BRESLAU – Volunteers are needed to support the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides (LFCDG).
The foundation is looking for more people to sign up to be “day school volunteers,” who provide loving homes for dog guides in training.
These volunteers care for the dogs during evenings and weekends, and provide them transportation to and from one of two training facilities throughout the week.
The dogs attend training in Breslau or Oakville from about 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday, though drop-off and pick-up times are flexible to accommodate volunteers’ schedules.
“Think of it like you are dropping off your kids at school every day,” said LFCDG communication manager Maria Galindo in a phone call with the Advertiser.
Offering a home for the dogs outside of their training hours means they don’t have to spend evenings and weekends in a kennel and it helps prepare them for home-life once they are placed with someone in need of their support.
“Kennel stress is an issue that some of our dog guides face – our day school program has been the answer for us,” stated LFCDG director of programs and client services Gina Lijoi in a press release.
She added, “Trainers report seeing big changes in dogs who are matched with day school sitters.”
Day school volunteers “must love dogs” and be willing to commute to Breslau or Oakville twice a day, Galindo said.
She noted some volunteers have other animals, including dogs and cats, in their homes.
Dogs are generally placed with day school volunteers for about four months. All food is provided by Pet Value and vet bills are covered by the LFCDG.
“Volunteers get the benefit of having a dog but don’t have to pay up the expense,” Galindo said.
Research shows that volunteers benefit physically and mentally from being around dogs, from companionship to exercise to wellbeing, states the press release.
Dogs in the day school volunteer program have already completed the initial stages of training so are well behaved. During day school they hone in on specific skills needed for the support role they will take.
LFCDG is the only organization in the world that trains dog guides in seven programs: canine vision, hearing, service, seizure response, autism assistance, diabetes alert and facility support. All seven programs are looking for Day School volunteers.
“Take Tarzan for example. He is attentive, sweet, incredibly affectionate, and very tuned-in,” Lijoi said.
“He will absolutely go on to change the life of a child on the spectrum, the life of a family, and will even have an impact on their community.
“We’ve seen Tarzan settle down as a result of the routine and the comforts of a home. His trainers report a big change in his ability to focus and excel during his training sessions.”
There are a variety of LFCDG volunteering roles to suit different lifestyles and time commitments.
For more information about day school and other volunteer opportunities visit www.dogguides.com.
