Winter 2024 Pupdate

Angus, a yellow Labrador golden retriever cross wearing his yellow future CNIB guide dog vest, sits stoically on the Calgary Peace Bridge.

Read the latest on our pups’ journeys!

Friend,

As a monthly supporter of our program, you’re receiving this inside look at the journeys of four prospective future guide dogs! Previous Pupdates can be found at this link.

It’s our first Pupdate of 2024, and there are lots of new faces to introduce you to! Our Puppy Development Trainers have been busy supporting Volunteer Puppy Raisers across the country, as they help to raise the next generation of guide dogs. If you’re still looking for a New Year’s resolution and are curious about becoming a Puppy Raiser yourself, visit cnib.ca/puppyraising to check for volunteer opportunities in your area.

Read on to learn how your gift is making so much possible each month.

Finding their Fur-ever Homes

Young Waabi, a fluffy golden retriever puppy, smiles with her tongue out while wearing her yellow vest.

It’s important for future guide dogs to enjoy the training experience and sweet, gentle Waabi let us know that being a guide dog just wasn’t the right role for her! Because of her lack of confidence around traffic and public transit, Waabi has sadly been withdrawn from the program. Since Waabi is a very loving dog who likes quieter environments and regular routines, we know she will make her forever family very happy as a beloved pet.

Howard, a yellow Labrador retriever puppy, wears his yellow CNIB Guide Dogs puppy vest.

Howard has also been withdrawn from the program because his boundless energy and mischievous streak could potentially put a handler at risk. But we know this playful early riser has the potential to thrive in an adventurous household and will definitely keep his new family on their toes!

Both dogs are thriving, settling into their new homes and adjusting to the change of pace from puppy-in-training to pet dog life. We wish both pups endless cuddles with their adoring new families!

Howard, a yellow Labrador retriever, sleeps comfortably on his comfy dog bed.

Pictured above: A rare quiet moment from Howard, while he snoozes blissfully!

Guide dogs are among the most highly trained animals in the world and not every dog that passes through our doors will be suited for the job. Even the loveliest dogs may not have the right temperament or health required to guide a person with sight loss safely and efficiently. In fact, determining that is part of the process!

It’s also why your gift each month means so much – you ensure there is always a steady stream of puppies to enter our program, which is critical in helping reduce wait times for Canadians with sight loss to be matched a guide dog. Thank you!

Training Update

Jedda, a black Labrador golden retriever cross, stands stoically in her yellow future CNIB Guide Dog vest, in front of the Alberta Rocky Mountains.

Name: Jedda
Entered program: April 2023
Sex: Female
Breed: Labrador golden retriever cross

Jedda is a calm, affectionate puppy who loves to participate in training exercises. She can be a little sensitive at times, so we’re making sure we give her time to process things when it’s needed. Her impulse control around distractions is going well, and she can settle nicely in the presence of other dogs – an impressive skill for a dog her age!

Jedda spends most of her week playing in Alberta's snow, learning how to behave well in the home and in public places. Occasionally, she also meets up with her furry CNIB friends for some playtime!

Ella, a tiny eight week-old black Labrador golden retriever cross, sniffs some pink flowers.

Adolescent Ella, a black Labrador golden retriever cross, smiles with her tongue out. She's wearing her yellow Future CNIB Guide Dog vest.

An adult Ella, a black Labrador golden retriever cross, stands stoically on a wintry day.

Name: Ella
Entered program: April 2023
Sex: Female
Breed: Labrador golden retriever cross

You might recognize Ella – she’s 'April' in our 2024 CNIB Guide Dogs calendar! Ella continues to do well with her training and development in the puppy program. She’s a very affectionate, loving puppy, and she especially enjoys rolling in the grass after running around in the backyard. Ella has continued to improve on her obedience cues and responds well to verbal cues including ‘sit,’ ‘down,’ and ‘wait.’

One of Ella’s greatest strengths is her ability to settle in public places. This is such an important skill because guide dogs must be able to remain calm, cool, and collected no matter the setting to keep their handler safe. The local coffee shop is her favourite spot to take in sights, sounds, and smells. As a young puppy, Ella is still occasionally overwhelmed by busy areas, but over time, she has become more comfortable and confident with her surroundings.

Ella has made great strides with the other animals in her household. She no longer chases the cat and rabbit, and her Puppy Raiser’s budgie can fly freely around her without issue! We’re really pleased with Ella’s progress over the last few months.

Lyric, a young black Labrador golden retriever cross, smiles a big smile with her tongue poking out. She's wearing her yellow Future CNIB Guide Dog vest.

Name: Lyric
Entered program: October 2023
Sex: Female
Breed: Labrador golden retriever cross

Lyric is one of the newest recruits to our program. As a rookie, she’s starting with the basics: familiarizing herself with new surroundings, learning some basic training cues, and toilet training. Lyric is a playful pup who loves cuddles and will gladly fall asleep in your arms if given the chance!

Currently, Lyric lives with an active and social Puppy Raiser in Calgary, so there will be no shortage of socialization opportunities when the time comes for her to venture out of the house. We look forward to seeing how her confidence progresses!

Angus, an adolescent yellow Labrador golden retriever cross, sits with the Calgary skyline at sunset behind him.

Name: Angus
Entered program: April 2023
Sex: Male
Breed: Labrador golden retriever cross

Like some of his fellow pups in training, Angus has reached adolescence! This means that he occasionally needs extra time to process his thoughts and his environment. Controlling his impulses around distractions has been challenging for him, but he’s progressing well. We’re continuing to work on socialization, building confidence, and developing his obedience training and manners at home and in public spaces. Angus works hard, but he also plays hard! Angus is well-suited to all the outdoor fun that life in Calgary provides.

Angus is very calm and affectionate, and he loves to participate in training exercises. He’ll just need to work on his confidence levels.

Hanlon as a tiny black Labrador retriever puppy, smiles while wearing his yellow Future CNIB Guide Dog vest.

Hanlon, a black Labrador retriever, wears his CNIB Guide Dog harness. The handle of the harness reads 'Do not pet.'

Name: Hanlon
Entered program: March 2022
Sex: Male
Breed: Labrador retriever

Hanlon is nearing the end of his formal training at the Canine Campus and has been an absolute joy and pleasure to train. He’s a smart, eager, and hard-working dog who has the most fun when learning new tasks.

When Hanlon is out guiding, he walks at a brisk pace. He demonstrates the perfect level of tension in the harness and is very clear when indicating obstacles, curbs, and narrow gaps. Hanlon still gets distracted occasionally by other dogs and scents in the environment, but he’s relatively easy to redirect.

No matter which Guide Dog Trainer is working with him, Hanlon has a great standard of obedience and engagement levels, which beautifully demonstrates his adaptability. Hanlon was exposed to an array of different environments over the last quarter, including residential neighbourhoods, downtown Ottawa, outlet malls, churches, stores, and different sets of stairs. We’re thrilled with Hanlon’s progress and can’t wait for the next step in his journey.

Every month, you’re empowering Canadians who are blind to live the lives they choose and giving the gifts of enhanced freedom, independence, and safety. Thank you.

Be sure to stay tuned for our 2024 Guide Dog graduation update in April!

Andrea Critch Program Lead, Puppy Raising Supervisor holding CNIB future Guide Dog Graham and smiling

Andrea Critch
Program Lead, Puppy Development

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