BC & Alberta Guide Dogs Visit PASS
Since October 2023, BC & Alberta Guide Dogs have been making bi-weekly visits to PASS, bringing along a few of their puppies in training each visit. This has been a highly beneficial initiative for both the puppies and PASS members!
The puppies are being trained to become Guide Dogs for individuals who are blind or visually impaired; Service Dogs for individuals with autism; and OSI-PTSD Service Dogs for veterans and first responders.
Every other week, two puppies and their volunteer 'raisers' visit PASS for an hour. During the first half of the visit, program members engage with the puppies through activities like reading to them, brushing their coats, and practicing simple commands. In the second half, program members and staff take the puppies outside for a walk with their volunteer raiser.
Throughout this initiative, program members initially afraid of the puppies gradually became comfortable and found joy in their presence, which has been amazing to witness.
About BC & Alberta Guide Dogs
The mission of the BC & Alberta Guide Dogs team is to meet the growing demand for professionally trained Guide Dogs, Autism Service Dogs, and OSI (Operational Stress Injury)-PTSD Service Dogs for citizens of British Columbia and Alberta. At all times, they meet or exceed international standards as established by the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International. Learn more on their website.