Dogs make better lives for blind and autistic people

Posted by Peter Roaf on Jul 26, 2016
 
Amber with Guide Dog Bear (left) and Asher with Autism Support Dog Landon -- enjoying happy, fulfilling lives thanks to BC & Alberta Guide Dogs, based in Ladner
Ladner-based BC & Alberta Guide Dogs (BCAGD) breeds, raises and professionally trains Guide Dogs for individuals who are blind/visually-impaired, and Autism Support Dogs for children with moderate to profound autism aged 3-10  and their families. It takes two years and upwards of $35,000 to produce one certified dog, provided free of charge to the recipient.
 
Top: Ella (Mel Baly photo)
Above left: Henrik & Johanna Sedin, their sons, pony, cat and their dog, Bristol - a BC & Alberta Guide Dogs non-qualifier.Photo: photosbykathryn.com
Above right: BCAGD CEO Bill Thornton founded the organization 20 years ago.
Left: Linda Thornton is involved in many parts of BCAGD, breeding to training
Below: It takes a small army of volunteers and staff to develop guide dogs:  breeding then whelping, puppy raising, training  and orientation with dog and human partner
The organization was founded in 1996 as BC Guide Dog Services and began professionally training Guide Dogs for blind/visually-impaired British Columbians, becoming fully accredited members of the International Guide Dog Federation in 2001.
 
In 2002, the organization expanded into Alberta and in 2008, launched its sister charity, Autism Support Dogs in partnership with the Victor and Anna Kern Foundation, the Vandekerkhove Family Foundation, the Diamond Foundation, and Variety–The Children’s Charity.
 
In 2014, the two charities amalgamated to form one organization, collectively known as BC & Alberta Guide Dogs. Alberta Guide Dogs and Autism Support Dogs are divisions of BC & Alberta Guide Dogs. BC & Alberta Guide Dogs relies on the generosity of donors to serve individuals and families living in British Columbia and Alberta.