By: Miriam Mas
CNIB Guide Dogs, Program Lead, Buddy Dog & Ambassador Dog Training
We’re piloting a new Buddy Dog program at CNIB Lake Joe! The program was inspired by the candid friendship that emerged last summer at CNIB Lake between two young boys, Mason & Ollie. Both are recipients of a CNIB Buddy Dog.
Designed for children and youth who already have a CNIB Buddy Dog and those waiting to be matched with a Buddy Dog, the program will welcome guests to CNIB Lake Joe from August 9-11, 2022.
Piloting the program at CNIB Lake Joe makes perfect sense, as we want to offer participants a safe and fun environment where children and youth can thrive, become more self-aware, feel safe to express themselves, and connect with others. For many participants, this will be their first time visiting CNIB Lake Joe, and each of the children invited to participate has a unique experience to share.
Meet Abigail & her CNIB Buddy Dog Lindsay
“My Dad did some research and learned that even though I’m too young for a guide dog, I may be able to have a CNIB Buddy Dog! After wanting a dog for a long time, getting one was like a dream come true. Along came my new furry friend, Lindsay – a yellow Lab who turned three in September. She’s a lot like me; funny, friendly, cute, and likes to party! I really enjoy our cuddles and how she helps me on our walks. If I could just say one message to Lindsay, it’s that I want her to know that even though I go to school, I will always come back every day. A few more messages…I’d like to know what she wants for her birthday and tell her there's no more dunking her donut stuffy toy in my bath water! Lindsay really likes swimming, playing ball outside, taking trips to the pet store, and – my favourite – camping with her while she sleeps in the RV with me. All my friends and family like her a lot because she’s so friendly and sweet to everyone. On top of that, she’s a blood donor, too! I’m grateful to have her. I think this is a really good program.” - Abigail, age 11
Meet Anakha, who’s on our waitlist to receive her very own CNIB Buddy Dog
Anakha’s parents reached out to CNIB Guide Dogs in the summer of 2021, hoping to apply for a Buddy Dog for their seven-year-old daughter. Anakha was born with an extremely rare life-threatening condition called Multiple Mitochondrial Dysfunction Syndrome, Type 3 (MMDS-3), which amongst other issues, causes Cortical Visual Impairment. At the time of her diagnosis at 13 months old, there were only three known cases in the world.
“We were sent home without a possibility of hope,” says Savitha, Anakha’s mom. Her parents refused to accept the odds and focused on offering Anakha the best life they could give her.
While Anakha, age 7, is nervous around large dogs, her mom believes a Buddy Dog, having undergone a great deal of training, could provide the companionship that Anakha needs.
Anakha was officially added to our waitlist for a CNIB Buddy Dog in July 2021.
“I can’t wait for my buddy dog. I’m so excited!” says Anakha, “I imagine playing with her, going for walks, grooming her golden hair. She’s going to be a real Lady, like me!”.
Through the Buddy Dog program at CNIB Lake Joe, participants will develop new skills, receive support to improve their dog handling skills, connect with their peers, create lasting friendships, and make wonderful memories. They’ll also have an opportunity to meet a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor and an Apprentice Guide Dog Trainer who will bring a couple of guide dogs in training to CNIB Lake Joe.
The event promises to deliver an innovative program to help empower some of CNIB’s youngest participants from coast to coast to coast.
To learn more about the Buddy Dog program, contact Miriam Mas, CNIB Guide Dogs Program Lead, Buddy Dogs & Ambassador Dogs Training at miriam.mas@cnib.ca or call 343-997-2498.