Side by Side
Spring/Summer 2012
Volume 27, Number 1

Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind
Founding Member of The International Guide Dog Federation
Member of Assistance Dogs International, Inc.
Registered Charity No. 10684 6819 RR0001

www.guidedogs.ca

Index
Litter Box 2
Puppy Walking and Breeding Program 2
Volunteers Needed for Guider Program 2
Client Profile – Mike Nemesvary 3
Client Profile – Brenda Morrison 4
Puppies in Flight 5
So Many Ways to Show Support 5
Client Profile – Jamey Wagner 6
Gift Shop Order Form 7
2012 Calendar of Events 8
Dollars for Dogs Walk Pledge Form 9
Thank You to Volunteers 10
Photo Competition – Call for Submissions 10
Obituaries and Guide Dog Memorial Tributes 11

Litter Box
The following dogs were bred by Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind from September 1st, 2011 to February 29th, 2012.
“Y” Litter – Maddie (YLB) bred to Oliver (YLM)
“Z” Litter –Ashley (BLB) bred to Jethro (BLM)

Puppy Walking and Breeding Program
A sincere thank you to the puppy walkers and breeding stock holders whose dogs have completed the puppy walking program, or have been bred, up to February 29th, 2012.
Jim Bell, Kathie Cutland, Johanne Chartrand, Cathryn Davidson, Patti Denroche, Dominique Gagnon-Mosco, Jim & Lynda Garrah, Nancy Jean, Liz & Tom Johnson, Amy Kennedy, Janet Kettles, Joanne Lambley, Christine Lobsinger, Sharon MacDonald, Nancy Metcalf, Pam Owen, Catherine Phillips, Robert Ripley, and Jane & Gordon Wright. ?

Volunteers Needed for Guider Program
Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind is seeking volunteers for our “Guider Program,” which are the plastic collection dogs located in stores and supermarkets across the country. As the program operates nationally, it is an opportunity for you to assist in raising funds for our organization wherever you live in Canada. Contact us for more information by phone at (613) 692-7777, or by emailing events@guidedogs.ca. n

Events at a Glance
Sunday, May 27:
Dollars for Dogs Fundraising Walk. Walk in your community or ours. 9:30am.
Monday, May 28:
Dining in the Dark at Chances R Restaurant. Order in advance – event will sell out!
Friday, Jun 1:
Dickinson Days Parade. Begins at 6:30pm, Manotick.
Saturday, Jun 2:
Open House. In conjunction with Doors Open Ottawa.10-4pm, BBQ available.
Monday, Jun 4:
Charity Golf Tournament. Register your team by May 25th. $150,000 in cash and prizes!
Friday, Jun 22:
Renfrew Lions Club Golf Tournament. Half proceeds to Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Sunday, Jul 8:
UK Day Garden Party & Tea. Authentic tea and scones. Tickets $13/$15.
Saturday, Jul 21:
Open House. 11-3pm. Meet the dogs, tour the facility. BBQ available.
Saturday, Aug 18:
Open House. 11-3pm. Meet the dogs, tour the facility. BBQ available.
Thursday, Aug 30:
Night at the Races. Live horse racing and dinner at Rideau Carleton Raceway. 6pm.
Sunday, Sep 9:
Motorcycle Ride. 200km dice run. Register at the ride – 9:30-10:30am.
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Cover photo by Roy Grogan
Design & layout by Les Stuart Graphic Design and Communications
Printing by The Printing House Limited

Client Profile – Mike Nemesvary (Assistance Dogs Division)
Imagine driving around the world, travelling more than 40,000 kilometres across 20 countries. Imagine spending every kilometre behind the wheel and in control of a custom vehicle. Now imagine accomplishing that feat as a quadriplegic.
Mike Nemesvary did just that when he drove out of Ottawa in 2001, embarking on his ‘Round the World Challenge’, raising more than one million dollars for various charities along the way.
Mike was born in Scotland and moved to Canada at a young age with his family. He began skiing at age four and excelled at the sport. At age fifteen, he won his first Canadian championship in freestyle skiing. At age eighteen, he was ranked third in the world. His Scotland roots led to an invitation by Great Britain to ski for them, which he did, winning a World Cup title at age twenty-one. Mike even appeared as James Bond on film, skiing as a stunt double for Roger Moore in ‘A View to a Kill.’
Mike was also a competitive gymnast, specializing in trampoline. It was that sport that changed his life forever.
It was a warm, sunny day in 1985 when Mike and some friends set up his trampoline to practice moves during the off-season. “Everything was fine until I lost my orientation to the ground in the middle of a back somersault,” Mike recalls. He came down hard, with his neck smacking the bed of the trampoline.
"I was calm, but scared. I wasn't in pain, but rather, I felt a warm tingling go through my body.” As his friends ran to his aid, Mike realized he couldn't move. He had broken his neck at the fourth and fifth cervical vertebrae.
“I don’t blame the sport. I was showing off to my girlfriend. If I could jump back on the trampoline tomorrow I would”, says Mike.
“It was like starting life all over again. I call myself a ‘born-again quadriplegic’. Everything in life changes: how you view yourself; how society views you; physical and emotional challenges; your livelihood. It really is like starting life all over again.”
After twenty-five years of being disabled, Mike researched the option of obtaining an assistance dog. Mike already had a very intelligent pet dog, a yellow Labrador retriever named Sassy, who was trained to help him with his tasks.
“Her paws and mouth became my hands. Sassy became an extension of me. I didn’t have to rely on other people, and that level of independence is indispensable.”
Mike applied to the Assistance Dogs Division, and received Jigger, who will provide many of the same skills as Sassy. Sassy’s final years will be spent as a pet as she has aged and become a little more tentative, and Jigger has already stepped in as Sassy enjoys her retirement.
Jigger opens doors by nudging them open or pushing automatic openers for Mike. Some familiar doors have been outfitted with ropes for Jigger to pull and hold open. “I’m always dropping and losing things. Jigger will pick up my sunglasses, my wallet, or anything else I drop.” Jigger can retrieve a telephone for Mike, especially in an emergency.
“These dogs can literally save our lives,” Mike comments. Jigger will bark if Mike has an accident or needs help, and can use a special device that calls for assistance. “In addition to everything he does, he also provides incredible companionship and added security,” says Mike.
For people with disabilities, Mike acknow­ledges that an assistance dog is not for everyone. “Some people may not want the added responsibility of caring for a dog, but for me, the benefits far outweigh the work. The bond, the security, the emotional, psychological, and physical benefits. These dogs offer greater independence. I’m proud of my past and my accomplishments, but I’m more proud that life has gone on. Quality of life is so important, and I can’t put a price on being able to get out and around on my own.” ?

Dogs on Parade
Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind participates in the annual Christmas parades in the Ottawa area. 2011 parades included the Barrhaven Lions Santa Parade, the Manotick Lions Santa Parade, and the Santa’s Parade of Lights in Orleans. We also enter the Dickinson Days Parade in Manotick on the first Friday of June each year. ?
Pictured: staff, volunteers, and dogs that walked in the Manotick Parade on December 3rd, 2011.

Client Profile – Brenda Morrison
When asked about her family, Brenda Morrison says, “I have four sons aged 25, 26, 27, and 28. I don’t remember the eighties, but before them I was 5’11” and a supermodel – I blame everything on the children.” It’s this sense of humour that has no doubt helped her through some difficult times, but she is also an insightful, spiritual woman with strong faith and values.
Brenda was always nearsighted, but she never expected that she would one day be blind. Then she was diagnosed with Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis, a condition she says that some ophthalmologists she’s met have never heard of. Brenda describes it as basically being “a severe allergic condition of the eyes – an autoimmune response where the eyes are attacking an invader who’s not really there.” She became legally blind in 1996 after prolonged illness, which included, among other things, being diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
“It was a huge difference from being able to go places on my own to not being able to do any of those things. I fell into a depression – I think that’s fairly common for folks who lose their vision very suddenly. I was afraid to leave the house – I had visions of ending up on the streets as a bag lady.”
“I was at a pain management course, and I met a lot of people who were in pain for a lot of different reasons: accidents, cancer, etc. The common thread among us was this: you are who you are, and you have certain goals in life – even if you never reach your goals, you feel as though as long as everything remains the same, and you keep going, the opportunity to reach those goals is still there.”
“When you are suddenly hit by something, like cancer or blindness, you feel like you can no longer accomplish what it was that you had wanted to; that there is no longer any hope of achieving your dreams. That is what is difficult. You have to become someone else in a sense: you have to find other dreams, let go of your old ones, and come to terms with it.”
“When I got sick, I just turned my back. The idea of being dependent on other people was frightening and intimidating. I couldn’t see what the point in living was. I was even suicidal. I was in a very dark place for a very long time, but I’ve come back into the light and embraced my god, and that has had a whole new impact on my life.”
“It’s interesting looking back on that time – I now know I had to go through that to see life as I do now. It has taken time, but I’m able to move forward and embrace whatever comes.”
“A lot of people think losing your vision is the worst thing that could happen, but I don’t know about that. I’ve met people and done things that I wouldn’t have otherwise. I think the worst thing that happened to me was that I I lost my faith, and my hope. If you lose hope – where do you go from there? Losing my sight doesn’t really limit me, it just changes my outlook.”
“Does it really change the essence of you because you can’t see? Or because you’re different from someone else? I know who I am, and I feel good about that. It really has helped to be involved with people like Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind, where you have the opportunity to meet sighted people who respect you, and other people who are dealing with various levels of vision loss or blindness.”
Brenda applied to Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind recently to obtain her first guide dog, Pedro, after years of being legally blind because she realized she needed to become more independent. “My boys are all out on their own now, and I certainly don’t want them worrying about me.”
“I will be able to go out when I want to, as opposed to waiting for someone else, or to ask someone else for help. I will get to reach out to other people. I volunteer at a food bank, and that will be easier to do now. There are a lot of people in this world who have all their limbs and their abilities, but they’re hurting. Pedro will be a blessing to me, but hopefully it will allow a lot of people to approach me. Maybe, in addition to him being a life line for me, together we can be for others as well.”
“In preparing to go home, you ask yourself a lot of questions, like ‘Am I going to remember everything?’, but you know, Pedro is part of the team, and he will remember what he needs to do. He’s done a lot of the teaching, if you can believe it.”
“It’s so interactive – I’m constantly responding to Pedro and what he’s doing, and he’s constantly responding to me and what I’m doing. I can’t remember a time when he wasn’t at my side. It’s very strange how much we’ve done in a short time, and how close we’ve become in three weeks. I couldn’t imagine that another school could offer me anything more.” ?

Pet Pictures with Santa
Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind would like to thank all the Pet Food ‘N More locations in Lower Mainland BC for hosting Pet Pictures with Santa in December 2011. David Mackay, and his staff at Pet Food ‘N More, have been a long-time supporter of Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind, and we thank them for continuing with this fun, annual event. Contact us for information or ideas on hosting your own unique fundraiser for Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Pictured: Vince, a guide dog in training being raised in BC, with Santa Claus! ?

Puppies in Flight
US Airways has been assisting organizations through their Puppies in Flight Program since 2007, in partnership with Assistance Dogs International. In February 2012, two pups were donated to Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind by Guide Dogs for the Blind Association in the UK.
The pups had a long journey from Heathrow Airport in London, England, via the United States, to their destination here in Ottawa. The pups were a hit with employees and passengers aboard several US Airways flights. Our sincere thank you to the US Airways Puppies in Flight Program, and their employees JoAnne Felchner (and daughter Christina), and Corrine Breyette, who volunteered and traveled with our two pups to make it a safe and comfortable trip. ?
Pictured: Carl McIntosh, Puppy Walking Coordinator; Christina Felchner; JoAnne Felchner, US Airways volunteer; and Jane Thornton, Chief Operating Officer.

Quilt Raffle
Christine Melville was the lucky winner of the queen-sized quilt, valued at $800. Christine won the raffle with ticket #150, which was randomly selected in a draw at Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind on February 24th, 2012. ?

LCBO Public Donation Program
A special thank you to the LCBO, and the public, for giving their loose change and small bills in LCBO donation boxes province-wide in September 2011, and locally in January 2012. Together, the campaigns raised more than $8,000 for Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind. ?

So Many Ways to Show Support
From running a marathon to running an office party; sponsoring a walk participant to sponsoring a puppy or guide dog team, there are so many different ways to get involved and show your support for Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Individually
Because one person, by themselves, can make a difference. There are no small donations – every dollar helps.
Host a Dinner Party
Invite as many friends as you like to have a potluck dinner party instead of going out for dinner. Each person brings their specialty dish and the amount they would have spent at the restaurant, to give to Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind. Consider hosting monthly or bimonthly.
Organize an Event
If you have a great idea for a fundraising event, or even if you have a lot of drive, ambition, and a desire to help, but can’t think of anything; contact us to discuss fundraising opportunities. Whether it is organizing a small community event, or a simple fundraiser at the office, we can provide ideas, materials, and public relations for your event.
Walk in your Community
You don’t have to live in Ottawa to participate in our Dollars for Dogs Fundraising Walk. You don’t even have to organize a walk in your community. Simply print our pledge form, or set up for an online fundraising page (www.guidedogs.ca), collect pledges and raise money, then take your dog for a nice, long walk on May 27th.
As a group or office
If you are on a social committee, or if you would simply like to suggest any of the following for your office, we are here to help.
Bring your Dog to Work Day
Ask to host a “Bring-your-Dog-to-Work Day”. If everyone in the office is allergy-free, have employees contribute a specific amount of money for the privilege of bringing their best friend to work for a special day. Employees with allergies may be able to work from home, or have a designated conference room. Inquire as to whether your company will match every dollar raised.
Vacation Donation
Instead of taking a vacation day, ask if your employer will allow you and your coworkers to donate a vacation day to Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind. For each vacation day an employee gives, the company pays their wages to Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Start a Donation Drive
If your company has affiliated partners, vendors, or clients; campaign on our behalf by having a pledge drive within your business contacts. Send a letter to the effect of: “Our company is supporting Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind this year by committing to donate “x” amount of dollars through our community and business partnerships. Please help us reach our targeted goal by supporting our charitable giving drive.” Please only approach partner businesses – do not solicit businesses unless you have a working relationship with them. ?

Client Profile – Jamey Wagner
Jamey Wagner grew up in Alberta. He graduated high school and, like many young men his age, went straight into working for an oil company. He decided that it wasn’t what he wanted to do forever, and attended college studying Electrical Engineering Technologies.
Jamey says, “I was very blessed. I loved my first job. I loved it so much that I was working a ridiculous amount of overtime, about twenty hours a week.” The future looked very bright for Jamey.
Things changed four months into the job. In January 2009, Jamey was driving to work when another driver, who was speeding excessively, ran a stop sign, colliding with Jamey’s vehicle. He awoke from a coma one month later with no sight, and other severe injuries, including the loss of hearing in his right ear.
He spent four months in hospital, learning to do things again that he had once taken for granted – things like eating and walking. He learned how to use a white cane. “When I was released from the hospital, I thought of it as being ‘released!’ I had been thinking of escape plans for a while before they let me go home.”
Jamey continued to rehabilitate himself, learning additional skills to cope with his vision loss. “My left leg was messed up from the accident,” says Jamie, “and I couldn’t keep a straight line.” His Mobility Instructor suggested he get a guide dog.
Within six months of his hospital discharge, Jamey applied to Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind. “When I got the call that I was accepted for training, I was very excited,” remembers Jamey. He received his first guide dog, Mario, in June 2011.
“I didn’t expect to have as much fun training as I did. When I met Mario, I was very excited. He’s a super-friendly dog. He warmed up very fast, and we became buddies within a couple of days. We get along really well. He responds really well to my commands.”
Jamey says he really enjoyed school and has returned to college. “I love to work out and meet new people. I thought about what career I could pursue with no sight, and decided massage therapy would be the best career choice.” Jamey enrolled in the three-year course in the fall of 2011.
Jamey moved to a small city in Alberta one year after his accident because he was quite familiar with the area, making it a convenient location to readjust. “Everything’s near my house,” says Jamie. “The grocery store, drug store, the mall, Starbucks. It makes it easier getting around.”
His mobility has been greatly enhanced with the addition of Mario by his side. “I am very grateful to have a guide dog. Mario will definitely open up my city to me. I won’t be limited in distance I can travel, or feel lost when crossing driveways. I’ll do a lot more walking, and have a lot more independence.”
“Plus,” he jokes, “he’ll likely be able to help me meet girls.” ?

I would like to make a donation to Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind
Name:
Address:
City:
Province: Postal Code:
Telephone:
Email:
I have enclosed a cheque in the amount of $ _________.
I would like to make a one-time donation of $ ________ to be charged to my credit card.
Card #:
Expiry: mm/yy Name on Card:
Type of Card: Visa MC AMEX
Please send completed form and cheques (if applicable) to:
Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind
4120 Rideau Valley Drive North
PO Box 280, Manotick, Ontario K4M 1A3
Fax: (613) 692-0650
Registered Charity #: 10684 6819 RR0001 Tax Receipt will follow by regular mail.
You can also donate online on our website at www.guidedogs.ca

Gift Shop Order Form
1. Ty Classic Beanie Buddy Honey (with training jacket) $20 x ______= $ ___________
2. Bogart Tote Bag $20 x ______= $ ___________
3. Golf Shirt Quantity: Mens: S ____ M ____ L ____ XL ____ $40 x ______= $ ___________
(Blueberry) Womens: S ____ M ____ L ____ XL ____
4. Navy Ball Cap $20 x ______ = $ ___________
5. Notelets (Package of 10 identical cards, with envelopes, as shown) $10 x ______ = $ ___________
6. Christmas Cards
(Package of 10 identical cards, with envelopes, as shown) $10 x ______= $ ___________
*Christmas Cards available July 1st, 2012

Name: Sub-Total: $ _________________
Address: +15% S&H: $ _________________
Total: $ _________________
Card #:
Expiry: mm/yy Name on Card:
Type of Card: Visa MC AMEX Telephone:

Cheques payable to Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind may be mailed to 4120 Rideau Valley Drive North, PO Box 280, Manotick, ON, K4M 1A3 or fax orders to (613) 692-0650. ?

2012 Calendar of Events
Dollars for Dogs Fundraising Walk – Sunday, May 27th; 9:30am
The 28th Annual Dollars for Dogs Fundraising Walk will take place, as always, on the last Sunday of May. Supporters and dog owners from across the country can help raise funds for Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind by raising pledges in your own communities, and walking by yourself, or with friends, on May 27th – no need to organize an event! For those in the Ottawa area, join us at Andrew Haydon Park for a good walk, BBQ, and prizes. ?
Dining in the Dark – Monday, May 28th
Join us for the 3rd Annual “Dining in the Dark” experience at Chances R Restaurant in College Square (Baseline/Woodroffe). The fixed menu features “Unseen Cuisine,” as patrons are led into the blacked-out restaurant by sighted guides before starting their four-course meal. Tickets are just $30 with all proceeds going to Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind. ?
Open Houses – Sat. June 2nd (10am-4pm); Sat. July 21st and Sat. August 18th (11am-3pm)
If you’ve never visited the National Training Centre of Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind in Manotick, Ontario, be sure to take in one of our three Open Houses this summer. Features include meeting puppies who will become future guide and assistance dogs, demonstrations showcasing just how special these dogs are, and a video and tour of the facility and kennels. BBQ lunch for a nominal fee. ?
UK Day Garden Party & Tea – Sunday, July 8th; 12-4pm
The Annual UK Day Garden Party & Tea features Devon cream tea, and scones and jam prepared by the Chef of the British High Commission. Listen to great live music by Lynch & Fine, and purchase authentic British wares from Clarence & Cripps British Foods. Tickets are $13 in advance, $15 at the door. We have indoor and outdoor seating for rain or shine. ?
Pups on the Patio – Saturday, July 28th; 9am-2pm
Join us for Pups on the Patio at the Royal Oak, Barrhaven for a wonderful breakfast/brunch, a silent auction, and a car wash. Live entertainment, great food, and cute puppies are some of the features you won’t want to miss. The Royal Oak in Barrhaven is located at the corner of Strandherd and Cedarview, just west of Greenbank. ?
A Night at the Races – Thursday, August 30th; 6pm
Live harness racing, an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner, and a large 50/50 jackpot are some of the reasons to join us at Rideau Carleton Raceway for a Night at the Races. Tickets are just $40, and include all taxes and gratuity, a race program, valet parking and coat check, and a $5 voucher for the slots. Advertising and sponsorship opportunities for businesses! ?
Charity Golf Tournament – Monday, June 4th; 11:30am
The annual Charity Golf Tournament for Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind will be held at the beautiful Carleton Golf & Yacht Club in Manotick, ON. $160 per player entitles you to lunch and dinner, 18 holes with cart at a private course, door and skill prizes, a live and silent auction; and the opportunity to win over $150,000 worth of prizes, including cash and a car. Register online or call (613) 692-7777. ?
Motorcycle Ride – Sunday, September 9th; 9:30am
The Ottawa River Riders motorcycle enthusiasts club will again be organizing their annual Ride for Guide Dogs, or “Guide Dog Dice Run,” on Sunday, September 9th. Last year, 182 motorcyclists took advantage of the warm weather to raise over $3,200. The Ottawa River Riders, and the Guide Dog Dice Run, is a non-brand specific touring club whose motto is: “Friends Riding Together.” Registration is between 9:30 and 10:30am, followed by a 200km dice run, and BBQ back at the National Training Centre, Manotick, ON. ?

A special thank you to all our volunteers
Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind is very grateful to our volunteers, whose tireless efforts contribute to the success of our organization. Congratulations to the following volunteers who marked a milestone in 2011.
Five Years Volunteering:
Denise Ansell, Maple Ridge, BC; Valerie Ardill, Holland Landing, ON; Sandy Baird, Burlington, ON; Tina Bernier, Stittsville, ON; Joan Cunningham, Ottawa, ON; John Deheer, Woodstock, ON; Les Drigan, Sault Ste. Marie, ON; Kristina Dudley, Hamilton, ON; Monique Fagan, Grimsby, ON; Kevin Frost, Orleans, ON; Maria Gadd, Peterborough, ON; Dominique Gagnon-Mosco, Orleans, ON; Larry Hilborn, Peterborough, ON; James Kerr, Orleans, ON; Barbara Kilmer, Markham, ON; Krista Kowalchuk, Ottawa, ON; Ralph Miller, Renfrew, ON; Mandy Peters, Frontier, SK; Laurann Schultz, Gloucester, ON; Kim Spicer, Stittsville, ON; Vivian Sutherland, New Glasgow, NS; Sherri Virtue, Oshawa, ON.
Ten Years Volunteering:
Mary Jane Binks, Ottawa, ON; Colleen Clement, Markham, ON; Mike Clement, Markham, ON; Joyce Clouthier, Nepean, ON; Tim Devries, Brantford, ON; Joy Ficko, Manotick, ON; Bertha Harrison, Winnipeg, MB; Ed Hiscock, Clarenville, NL; Goldie Lamarche, Rockland, ON; Mavis Legacy, Simcoe, ON; Karen Mackay, Stittsville, ON; Doug McCullough, Wasaga Beach, ON; Bryan Mehlenbacher, Brantford, ON; Bruce Watson, Nepean, ON.
Fifteen Years Volunteering:
Audrey Anderson, Manotick, ON; Nora Donaldson, Newmarket, ON; Catherine Dunlop-Farris, Ottawa, ON; Alma Zogalo, Holland Landing, ON.
Twenty Years Volunteering:
Jules Bazinet, Cornwall, ON; Kate Brooke, Nepean, ON; Bob Henry, Oshawa, ON; Joan Henry, Oshawa, ON; Bert Hunt, Moose Jaw, SK; David Inkpen, Halifax, NS; Lori MacInally, Bowmanville, ON; Bud Perry, Oshawa, ON; Joan Perry, Oshawa, ON; Barb Stewart, Oshawa, ON; George Stewart, Oshawa, ON; Victoria Swinburne-Kennelly, Orleans, ON.
Twenty Five Years Volunteering:
Cecile Ritchie, Ottawa, ON; William Ritchie, Ottawa, ON. ?

Photo Competition – Call for Submissions
Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind is now accepting photo submissions for the 2013 Calendar.
Please keep the following guidelines in mind before submitting your photos:
Photos must be of a dog from Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind;
Photos must be generic – no names, people, harnesses or training jackets, date or time stamps;
Photos should not include dressed-up dogs or dogs swimming, sitting on furniture, etc;
Only high-resolution* photos will be accepted. Please set your camera to its highest possible setting.
Photos submitted for the competition become property of Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind. Photos should be submitted by email to events@guidedogs.ca by June 30th, 2012. Winners receive a complimentary copy of the 2013 calendar.
* A resolution of 300dpi is necessary for printing. If your photos are 180dpi, please ensure they are at least 3MB in size. ?

Obituaries and Guide Dog Memorial Tributes
Obituaries and Guide Dog Memorial Tributes may be submitted to Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind by email to info@guidedogs.ca. Please limit to 25 words.
Our People…
Bryan Wold
Employed for more than twenty-five years by Dan Murphy Ford, Bryan played an integral role in Dan Murphy’s ongoing support of Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind. He was a regular player in our annual golf tournament, and was always so friendly and pleasant in his dealings with our organization; a large reason why we do frequent business with Dan Murphy Ford. We will miss Bryan greatly.
Donna Gilbert
Donna Gilbert volunteered for Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind for ten years. Donna spent countless hours rolling coins from our collection dogs in the Brantford area, as part of the program managed by her husband Dave and the group from the Bell Canada Volunteers Program. We’ll miss her kindness and giving spirit, and offer our deepest condolences to Dave and family.
Gaye Earl Bullis
At age 59, Gaye Earl Bullis passed away after a brief, but devastating medical emergency. Gaye’s passing brings an end to a family business in Ottawa; Earl Bullis Ltd. Trophies and Engraving. Gaye was a long-time supplier to Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind, and he will be greatly missed.
Joan Cunningham
Joan volunteered at fundraising bingos for Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind, and she will be sadly missed by her friends at Bingoland South in Ottawa. A loving gift of sight was made by Joan through the Trillium Gift of Life Network. We offer condolences to her family.
Keith Collins
As a master engine specialist, Keith kept RCAF bombers flying in World War II. At the NRC, he supported work that created the post-war building boom, and he shared his knowledge with his students at Algonquin College. Keith volunteered for many years with Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind, as a Puppy Walker and within our collection dog program.
Christine Lowrie
Chris passed away on November 7th, 2011. Chris touched many lives and left an indelible impression on those she met. Our condolences to her husband Ian and daughter Fiona. Chris and her family, along with her then guide dog Bart, were great ambassadors for Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind when the organization first started.
Real Galarneau
Real Galarneau passed away on January 10th, 2012 at the age of 85. Real was Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind’s longest working guide dog user. He received his first dog from the organization in 1985, and continued as a client until late 2011. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.
Violet Pick
Violet Pick immigrated to Canada in 1978 with her U.K. trained guide dog Dawn. She later became a client with Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind. Vi was extremely dedicated in her voluntary efforts in fundraising and advocacy for guide dogs. Our condolences are offered to Julie & Dennis and family.
Beatrice Bagu
Bea, of Kipling SK, passed away on March 2nd, 2012 at the age of 48. Our deepest sympathies to her husband Gary and her family Savanna (Aaron), Jamie (Tony), Christopher and Nicholas; and siblings Fred, Dale, Les, Danny, Cindy, Marie, and Rob. Bea dearly loved and missed her then guide dog, Alma, and had graduated with her second guide dog in November 2011.
Our Dogs…
Abba – Guide Dog Abba, 2001 – 2011.
In memory of our beloved Abba, retired and returned to her puppy walking family to spend the last two years of her life enjoying the cottage, long lazy walks and afternoon snoozes in the sun. Abba, you will always have a special place in our hearts. Thank you for loving us all. Krys Adams and family
Kismet – Guide Dog Kismet, February 14, 1996 – October 26, 2011.
Kismet; in harness you were an excellent guide. Out of harness we had fun together. Thanks very much for leaving me with such wonderful memories. Rest in peace precious one. Karen Fitz-Gerald
Candu Safara – Guide Dog Candu Safara, October 1996 – November 2011.
Safara was a well-loved dog. She will be missed by her puppy walkers, Margaret & Leo, her working partner, and her retirement family, Irene & Ron Reed. She will also be missed by all her animal friends. Rest in peace our friend. Barb Hazen
Kyle – Kyle, 2001 – December 27, 2011
We lost our beloved Kyle on December 27, 2011. He was such a wonderful dog, and I know he would have made a terrific guide dog if he hadn’t injured his leg as a puppy. We loved him so much and his passing has left a huge hole in our hearts. He was ten years old. I don’t think we could ever have such a great dog again. Dan & Trudie Carrier
Holly – Guide Dog Holly, 1997 – 2012
Her gentle, loving spirit will leave lasting paw prints on the hearts of Florence Pye (her guide dog user) and Linda Currie, her puppy walker and guardian after retirement. Linda Currie ?

Elmwood School Shows Their Support
Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind is very appreciative of the long-standing relationship and support of Keller House at Elmwood School, a private school located in Ottawa. Over the years, Elmwood has sponsored a total of 18 dogs, including a recent guide dog graduate who is now part of a working guide dog team in Nova Scotia.
In October 2011, Elmwood held their annual “Dog Day”, an event filled with fun activities for students and their dogs. Shona Kemp, Puppy Walking Coordinator, visited the school with Iain Main, a current Puppy Walker and former teacher at Elmwood. They introduced Weston, a black lab in our puppy walking program to the students, and provided information on Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind.
We realize there are many great charities and causes to support, and appreciate that Keller House has continued to support Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind. ?

The Newsletter of Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind
4120 Rideau Valley Drive North
P.O. Box 280
Manotick, Ontario K4M 1A3
Tel: (613) 692-7777
Fax: (613) 692-0650

To:

Electronic version available online.
CD version available upon request.
Registered Charity # 10684 6819 RR0001
E-Mail: info@guidedogs.ca
Web Site: www.guidedogs.ca