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

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.