this outstanding international cooperation, we are ensuring that there will be many more healthy generations of assistance dogs to help people all over the world.

By: Linda Thornton, Puppy Raising & Breeding Manager


Dear Autism Support Dogs and Variety – The Children’s Charity,

It is with a deep sense of gratitude that I write this letter on behalf of our family, specifically our 7 year old son MJ, who lives with Autism.

It has only been since the early fall that Kiley was placed in our home as an autism support dog. Our family waited over two years for her arrival. MJ has really struggled with staying with the group, paying attention to appropriate activities and connecting with his peers.

As parents of a special needs child you know it will be difficult to make and keep friendships. MJ has a very special heart, is enthusiastic and funny (!!!) but finds verbal communication and articulation very difficult. Our immediate family knows of the gifts he has to share and our hope over time was that his peers allow that time to get to know him. I cannot believe the attention Kiley receives when we bring her to school. The kids clamor around MJ and Kiley, and MJ is always enthusiastic about introducing his dog. These interactions will bring burgeoning friendships over time I know.

The emotional connection between MJ and Kiley easily facilitated the “hookups,” where MJ and Kiley are connected by a safety belt while an adult dog handler (such as myself ) travels with them. MJ is also very spirited and stubborn. Preferring to be free, I was admittedly concerned about MJ agreeing to be attached to a dog, who would essentially keep him from his exploring nature. I anticipated many tantrums to come. I can recall prior to Kiley’s arrival being very agitated during outings as MJ was far ahead of me and my younger son far behind me; I felt very apprehensive about one or the other being in danger on a daily basis. I didn’t know there were alternatives to that feeling of being overwhelmed and constantly preoccupied. As well, the boys were getting to be of the age where it was not appropriate to have them in a stroller or shopping cart anymore. The hookups make it possible for us to travel safely and enjoy the process of exploring together.

Testimonial: MJ and KileyBy: MJ’s mom Vesna

Best friends forever: MJ smiles from ear to ear holding hands with Autism Support Dog KIley. Team sponsored by Variety — the Children’s Charity

MJ now spends much of his free time in the day playing with Kiley. As a parent of a child in early intervention you become conditioned quickly to analyze every moment as one of two [behavioural] categories: “learning opportunity” or “stimming.” Stimming is unproductive play — usually in MJ’s case, this means looking at the rotating wheels of his toy vehicles. A child stimming, specifically your own child, is extremely stressful to watch. Since the arrival of our four legged friend, MJ is seeking out to play with her above his usual stimming. [My husband] Marshall and I have noticed that this has opened up his interests overall. We are beyond delighted to see this change.

Lastly, Kiley is not only MJ’s support dog. A friend of mine who also has the support of a BC Guide Dog laughed when I told her Kiley was on her way and said, “She is going to be your FAMILY support dog.” And that she is. Whether it is going for a late evening walk, always being greeted with a wagging tail ,or just sitting together, she brings a sense of calm to our home that has been absent, frankly for a long time. My favourite morning ritual now is hearing MJ wake (always the first up!) and the first thing he does every day is call for his friend Kiley.

Thank you for the gift of Kiley - we love her!

Sincerely, Vesna, Marshall, MJ and Jack (MJ’s brother)

ALBERTA

May 5 & 6, 2012 — Calgary Pet Expo Learn more about guide and autism support dogs at our booth at Canada Olympic Park.

June 2, 2012 — Blind Behind the Wheel Be ready to cheer on your favorite blind racer (with a sighted navigator, of course!) at Edmonton International Raceway (Wetaskiwin, AB). For info: email Loretta at [email protected]

BRITISH COLUMBIA

March 31, 2012 — 7th Annual MTM Skate for Charity. Skate for a great cause at Kitsilano Community Centre. For info: [email protected]

May 26, 27 — Vancouver Island Pet Expo Try a blindfolded walk with a guide dog at Pearkes Recreation Centre! Partial proceeds benefit our charity. For info: vancouverislandpetexpo.com

June 16, 2012 — Bone Appetit Auction Enjoy a cocktail reception at Hilton Metrotown while bidding on great auction items! For tickets ($85): 604-940-4504.

August 12, 2012 — Dog Days of Summer The Union Steamship Co. Marina presents this 20th annual event on Bowen Island! For info: www.ussc.ca

August 24, 2012 — Golf for Guide Dogs Join us for an inspiring day of golf with hosts Leah and Howie Meeker, C.M. at Beach Grove Golf Club in Tsawwassen.

MJ and his mom enjoy a hike together with Autism Support Dog Kiley.


My name is Bruce and Ozzy is my first guide dog. My blindness was caused by a brain tumour that I had when I was 10. Since then, my vision has been progressively getting worse. I am completely blind out of one eye and I have “tunnel vision” out of the other which means that I can only see what is straight ahead, no peripheral vision at all. I can still make out some shapes, but I can’t always distinguish if the object in front of me is a building or a moving vehicle. In medical terms, perfect vision is 20/20 and my vision is 20/500.

I decided to apply to BC Guide Dogs because someone that I know has a guide dog and she told me all about the benefits. Even though I had been using a white cane for years and years, I was still having problems. I was falling off sidewalks or walking into things, and it came to a point where I just didn’t feel very secure outside anymore.

I spent 3 weeks training with Henny, my instructor, and of course Ozzy. We practiced on familiar routes, going to certain stores, and I learned how to navigate different types of roads — ones with sidewalks and ones without. On the first day after graduation, I took the bus into town with Ozzy. I went to Cottonwood mall and then over to Canadian Tire — I’ve never been able to go out there by myself. Using only a white cane, I would have been too nervous to walk that far into town. I definitely feel more secure with my dog.

Ozzy is doing very well and is really happy here in Chilliwack. He’s always at my feet wherever I go.

Having a guide dog is a major lifestyle change for the better. For me, it’s sort of like getting a driver’s license — I can go almost anywhere now and I can be more dependent on myself. It’s the simple things like being able to run errands on my own – I used to have to wait for my wife to get off work to help me. Being able to do these things really gives you a better sense of self and more confidence.

I’d like to express my appreciation to everyone who has been a part of this process. The transit workers in Chilliwack were so accommodating during my training and continue to be now that it is just Ozzy and me. People in the community have gone above and beyond to help me – one lady in town offered to stay on the bus with me until I reached my stop, even though it meant that she’d miss her stop and would have to ride the bus for the entire route again to get to her destination. I didn’t get all of these people’s names, and I don’t know Ozzy’s sponsors personally, but I really appreciate what they have done for me.

Bruce and Guide Dog Ozzy. Team sponsored by Ozzy’s fabulous Puppy Sponsors!

Testimonial: Bruce and OzzyBy: Bruce

PLAN TO CHANGE A LIFE!

Planned gifts, large or small, have a significant impact on the number of service dogs that we can train for future generations. We’ve briefly outlined some options below, and if you are considering a planned gift to our organization, we recommend speaking to a financial professional.

• A bequest in your will: capital or interest can be designated for specific uses should you wish

• An endowment: These are funds from which only the income can be spent and the capital being preserved. Endowments may be established in memory of a loved one or for a special occasion.

• A life insurance policy: You can name us as a beneficiary on a new policy or donate an existing policy and receive a significant year-end charitable deduction. There are also estate tax savings.

• Annuities and trusts: gifts that allow donors to leave a bequest or make a gift, while receiving an immediate tax receipt.

• Stocks, bonds & other securities: If stocks, bonds or other securities are worth more now than when you acquired them, you can maximize the tax benefit by transferring them directly to our charity. You will receive fair market value for your gift based on the date of your gift and, in most cases, avoid capital gains taxes on the appreciated value.

Note: This is not intended to be tax advice, which can only be provided by your qualified tax advisor.

For Vancouver area residents who are interested in giving through life insurance, we are pleased to have built a partnership with Envision Financial (in partnership with Industrial Alliance Pacific). For more information about please contact Heather Rahn at 604-557-7258.

“I never imagined that getting a [guide] dog would bring so much happiness and newly acquired independence to my life.”

— Angell with Guide Dog Kobe


Testimonial: Caleb and Richie

Caleb and Autism Support Dog Richie. Team sponsored by Variety—the Children’s Charity

By: Caleb’s mom Rosana

Our son Caleb, was diagnosed with autism when he was 2½ years old; he is now 9. He has limited speech and a short attention span. Some time ago we saw an episode on Global TV highlighting autism support dogs. The concept interested us and though we were not sure whether it would work out, we made an application.

We were eventually united with a support dog named Richie. Within the first couple of weeks we saw a connection between Richie and our son that we were not expecting to see for a long time (Caleb had never been too interested in animals). Since meeting, they have grown together. Richie gives a lot of comfort and stability to Caleb; he quickly became a member of the family and it seems like he has been with us forever. Our younger son loves having a dog in the family and has also developed an attachment to Richie.

With our son’s autism were issues that made it very difficult to do things together as a family. One of our dreams was to be able to go for walks together. Before we had Richie this was nearly impossible. Caleb always wanted to wander off on his own agenda and didn’t like the constant calling of his name and having to stay right beside us. Now with Richie we are able to go for these walks as a family. We attach Caleb and Richie together [with the safety belt] — at first we were not sure if Caleb would be tolerant of this, but very quickly he accepted it — and there is a flow and enjoyment for all of our outings. The simple pleasure of walking together without having to chase Caleb is an amazing experience. There is a freedom that we have never had before. Caleb loves the job of ‘helping’ Richie by holding on to the jacket handle and we can see that it is a comfort to him to be guided by Richie.

Safety was another major concern we had. In parking lots and public spaces we always had to have one hand on Caleb so he wouldn’t run into traffic or wander off. We had to constantly call Caleb back to us — “hold my hand,” “stay close” etc. — and what 9-year-old wants to hold hands all the time? Now with Richie we connect them [with the safety belt] and move gracefully through these public areas. Caleb likes to be connected to Richie; we don’t worry about Caleb wandering off. Richie is awesome, he helps Caleb stay calm. Caleb does not get frustrated so much and when he does, Richie’s nose isn’t far away to give him a questioning, “Are you alright? I’m here for you.” Caleb’s happy to be near him and often pats him when he needs reassurance.

Since Richie has come into our family we are regularly amazed at the changes that Richie has enabled us to achieve in our small town life. Richie has been embraced by our community; everybody who meets him loves him. Another thing that has come about is that when we are out in public if Caleb is having issues or doing something that is socially unusual, people see Richie and are much more understanding of Caleb’s actions than they were when we didn’t have Richie. There were times before when I (mom) was looked upon as a ‘bad parent’ when Caleb was having issues. I understood it came from ignorance of the situation but it never felt good. With Richie that doesn’t happen anymore; people are much more tolerant, understanding and inquisitive when they see Richie and Caleb together. I have had many conversations with people who also have friends and family with special needs.

Special ThanksOur thanks to the following individuals and organizations who have shown an outstanding, long-term commitment to making our work possible by donating goods/services to us year after year.

BC GUIDE DOG SERVICES

Vancouver Mainland Office 6050 – 44th AvenueDelta, BC V4K 3X7

Phone: 604-940-4504Toll Free in Canada: 1-877-940-4504

Fax: 604-940-4506Email: [email protected]

Victoria Office#104-1027 Pandora Avenue

Victoria, BC V8V 3P6Phone: (250) 413-3095

Email: [email protected]

ALBERTA GUIDE DOG SERVICES

Alberta Office #205-259 Midpark Way SE

Calgary, AB Phone: (403) 258-0819

Toll Free in Alberta: 1-877-258-0819 Email: [email protected]

Alberta Mailing AddressPO Box 5471, Station “A”

Calgary, AB T2H 1X8

AUTISM SUPPORT DOGSContact any of the offices above.

Printed in Canada by Vancouver GraphicsCharity Registration Numbers: BC&ABGDS 89131 1763 RR0001 | ASD 80796 1610 RR0001

Richie has changed our lives for the better. The freedom we now feel we didn’t think we ever would feel. It took a bit of work to get where we are now but it was well worth it and we can’t wait to see and experience what will happen in the future as Caleb, Richie and all of us grow together.

We want to sincerely thank the Autism Support Dogs and ALL of their silent, behind the scenes’ workers and volunteers who together created an amazing new member of our family. He is truly a gift from God and a cherished blessing to our family.

Boehringer IngelheimFeltham Pet ClinicFish Creek 24 Hour Pet HospitalDr. Charlotte Keller, DVM, DACVO, DECVODr. Graham T. Lewis, DVM, DACVOMerial Canada Inc.M-pressions – for imprinting logos on our puppy jackets

NEW!

Nestlé Purina Petcare Inc.Novartis Animal Health Canada Inc.Sue Paege – for designing & sewing our puppy jacketsScottsdale Veterinary HospitalDr. Brian Skorobohach, DVM, DACVO

VetCor Canine Reproductions

Westjet

www.bcguidedog.com • www.albertaguidedog.com • www.autismsupportdogs.org

Puppy Scholarship ($15 monthly) We’ll match you with a puppy who will send regular photos and letters to you (or your gift recipient). Once the dog graduates as an assistance dog, we’ll team you (or your gift recipient) up with a new puppy!*

Kinderpup ($50 one time) We’ll send you (or your gift recipient) a photo and introduction letter to our latest litter.

Puppy Bursary ($250 one time) We’ll match you with a puppy who will send regular photos and letters to you (or your gift recipient) until he/she graduates (about 18 months total).

Mum & Pups ($1000) Contribute towards the care of mum and her litter. You (or your gift recipient) will receive a photo of the happy family and one of the puppies will send photos and letter updates until graduation as a Guide/Autism Support Dog.

To sponsor a puppy, call Susan Robinson at 604-940-4504 or 1-877-940-4504 (toll-free in Canada) or visit our websites below.

*You may stop your monthly sponsorship at any time by contacting our office. Your tax receipt will be issued at the end of the year.

“Boy, I wish I could go to guide dog school...”

Good news! Ferenc (above) is now in training thanks to individuals who sponsor him for less than 50 cents a day! With your help, we can train even more life-changing dogs for the blind and for children with autism!

We offer a number of sponsorship options to suit your needs:

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