Summer 2025 – Vol. 14

Di, a black Labrador retriever puppy, being carried by her trainer.

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 our prospective future guide dogs! Past Pupdates can be found at this link.

This year, we celebrated our biggest CNIB Guide Dogs graduating class ever, with 21 guide dog matches, seven buddy dog partnerships, two ambassador dogs, and four brood dogs. If you missed it, you can catch up at cnib.ca/grad.

Among the graduates was a very special trio: Ella, Hera, and Makali. These siblings aren’t just life changers – they’re trailblazers who were part of the first-ever CNIB Guide Dogs-bred litter, born in 2023! Today, Ella and Makali are working guide dogs, while Hera is helping to shape the future of our program as a brood dog.

Ella, a black Labrador golden retriever cross wearing a harness, smiles while sitting in a grassy field.

Roeslle, a black Labrador retriever wearing a harness, boards a bus with a CNIB Guide Dogs trainer.

You may remember Ella (left) from past Pupdates – and she wasn’t the only familiar face in our Class of 2025. Roselle (right), another pup you’ve helped support, also reached the incredible milestone of becoming a guide dog. We’re so proud of these superstars 🎉

None of this would be possible without you, Friend! Your ongoing generosity is bringing more guide dogs into the world – and into the lives of Canadians who are blind, helping them navigate their communities with enhanced confidence, freedom, and independence.

Di, a black Labrador retriever puppy, smiles while being carried by her trainer.

Say hello to Di, a bright, loving black Labrador retriever pup who’s already winning hearts. Her favourite thing? Meeting new people! Di is quickly learning basic cues like “stand” and “down,” and recently started wearing her yellow CNIB vest! Fun fact: she’s named in honour of Diane Bergeron, former President of CNIB Guide Dogs and long-time advocate for disability rights.

Valerie, a black Labrador retriever puppy, sits on a paved path in front of some greenery.

Here’s Valerie, a confident, independent pup who’s mastering early skills like sitting, walking on a loose leash, and rocking her yellow vest! Valerie is named after Valerie Dawson, a former CNIB Guide Dogs team member who supported applicants on their journey to receiving a guide dog. We’re hoping puppy Valerie will one day become a guide dog to one of those applicants!

Thanks to you, their journeys are only just beginning – and we can’t wait to share their progress with you! Whether it’s welcoming new puppies like Di and Valerie into our program or matching graduates like Ella and Roselle with their guide dog handlers, your support is changing lives every step of the way. Thank you!

Keep reading for more updates on some of the dogs you’re helping to raise, train, and match…

Training Updates

Winnie, a golden retriever, sits inside a replica bus shelter with her trainer at CNIB Canine Campus.

Winnifred, a golden retriever, walks alongside a training block at CNIB Canine Campus with her trainer.

Winnie’s house manners have come a long way since our last Pupdate – she now keeps all four paws on the ground instead of jumping. That’s a big win!

This past spring, Winnie officially said goodbye to her volunteer Puppy Raisers and made the move from Winnipeg to CNIB’s Canine Campus to start her formal training. But don’t worry, it wasn’t a sad farewell – Winnie’s Puppy Raisers and Boarders threw her a big farewell bash, where she enjoyed playtime with her fellow puppies in training and cheers from her local Puppy Club!

Adaptability is key for future guide dogs, and Winnie has handled the transition beautifully. Whether she’s exploring the off-leash free-run field with her new dog pals or learning new cues with her trainer, her progress has been steady, smooth, and a joy to witness.

Jones, a yellow Labrador retriever wearing his yellow CNIB future guide dog vest, smiles as he walks on a grassy field with his trainer.

Name: Jones
Entered program: January 2025
Sex: Male
Breed: Labrador retriever

You may have received a Puppy Progress Report in the mail earlier this year. If so, you’ll certainly remember Jones – the adorable pup who joined CNIB Guide Dogs in January. Now nearly six months old, this smart cookie is settling well with his volunteer Puppy Raisers in Halifax, where he’s making great strides with house and crate training. He’s already responding to his name and learning basic cues like “sit,” “down,” “wait,” and “leave it”!

One key exercise Jones has been working on is whistle feeding – or learning to wait patiently until a whistle signals it’s time to eat. This skill is essential to developing impulse control and preparing for future recall training.

Did you know? Jones is named after Joseph Jones, Sr., a trailblazer who, after being repeatedly denied a guide dog due to his age of 57, founded International Guiding Eyes (now Guide Dogs of America). We hope our Jones shares that same spirit of determination!

Stetson, a yellow Labrador retriever wearing a yellow CNIB future guide dog vest, smiles while sitting in a lush backyard.

Name: Stetson
Entered program: November 2024
Sex: Male
Breed: Labrador retriever

Stetson, based in Calgary, AB, has officially entered his adolescent phase. That means he’s a bit more boisterous and a little less patient these days, but his volunteer Puppy Raisers are doing a fantastic job helping him navigate the ups and downs of this stage. Thankfully, he’s quick, clever, and highly food motivated, which makes him a lightning-fast learner!

Living with an active couple and three cats, Stetson is gaining valuable real-world experience – from the office and various social outings to regular neighbourhood walks. He’s a capable young dog, and we’re excited to see how he continues to grow and mature in the months ahead.

Dolly, a black Labrador golden retriever cross wearing a yellow CNIB future guide dog vest, lies down on some grass.

Name: Dolly
Entered program: November 2024
Sex: Female
Breed: Labrador golden retriever cross

Like Stetson, Dolly has reached her adolescent stage – when the world becomes more distracting and new environments can feel overwhelming. She’s shown some sensitivity to new environments, so her trainers and volunteer Puppy Raisers are taking a thoughtful, gradual approach to her socialization.

Whether she’s learning to settle in an office or exploring shopping malls, Dolly’s days are filled with just the right mix of activity and rest. At home, she recharges by watching deer through the window or cuddling with her Puppy Raisers’ resident teen while they build Lego masterpieces! Dolly’s confidence continues to grow – and we’re excited to watch her journey unfold.

Your ongoing support for CNIB Guide Dogs helps raise, train, and match incredible dogs like Ella and Roselle with Canadians who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision.

Thank you for being there at every stage of our dogs’ journeys, from the second they join our program as puppies to the magical moment they’re matched with their handler in a life-changing partnership. We’re so grateful to have you with us!

Warmly,

Andrea Critch
Manager, Early Canine Development

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