After one year of obedience and socialization training in Regina, this week marks a milestone for Indy and Percy, future guide dogs. The brothers, who are both black Labradors, will be boarding a plane tomorrow morning bound for the CNIB Guide Dogs' Canine Campus in Carleton Place, Ontario, for advanced training.
"I will miss Indy but I understand the importance of the service he will provide for a person who is blind or partially sighted," said Kerry MacDonald, Indy's volunteer puppy raiser, who has helped him learn basic obedience and socialization skills, as well as providing a safe and loving home for him.
When Indy and Percy arrive at CNIB Guide Dogs' Canine Campus, they will transition into training with a guide dog mobility instructor or guide dog trainer. They'll be introduced to the harness and the basics of the guiding role, including working safely with a handler.
"The next stage for Indy and Percy is crucial in developing their skills as guide dogs. When that training concludes, they will be partnered with handlers," said Kezia Gray, Apprentice Puppy Raising Supervisor, CNIB Guide Dogs. "Helping a puppy grow and develop into a happy, confident guide dog is very rewarding, but nothing can compare to the special moment when a person is matched with a guide dog and reclaims their independence."
There are 43,000 people who are blind or partially sighted in Saskatchewan. For some, a guide dog provides an unparalleled level of mobility, freedom and confidence – opening up the world in a whole new way.
"I want to thank Kerry MacDonald and Christopher Adams for providing loving homes and basic training for both future guide dogs. Without volunteer puppy raisers, we wouldn't be able to offer this program," said Christall Beaudry, executive director, CNIB Foundation Saskatchewan.
Indy and Percy's siblings, Wallace and Lulu, will join them at Carleton Place for advanced training in the Fall of 2020.
“I was lucky to be partnered with one of the first guide dogs from CNIB Guide Dogs and my experience has been amazing, said Ashley Nemeth, advocacy lead for CNIB Foundation Saskatchewan. "This is a life-changing gift of freedom and independence.”
About CNIB Guide Dogs
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. We believe everyone who would like to have a guide dog should have that opportunity. At CNIB Guide Dogs, we raise, train and match dogs with Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. We also raise our voices to ensure people with sight loss have opportunities to live, work and play without barriers. We’re committed to ensuring social attitudes shift to universal acceptance and appreciation for guide dogs. We also provide advocacy support for guide dog handlers across Canada, regardless of where their dogs are trained. For more information about puppy raising and CNIB Guide Dogs, visit: cnibguidedogs.ca
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Media contact:
Jackie Lay
Program Lead, Communications and Outreach
CNIB Foundation Saskatchewan
306-514-2796
jackie.lay@cnib.ca