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Having a guide dog means the world to me, as I feel totally complete when I have a guide dog by my side. Navigating around Toronto is very difficult with a (White) cane in today’s society. I feel lost even though I consider myself an excellent cane traveler. Having a guide dog brings much joy and confidence, and I feel “less blind”.

– Sharon in Toronto

My guide dog has been a godsend to me physically, mentally, and spiritually. My life has been totally enriched. My guide dog has given me a new lease on life and a purpose. He has given me a new and improved reason to go out and do things again with more independence and safety.

Ian in Ottawa

Having a guide dog means confidence, independent mobility, as well as having a cute sidekick to experience life with. My guide dog helps me in daily life by getting me to and from work safely which includes bus travel multiple times, navigating busy transit terminal areas and walking. My guide helps me find the elevator button and gets me in the right elevator and to my office. In the regular commute we have to navigate obstacles and curbs, so I don’t trip or run into people or other objects.

Megan in Halifax

My guide dog takes me to school every day and back home again. We ride a city bus and take elevators. We cross several large intersections with lights. He finds the coffee shops downtown and in my neighborhood. He also takes me to the grocery store in my neighborhood. He navigates at the market every Saturday afternoon. I feel comfortable and confident. He is very good in the classroom and on buses. He always sits at down curbs for which I’m very grateful.

– Jessie in London, Ontario

When I think of my experience with guide dogs, two words come right away to my mind: freedom and safety. It means the freedom of walking on the street at the same speed as every one else and to do so without the fear of bumping into an obstacle. It also means being relaxed and enjoying fully the environment. In my daily life, my dog gives me more control on my life because I can decide to go where and when I want without having to wait for anyone. When I cross a street, the dog walks straight which avoids me ending up in the middle of the intersection.

– Evelyne in Cornwall, Ontario

Having a guide dog means the world to me. It allows me to travel independently and safely both for work and pleasure. It provides a sense of confidence with my mobility. It allows me to walk briskly both in familiar and new surroundings which is beneficial for both my physical and mental health. My guide dog helps me function independently whether it’s getting on a plane, bus, or train to travel across the country for work, or to simply go around the corner to the drugstore or grocery store. I can travel independently to events such as concerts and seminars, or just get together with a friend for a coffee or beer at a local restaurant or cafe. In short, a guide dog enhances my life immensely.

Bruce in Halifax

Having a guide dog means freedom from all obstacles in my path, both stationary and moving obstacles. It also means the ability to travel in one smooth motion without having the act and react motion of using a cane. The ability to roam through a building without having to use walls and door frames for guidance. But most importantly, a guide dog is a back up that a white cane can never provide which is the ability to determine the location of nearby vehicles. A guide dog is a joy to work with in terms of dealing with all kinds of situations. Even though it is me that makes the majority of the decisions, the guide dog assists by leading me through the paths of least resistance which can be invaluable during Winnipeg winters. She gives me a reason to get up in the morning and enjoy the first weather of the day. She is my second pair of eyes especially since the first don’t work.

Tanis in Winnipeg

Monday – Friday: 8:30am - 5:00pm

Weekends: Closed

Holidays: Closed

International Guide Dog Federation
Assistance Dogs International
Canadian Association of Guide and Assistance Dog Schools
Council of North American Guide Dog Schools

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