By: Devon Wilkins, Member of the GDUC Board
One of the projects that Guide Dog Users of Canada members want to undertake in 2024 is to write the official history of our organization. For now, though, I’m happy to share what we’re all about as I know it.
The first president of GDUC in the early 90’s was Mary Spice. It was then known as the Canadian Association of Guide Dog Users—CAGDU. Following Mary’s untimely passing, the organization’s dealings with the federal government were allowed to lapse for at least a few years. When a few of GDUC’s co-founders tried to resurrect its incorporation, the government wouldn’t allow the use of the name CAGDU, and that’s how the name GDUC came to be.
Since then, members have been providing advocacy and peer support ever since. Much of the peer support has been made possible thanks to email lists, online chats, and annual conferences (either in person or virtual). We have answered questions from what it’s like to train and walk with a guide dog to how to deal with human emotions on the retirement or death of a beloved guide dog. We also offer a Wellness Fund to assist guide dog handlers with extraordinary veterinary costs. More information can be found on our website at www.gduc.ca.
As far as advocacy is concerned, members of Guide Dog Users of Canada have served on various government committees representing the needs and views of guide dog handlers and have written countless letters to federal, provincial, and municipal officials about how to make life more accessible for Canadians and their guide dogs.
Regarding public education, we have given numerous radio, television, and newspaper interviews and even put together a series of public service announcements.
As we move into our second quarter century, we will be looking forward to an influx of fresh, new members to join us in this vital work. Anyone who is a current or recent guide dog handler or is interested in applying for a guide dog is welcome to join us. Membership fees are very reasonable, at $10 annually or $50 for a lifetime membership. If you’d like to find out more about Guide Dog Users of Canada, please feel welcome to email us at guidedogusers@gmail.com