29 Jan It’s a Dog’s Life
I love dogs, many of us do. They make our house a home. They’re great company, and fun to play and cuddle with but for many Canadians, dogs mean so much more. Guide and Buddy dogs mean independence, mobility, safety, and confidence. The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) Guide Dog Program drives achievement and equality to build a brighter future for Canadians who are blind, deaf-blind, or who have low vision. Visual loss should never be a reason to settle for less. Everyone should have an equal chance to realize their dreams whatever they may be.
Canadians impacted by blindness strive for independence, just like everyone else. 91% want to work and all require the necessary technology to assist them in leading an independent life, just like everyone else. CNIB’s Guide Dog program is driving achievement and equality across Canada by training and matching dogs exclusively for people with sight loss. Guide dogs are among the most highly trained dogs in the world, performing tasks that require intensive standardized training. People with sight loss often say having a guide dog is a transformational experience. Being part of a guide dog team provides mobility, safety, and confidence, leading to increased independence and a sense of connection with the world. It offers opportunities to live, wor,k and play without barriers.
These inspiring dogs have three career options:
- A “guide dog” is partnered with an adult who is blind.
- A “buddy dog” is partnered with a child or youth who is blind or has low vision.
- An “ambassador dog” is partnered with a staff member or volunteer to promote CNIB guide dogs to the public to deepen awareness and understanding.
So far this program has been hugely successful playing a pivotal role in positively impacting the lives of people who are blind across Canada. The program continues to grow but there is an ongoing increase in demand. Since 2020, there has been a dramatic 375% escalation in interest and applications for guide dogs. Help is needed to meet demands for these highly trained animals that act as eyes for people who are blind. Every Canadian who is blind should be able to have a guide dog at no cost. Dogs are trained all across the country and CNIB is looking to expand its Canine Campus to accommodate more dogs in training or begin a breeding program to minimize wait times.
Currently, there are more than 200 active dogs in the program including dogs in various stages of training and matched graduates all across the country. A CNIB puppy development program has been launched to support an ethical and sustainable breeding plan to meet the growing demand of guide dog applicants. It warms my heart to hear from this anonymous guide dog user who says “My guide dog has graduated university with me. He accompanies me on trains, planes, buses, boats, subways and taxis. It is so difficult to put into words how my guide dog has transformed my life!” Another guide dog user shares “My guide dog is my freedom. Without him, I am unable to live the life I want.” The success of CNIB’s Guide Dog program is to be celebrated but there is still much work to be done and funds needed for training, veterinary bills, food, harnesses, leashes, toys, medicine, travel, etc.
Joan Kelley Walker is a TV personality and star of The Real Housewives of Toronto, as well as an avid supporter of youth by being an ambassador for World Vision and having sat as chair of United Way York Region’s Women’s Leadership Council.