We are riding across Canada to raise money for the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. They are a non profit organization that raises and trains labs and poodles to help someone in need. They provide 6 different Dog Guides. Canine Vision, Autism Assistance, Diabetic Alert, Seizure Response, Hearing Ear and Service dog. Each dog costs about $25,000 to raise. Almost all the dogs are bred at their facility in Breslau. At 7 weeks of age the puppies go to their foster families. Their foster family teaches them the basic skills, as well as socializes them to many different places and situations. Once the puppy reaches about a year old, they are recalled back to the foundation. There they start official training to becoming a Dog Guide. Once completed, the dog meets their new handler which is given to them free of charge. For about another 20 days, the handler and dog work together to get to know each other and become a team. If all goes well, the dog and his or her new handler graduate. They then work together for about 6-7 years before the dog is retired.
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So why did we chose this cause?
Well, Kazi was the inspiration, the foundation was the motivation.
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At 7 weeks old, Kazi came home with me (Jewel). I have taught him the basic commands and socialized him to many different places and people. He wears a green vest that reads "Future Dog Guide" this allows me to take him to the mall, on trains, buses, the movie theatre etc. It has been such a wonderful journey raising this little pup up into a big dog. He is the sweetest, most loving dog with the squishiest face! You can't not love him.
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My time with Kazi has taught me more than I thought possible, and created many opportunities I wouldn't have other wise. I can only begin to imagine the feeling of safety, security and freedom these dogs allow people in need to have.
That is why we chose this cause. They allow people to live their lives with the independence they couldn't find anywhere else. They are given super heros', for free! but that wouldn't be possible without donations. We hope to be a little part in keeping that possible.
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