Channel woman receiving guide dog

She said the dogs are trained to work in both urban and rural settings. Even though there are no stoplights in Port aux Basques, the dog will aid her in crossing the street and lead her around obstacles and crowds.

When she begins training in Ontario this week, she won’t even get to meet her new dog for the first few days, Mrs. Seaward said she will start out with a human who will act as the dog, showing her how to behave around the animal.

After that, trainers will assign each of the eight clients with an animal they believe is best suited for that individual and his or her needs. All Mrs. Seaward knows for sure is that it will either be a black or golden Labrador Retriever.

Natalie Moncur, promotion coordinator with Dog Guides Canada, said the dogs each have their own personality, and some are better suited to high or low energy environments.

Ms. Moncur said it costs Dog Guides of Canada about $20,000 to place a guide dog with a client. That includes the cost of travel and accommodations at the training school.

She said what sets that school apart from others is the fact that clients do not need to pay anything out of pocket or raise any money. Groups such as the Lions Club of Canada and others who donate to the school cover all the costs.

During the training, Mrs. Seaward and her dog will navigate obstacle courses, spend time bonding, and they may even take part in a field trip to Toronto’s busy Young Street for practice.

“I’m really excited about going but I’m nervous about travelling,” she said.

Mrs. Seaward uses a cane to navigate around town. She said it is OK, but she doesn’t like crowded spaces. She thinks having the dog will make navigation at events easier.

Guide dogs are generally retired before the age of 10 years. Once retired, Mrs. Seaward will have the choice of sending the animal to be adopted by a new family, or keeping it.

“I think I will keep him. It’s hard to part with a pet,” she said.

reporter@gulfnews.ca