Autism Assistance Dog Guide Rises to the Occasion

Canine Courier

February 2014

Nicholas & Vance

Autism Assistance Dog Guide Rises to the Occasion

Nicholas’ family requested a dog that didn’t bark much when they began the application process for an Autism Assistance Dog Guide. Knowing their son’s comfort levels, they realized a quiet dog would make the best companion for their teenager. A Dog Guide, they hoped, would provide a new tool of support for the Oakville, Ontario, family as they worked out strategies to assist Nick, who had been diagnosed with autism.

Their request was met. Nicholas was matched with Vance, a black Labrador retriever stepmom Rita says is “quiet and sensitive – just like Nick.” Since December 2013, Nick and Vance have proven to be a great pair, with Vance providing a calming companionship during shopping trips, sleeping with him through the night, and even accompanying Nick on his newspaper route delivering the Oakville Beaver.

For the first several months, the family never even heard Vance bark. So it’s understandable how shocking it was one afternoon when they heard Vance let out not one, but two very loud barks. Nick was in the back yard, and Rita heard the sounds through the kitchen window where she was putting dinner together. Hearing Vance’s bark cut through the air, she knew right away that something was wrong. Very wrong.

Nick had suffered his first seizure, which is not uncommon in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. When Rita got to him, he was slumped partially in their pool, body stiff. Vance was glued to his side, licking his face, which Rita said was blue. A former paramedic, her emergency preparedness kicked in, and an ambulance was soon on the way. Recalling that terrifying afternoon, Rita begins to ask the question, “what if...” but stops short, her eyes filling with tears. Vance’s bellow had come just in time, and that was the important thing.

Rita concludes by observing, “things happen for a reason,” and has no doubt that Vance was meant to come into their lives. The family knows they have a crucial role to play in the ongoing success of this Dog Guide team, and provides a supportive environment with Vance as a key part of their strategy. Autism is unpredictable, but with Nick holding the end of Vance’s leash, they know they have built-in assurance. “It’s amazing what they can learn together,” says Rita.

Amazing Donors

Care-Alive Makes the Difference for Seizure Response Program

Care-Alive, the Caroline Cunningham Foundation for Epilepsy, is the primary supporter of the Seizure Response Dog Guide program, sponsoring two teams each year and helping raise awareness of the program. Care-Alive had this to say about why they continue their important work:

“We believe that every dog we have sponsored has saved the life of its recipient in one way or another. Whether it be by actually providing urgent attention to a medical situation, or simply by giving back a person’s freedom and providing unconditional love, these dogs save lives, and that is why we at Care-Alive will continue to support the program for as long we can.”

This organization has given newfound independence and security to people with epilepsy by making these Dog Guide partnerships happen.

Special Thanks

Thank you to the thousands of people across the country who answered our holiday request for support of Dog Guides’ programs. There was a terrific response from individuals, foundations, organizations and companies, and this help goes far in ensuring we can meet the needs of the growing applicant waitlists in each of the six programs. We kicked off the season with Giving Tuesday on December 2nd, and the generosity didn’t stop there. Thank you for making it a successful season!

Lions Foundation wishes to thank the following individuals, foundations and companies for their significant contributions as 2014 drew to a close:

CIBC Children’s Foundation
Donald Meehan
The Fenella Foundation
The Leonard and Gabryela Foundation
McCormick Canada
Scotiabank
Unitron

Thank You Pet Valu

Dog Guides is grateful to have the tremendous support of Pet Valu and their give-what-you-can 2015 calendar campaign. As a result, Pet Valu has now sponsored four Dog Guide teams. Those donations make a difference for Canadians like Gloria, who received Hearing Ear Dog Guide Irie, thanks to funds raised!

Become a Dog Guide Champion

Lions Foundation is incredibly fortunate to have sponsors that are able to make significant contributions. To recognize the generosity of those who sponsor a Dog Guide in each of the six programs, these sponsors will be recognized as Dog Guide Champions to mark their close commitment to Dog Guide graduates. A plaque and banner patch will be issued to each Champion to display with pride, and a permanent acknowledgement will be displayed at Lions Foundation headquarters as well.

This applies to anyone donating, beginning January 1st, 2015, with full payments received over a six-year period for all six programs. For more information, contact Julie

Dog Guide Happenings

Start Your Engines: Ride for Dog Guides is Coming

Dog Guides was at the North American International Motorcycle Supershow in January, spreading the word about the Ride for Dog Guides, a national fundraising event, with individual Rides run by motorcycle enthusiasts in several communities across Canada. For more information about this easy-to-organize event, visit the website or contact Kaley.

Inside the Volunteer Experience

Long-time Dog Guides volunteer Mary Hawthorne was profiled for a Sheridan College project, highlighting the vital role volunteers play in reinforcing the training of future Dog Guides. Get to know Mary and the wonderful work she does by watching the video.

Puppies Provide Antidote for Stressed-Out Students

The Burlington Public Library’s Exam Cram programming went to the dogs last month – in a good way. Dog Guide foster families were on hand with their pups for the first “puppy sessions” held at two library locations, meant to help students find productive study strategies by providing a bit of stress relief during this high-pressure time in the semester.

ADI Accreditation

Did you know that Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides is an accredited member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI) ADI is a worldwide coalition of non-profit organizations which train and place assistance dogs. A leading authority in the assistance dog industry, ADI sets several objectives, ethics and standards members must meet or exceed. Every five years, ADI reviews its members’ programming and practices to ensure they are abiding by these standards, and Lions Foundation completed another review process at the end of January. It’s one way Lions Foundation confirms it is providing expert training, the highest standards in care of dogs, and utmost respect and dignity in its client relations.

Service Dog Guide at Work

Trainer Julie works with Tilley, a yellow Lab, who will go on to assist someone with a physical disability. Here, she practices opening and closing a fridge door. Service Dog Guides are trained to assist with a variety of tasks both in the home and in public, increasing mobility and independence for their handlers.

Fighting Fires and Helping Dog Guides

It’s not too late to get your copy of the 2015 Oakville Firefighters calendar!

This awesome calendar campaign features Oakville firefighters posing with adorable future Dog Guides, and a portion of funds goes towards Dog Guide programming as well as other important causes. Get a copy before they’re gone at

2015 Purina® Walk for Dog Guides

Giving Canadians a New Leash on Life

It started with a single Walk 30 years ago, and has since grown to include walks in more than 200 locations across the country. It’s been 30 years of changing lives, one step at a time with the vision and generosity of thousands of volunteers. As we embark on the 30th anniversary of the Purina® Walk for Dog Guides, we invite you to join us
(four-legged friends are more than welcome, but not necessary) to walk the Walk!

Here’s how to get started:

Register online to participate in your local community Walk
Spread the word to family and friends to join or donate
Challenge 30 people to give $30 dollars

For more information, please visit
or call 1 (800) 768-3030 Ext. 231
or email Merilyn Lethbridge at

Nursery News

December 2015 - January 2015

There’s been a puppy boom in recent months, as several healthy litters were welcomed into the world.

Mettie (Yellow Lab) and Gable (Yellow Lab) had 8 puppies on December 19th
Latte (Standard Poodle) and Petro (Standard Poodle) had 8 puppies on December 19th
Marlow (Yellow Lab) and Holden (Black Lab) had 9 puppies on December 22nd
Mishka (Yellow Lab) and Tommy (Yellow Lab) had 7 puppies on January 13th
Penny (Black lab) and Vito (Yellow lab) had 4 puppies on January 27th
Haiku (Yellow Lab) and Tommy (Yellow Lab) had 5 puppies on January 29th

Lions Foundation Barking News

Dog Guides debut on Canada AM

Canine Vision Dog Guide trainer Courtney Starr and graduates Martin and Yager paid a visit to Canada AM during the holiday season. Martin discussed the experience of having his Canine Vision Dog Guide to safely lead the way, while Courtney introduced future Dog Guide, Russell. The appearance informed viewers about our Pet Valu partnership involving the 2015 calendar campaign. Pet Valu’s sponsorship allowed Dog Guides to provide Martin with Yager.

Taking an Icy Plunge for Dog Guides

The Tiny Township Lions Club hosted its fifth New Year’s Day Polar Dip, with about 19 people taking the plunge, while 100 spectators cheered them on. The event raised $2,600 for Dog Guides, with Sheri Black of the McNicoll Lions Club as the top fundraiser. Our thanks to everyone involved!

Autism Assistance Dog Guides GRADS receive warm welcome

Graduates from November’s Autism Assistance class Connor and Vargo of Belleville, Ontario, and Natalie and Glacier, of Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, were each featured in their hometown publications after being matched with the new companions.

Connor and Vargo’s Article Natalie and Glacier’s Article

Campaign Update:

“Opening Doors to Independence”

We know how important it is to feel comfortable, so Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides provides a home-away-from-home for its clients when classes are in session. Depending on the program they’re in, clients spend anywhere from ten days to four weeks at the training facility in Oakville, Ontario. Here, they learn to work and bond with their new Dog Guides before beginning their working partnerships when they return home.

Opening Doors to Independence is a campaign which launched two years ago, and a component of it is raising funds to complete much-needed upgrades and renovations to the Oakville facility, increasing residential space by 25 per cent. The campaign has transformed the space, adding features that allow clients to feel secure and connected, so they can focus on more important tasks as they work with their Dog Guides.

Three rooms to go!

Donations are still needed to complete three new rooms, for a total of 29 rooms. Remaining rooms need to be equipped and furnished, and supporters of the campaign will be recognized for their contributions.

Clubs contributing $10,000 will be recognized with their name(s) permanently inscribed on the door of a new room. This donation covers the cost of outfitting the room completely with a computer, TV and phone, and all furnishings – truly making a room a home!
Clubs contributing $5,000 or more will be honoured with their names on a permanent plaque in the renovated area, and will receive a banner patch.

Your Club’s contribution to this campaign – in any amount – helps ensure Lions Foundation can serve the applicants currently on a wait list to receive a Dog Guide, and build for growth with the goal of providing 30 per cent more Dog Guides to Canadians who need their assistance.

For more information about Opening Doors to Independence, please visit
or contact Julie Jelinek

Dog Guides Wish List

The Wish List is a unique way to make a contribution to the Dog Guide program. If you wish to contribute an item or make a donation towards the purchase of an item, please contact Julie Jelinek at 905-842-2891 Ext. 223 or
800-768-3030 Ext. 223

Minivan for client visits$20,000
Furnishings for new client rooms$10,000
(cost per room with name on a permanent plaque on door)
Commercial sized washer to meet our residence needs$7,500
Two new electric hospital beds for Service Dog rooms $6,000
Accessible doorway installations for additional residence rooms$5,000
Televisions for client rooms$1,000
Heavy duty sewing machine for leather harness repairs$1,000
Mattress replacements (per room)$500
Grooming blades (each blade)$50

OTHER ITEMS INCLUDE

Gift cards to grocery stores for food for clients
Gift cards to gas stations and office supply stores
Canadian Tire money
Dog toys - Kongs and Nylabones

Thank you to:

The Kravontka Family (AAD Henry) - grooming table
Unitron - folding machine
Marlene Creech - gift cards

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING LIONS FOUNDATION OF CANADA DOG GUIDES

Dog Guides Out & About

Foster Puppies Take on T.O.

Dog Guide foster families once again organized an annual trip to the Toronto Eaton Centre, one of the top tourist attractions in the city. The outing gave a chance to acclimatize the pups to the hectic activity of this busy destination, and provided a chance for the puppy raisers to catch up as well.

A Partnership Ready for Adventure

Seizure Response Dog Guide graduates Scott and McCoy make a great pair – McCoy is happy to join his active handler during hiking and camping expeditions in and around their hometown of Airdrie, Alberta.

Fisher on Lake Huron

Canine Vision Dog Guide Fisher lives up to his name. Here he is leading graduate Susan, with her husband, during a windy walk along Lake Huron last December.

Autism Assistance Grads Play Tourist in Niagara Falls

Parents in the most recent Autism Assistance class made a daytrip to Niagara Falls right before graduation. Where better to celebrate these new partnerships than the honeymoon capital of the world?

Rocky Mountain Dog Guide

Hearing Ear grads Andrea and Adison made the trip from Newmarket, Ontario to Banff, Alberta last November.

Volunteer Profile

Paddy Townson

Paddy is hands-on from puppyhood through to graduation

Since joining the Dog Guides’ team as a volunteer eight years ago, Paddy has become increasingly involved in many aspects of the organization. During weekly visits to Lions Foundation, she devotes much of that time to future Dog Guides in our Canine Vision program, helping to bathe, walk and provide the dogs with plenty of unconditional love and affection. Assisting with the day-to-day needs of Dog Guides-in-training is a lot of work, and Paddy even takes some of this work home with her. She’s currently fostering a breeding dog, a two-year-old black Labrador retriever named Wenda, who delivered her first litter seven months ago. Paddy has taken on the responsibility of fostering a puppy from that litter as well, a yellow Labrador named Coral.

Paddy even has a hand in many Lions Club endeavours. She is treasurer and Charter member of the Halton K9 Lions Club, which raises funds to assist Dog Guide graduates with emergency veterinary care, should they require it. Other Lions-related activities include chairing the annual Car Rally for the Blind, which raises more than $6,000 each year.

So, why is she so generous with her time and resources?

“I see the difference these dogs make in people’s lives, and it’s hard not to be committed to helping them,” she says cheerfully.” Paddy is a volunteer who is there to see each milestone in a Dog Guide’s development. “Seeing those dogs at graduation with their handlers is an emotional time – they were my babies. I’ve watched them grow up.”

Paddy’s time and hard work does not go unnoticed; we are so appreciative for all that she does here at the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.

Dr. Dawg Says

Dr. Michelle Van Lienden

More Than Just Best Friends

Based on genetic evidence, the domestic dog (Canisfamiliaris) evolved from a single domestication about 15 thousand years ago. The earliest dogs arose along with the hunter-gatherers. They would take advantage of carcasses left on site by the early hunters, assist with capture of prey, and provide defense against other large predators. Along the years the relationship evolved, dogs and humans worked side by side, offering each other companionship, love and affection. A vast assortment of studies have been conducted to research the physical, emotional and social benefits of canine companionship.