For children on the spectrum, an autism service dog can be life-changing.
And now, thanks to BC and Alberta Guide Dogs, the local Lions Club and the hundreds of people who supported a fundraiser this past summer, two more Vernon youth have received that life-changing support.
Following a two-week comprehensive training class, members of the Vernon Lions Club and BC and Alberta Guide Dogs met with families at the Village Green Shopping Centre Friday, Nov. 1, for graduation day 鈥� the day when service dogs are officially handed over to their new owners.
Mike Annan, director of service dogs for BC and Alberta Guide Dogs, said it was rewarding to see the smiles on the faces of the two children as they took the reins of their new furry companions.
"You can absolutely tell that these dogs make a huge difference in the children's lives," Annan said. "A lot of times these kids don't like to go out in public spaces, or things are maybe too loud or overwhelming, but when they're accompanied by their service dog all of a sudden they're out and they're going through the Village Green Mall and doing things that they may have had a harder time doing before because of the support of their dogs. It's an amazing process to watch."
A registered Canadian charity, BC and Alberta Guide Dogs has partnered with the Vernon Lions Club since 2019. In that time, they've been able to provide five autism service dogs to Vernon youth in need.
Maggie and Nelson, the two service dogs added to the community this year, are both Labrador retrievers. Annan said the breed is perfect for the role because they have a gentle demeanour and an ability to adapt to a child's sympathetic nervous system in a supportive way.
It isn't cheap to breed, raise, train, place and provide continued aftercare for a service dog; the cost is about $35,000.
But the Lions Club's annual Duck Race along Vernon Creek through Polson Park has helped cover the cost, with this raising more than $22,000. In its first four years, the Duck Race has generated more than $100,000 for autism support dogs, according to Sharon Cain, a Lions Club member and co-chair of the Duck Race.
"We really do appreciate working with BC and Alberta Guide Dogs," said Cain. "There's definitely a need, and they are so supportive."
Annan said BC and Alberta Guide Dogs attends the Duck Race every year, and it's a great fundraiser.
"It just shows that they're generously providing those funds in the communities for youth with disabilities, and making a big difference."
