Service Dog Video

This is an American video that provides a good introduction to Service Dogs. It shares similar content to the Lions Foundation in Canada.

Click here to see the video

L. Tara Hooper and Associates Inc.

L. Tara Hooper and Associates Inc. is a local organization (Brantford) that provides services and programs to individuals and organizations with people who have disabilities. They help find job placement tailored to the needs of their clients.

They are able to help in the job search process by providing job coaching and help writing resumes.

People may not realize that it can be very difficult to find a suitable and enjoyable job to gain independence. It can be even harder when you have a different circumstances to consider. However, it is comforting to know that help is available, as long as you are willing to take on the challenge and keep an open mind, success is possible.

Visit L. Tara Hooper and Associates Inc. website here.

Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides

This foundation is particularly close to my heart, as I have a Special Skills Dog (now retired). Opal, a golden retriever, came into my life when I was 9 years old. I had to stay at the Oakville facility for 2 weeks with one-on-one training and bonding time. A lot of training goes into these dogs, and the trainers and recipients work with different dogs to make sure a suitable match is found. Opal is capable of opening doors, fetching objects, speaking for help, etc.

The foundation has 3 programs that are suited to the needs of their main client categories:
* Canine Vision Canada Dog Guides for Canadians who are blind or visually impaired
* Special Skills Dogs of Canada for Canadians with a physical or medical disability
* Hearing Ear Dogs of Canada for Canadians who are deaf or hard of hearing

People can become involved with this foundation by fostering a puppy, making a donation (these dogs aren't cheap!), and volunteering at events such as the Purina Walk for Guide Dogs.

Visit the Canada Dog Guides website here.

T.E.A.D.

T.E.A.D. (The Equestrian Association for the Disabled) provide therapeutic horse riding for the disabled. This organization can adapt lessons to accommodate different needs. There are summer camp opportunities, for disabled and non-disabled children, which include a one hour daily riding lesson, various day trips, crafts, guest entertainers, and games.

There are volunteer opportunities, such as horse leader/side walker, and fundraising.

I have been riding at T.E.A.D. since I was 3, and I can say from personal experience that there are numerous benefits - physically and mentally. There are so many great people involved, the instructors are fantastic. It is a challenging experience, but well worth it. Involvement with the organization can open many opportunities. I have been involved with the Riding Forward Tours, by giving speeches on the benefits of the organization and trying to recruit others to become involved as well. I have volunteered at the summer camp by coordinating the crafts, and the kids are wonderful - always smiling.

To find out more about T.E.A.D. visit their website: http://www.tead.on.ca/