BC & Alberta Guide Dogs (BCAGD), a charity founded in 1996, changes the lives of individuals who are blind or have low vision, children with autism, and Veterans and First Responders with Operational Stress Injuries and PTSD. It takes two years and upwards of $35,000 to produce one certified dog, provided free of charge to the recipient.
The Rotary Club of Ladner has supported the purchase of $15,000 in laboratory equipment for BCAGD’s new $7.1 million Breeding and Training Centre devoted to breeding of dogs, to produce puppies most suited to eventual training as guide and service dogs. Veterinarians working in this highly controlled, safe and sterile environment in the new building can use the equipment to monitor the health of each valuable puppy in its early weeks before leaving for raising with volunteers followed by training.
Purchase of the equipment is funded by Ladner Rotary at $10,000 from its members and generous members of the community who support fundraising by the club, and $5,000 from The Rotary Foundation. The lab equipment includes a centrifuge, two diagnostic scopes, a digital image microscope and two computers with dedicated programs for neonatal use.
“As one of the original sponsors of BC Guide Dogs 30 years ago,” President Brian Coe says, “Rotary Club of Ladner was specially pleased to make this contribution to the new, impressive Breeding and Training Centre many years later. What originally appealed to the club by way of community service was the valuable support the organization could provide to people who are blind or have low vision navigate their surroundings and live as full and productive life as possible.”
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Now BCAGD provides service dogs to help Veterans and First Responders suffering from Operational Stress Injuries and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder reclaim their place in the community and rebuild their lives. They also provide Autism Service Dogs to families to improve a child’s ability to participate in education and social activities.
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| two of six puppies just three days old with mom |
Brian adds, “Rotary members are dedicated to service where it is needed in our community and around the world. The guide dogs and service dogs for those in need make such a valuable contribution, at no cost, not only to those individuals so they can lead more fulfilling lives, but to the over 70 communities where they live throughout BC and Alberta.”
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| guide dogs for blind partners | service dogs for those suffering from OSI-PTSD | service dogs for children with autism and families |