Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind (CGDB) is a national, non-profit, registered,
charitable organization that was founded in 1984. The mission statement is:
"To assist visually-impaired Canadians with their mobility by providing
and training them in the use of professionally trained Guide Dogs."
Initially, the Centre was housed in rental properties and in 1987 the building
of the current National Training Centre was completed just outside of Manotick,
Ontario (16 miles south of Ottawa). The Training Centre is situated on 9 acres
and includes a kennel that can house 30 dogs. The main house has accommodation
for eight students and administration offices.
CGDB is a founding member of the International Guide Dog Federation which now
has world-wide membership.
The Management and Foundation Board members of CGDB are volunteers from across
Canada. CGDB is funded by donations received from individuals, corporations,
service clubs, Foundations and fundraising events.
History
In 1984, Jane Thornton and Bill Thornton started Canadian Guide Dogs for the
Blind. The organization has progressed from its humble beginnings in a small,
rented home to an impressive Training Centre.
Successes to Date
1984
First Guide Dog Team graduated in July.
1985
CGDB becomes the first Guide Dog school to receive provincial accreditation
within the Blind Persons' Rights Act of Ontario.
1986
First litter of puppies born in CGDB breeding program.
1987
100th puppy placed on Puppy Walking program. Began construction of Training
Centre in Manotick.
1988
National Training Centre officially opened.
1989
Established as a charter member of the International Federation of Guide Dog
Schools for the Blind. First Canadian obtained certification as a Guide Dog
Mobility Instructor under internationally recognized training program (after
completing the 3-yearapprentice program).
1990
100th Guide Dog team graduated in June. 21st Litter of Pups born in CGDB breeding
program.
1991
Second Canadian obtained certification as a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor
under internationally recognized training program.
1992
Passed on-site inspection by IFGDSB. Opened B.C. Branch office in Richmond,
B.C.
1993
Third and Fourth Canadians obtained certification as a Guide Dog Mobility
Instructor under internationally recognized training program. 200th Guide
Dog team graduated.
1994
10th Anniversary of Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind, marked by a weekend
celebration.
1995
Fifth and Sixth Canadians obtained certification as a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor
under internationally recognized training program.
1996
300th Guide Dog team graduated in November.
1997
Began establishing fundraising Chapters across Canada.
1998
Seventh and Eighth Canadians obtained certification as a Guide Dog Mobility
Instructor under internationally recognized training program.
1999
400th Guide Dog team graduated in August.
2001
1000th Pup placed on the Puppy Walking Program.
2003
500th Guide Dog team graduated.
2004
20th Anniversary of Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind.
2006
Jane Thornton, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, elected as Director of International Guide Dog Federation.
2007
Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind graduates six-hundredth working guide dog team.
2009
Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind celebrates its 25th Anniversary.
2010
Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind launches the CGDB Assistance Dogs Division.
2010
Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind hosts the International Guide Dog Federation Seminar.
2010
Jane Thornton, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, elected as Chair of International Guide Dog Federation.