Our dogs. They are our guardians and our guides, our faithful friends, our helpers and our heroes. They lead the blind, comfort the lonely and search for the lost. In return, we nurture them, care for them and do our best to ensure their well-being. Our relationship with dogs is truly symbiotic – together we are better and can make the world a better place.
Across Canada, registered charities and non-profit organizations strive to improve the health and well-being of dogs, and use the dog’s unique aptitudes and abilities to provide physical and emotional support to people in need. There are countless opportunities for dog lovers to contribute financial support or volunteer their time to worthy canine causes. Here is just a sampling of the doggone good work that’s happening from coast to coast.
A national charity dedicated to promoting the role and welfare of dogs in Canada
It’s been 20 years in the making, but the CKC Charitable Foundation is well positioned to support canine health initiatives and promote the benefits that dogs provide to society. With financial support from individuals and corporations, the Foundation will fund research into canine genetics and health, and sponsor educational programs for breeders, covering fundamental subjects like hereditary diseases, effective breeding programs and ethics. Public awareness programs will promote the benefits of the human-animal bond and educate the public about responsible dog ownership. And in cooperation with other organizations, the Foundation will work with legislators to develop fair and effective laws that control the activities of irresponsible dog owners and breeders, without adversely affecting the rights and privileges of responsible dog lovers.
(416) 675-5511 or www.ckc.ca
An organization that teaches at-risk youth to train service dogs
Like most assistance dogs, Canine Opportunity People Empowerment service dogs increase their handlers’ independence, assist them with everyday tasks and provide them with therapeutic benefits. But a COPE dog’s service to the community begins long before it’s matched with its handler. COPE teaches high school students who are at risk of dropping out to train and care for the young dogs, providing them with leadership skills and a sense of achievement. In addition to training their dog to respond to 90 special commands, the students and their dogs volunteer as buddies for elementary students who need help with reading and math, and provide therapeutic visits to retirement homes and hospitals. Dog lovers in the Barrie, Ont., area can provide foster homes for the dogs outside school hours, or volunteer with newborn pups in the Puppy Petters program. COPE relies on donations to cover the $22,000 cost of breeding, raising and training each dog.
(705) 734-COPE (2673) or www.copedogs.org
A foundation that gives low-income dog owners access to necessary veterinary care
For people with limited financial means, the illness or injury of a beloved pet can be devastating. Fortunately, the spirit of a big, shaggy dog sometimes comes to the rescue. The Farley Foundation, named after the family dog in Lynn Johnston’s cartoon strip For Better or For Worse, provides Ontario veterinary clinics with financial assistance to cover the cost of necessary treatments for pets belonging to low-income seniors, or people with disabilities. October is Fundraise for Farley month, when veterinary clinics across the province hold local fundraising events. Donations can also be made year-round at veterinary clinics or on-line, and Ontario drivers can show their support with a Farley graphic license plate from the Ministry of Transportation.
1-888-262-9811 or www.farleyfoundation.org
A volunteer group that looks for lost or missing persons
Formerly the RCMP Civilian Search and Rescue Service Dog Program, the Canadian Search Dog Association is a group of dedicated volunteers who train their own dogs, on their own time and at their own cost, to assist Alberta authorities in searches for lost or missing persons. The dog-and-handler teams train year round and undergo rigorous annual certification. In addition to responding to search and rescue calls, members participate in public education programs like Lost in the Woods. Volunteers provide their services to authorities at no charge, and rely on donations of funds, services and supplies to offset costs. The association is also seeking hardworking, dedicated dog owners who are interested in participating in the search and rescue dog training program.
(780) 412-5489 or www.canadiansearchdogs.com
A team that provides veterinary care to communities in need
The Canadian Animal Assistance Team was originally created to help pets that had been abandoned or displaced in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Today, this group of dedicated volunteers provides emergency medical care to domestic animals following natural disasters, and organizes vaccination and spay/neuter clinics in areas where veterinary care is otherwise not available. Veterinarians, technicians and experienced animal handlers volunteer their time and cover a portion of their own expenses to travel to communities in need, bringing expertise, advice and donated medical supplies. In addition to financial support to offset expenses, the team is seeking volunteers to participate in future missions to Nunavut, Labrador, Vancouver Island, Mexico, Belize and Fiji.
1-888-500-3330 or www.caat-canada.org
A program that provides temporary housing and care for the pets of women in distress
For many women in abusive relationships, the fear of what will happen to the pets they leave behind can prevent them from seeking help at women’s shelters. In fact, more than half of Ontario women who left an abusive relationship stated that their partners had brutalized or killed their pet. The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association’s SafePet Program helps women escape abusive relationships by providing temporary, free care and shelter for their pets. Women’s shelters across Ontario can contact any veterinarian, who will then make the necessary arrangements. Animal lovers who wish to provide temporary foster care for the pets of families in crisis can sign up at their local veterinary clinic.
1-800-670-1702 or www.ovma.org/pet_owners/safepet
A school that provides dogs for children with Autism
Autism assistance dogs are the newest addition to the service dog community, and demand for their services has far outstripped the supply. The Positive Assistance and Companion Canines for Kids Foundation, which opened in early 2008, is the first school of its kind in Quebec. Combining the benefits of service dogs, therapy dogs and search and rescue dogs, PACCK dogs can prevent children from bolting into traffic, interrupt self-harming or repetitive behaviours, and track down a child who has wandered off. Perhaps just as important, the companionship of a specially trained dog can increase the child’s capacity to connect with people and their environment. PACCK relies on donations to cover the cost of breeding, raising and training the dogs, and uses volunteers to provide foster homes and to assist with administrative support, fundraising and community programs.
(514) 876-8888 or www.pacck.org
A centre that conducts research into the care of working dogs
For a police service dog, injury in the line of duty, or a chronic medical problem, can often mean the end of its career. But with the cost of replacing a dog averaging $60,000, not to mention the months invested in training and bonding, the British Columbia Institute of Technology recognized a need for research in the area of injury prevention and rehabilitation specifically focussed on the requirements of police service dogs. The first program of its kind in Canada, the BCIT Centre for Biomechanics Research is committed to improving health screening for potential candidates, finding ways to prevent injury, and improving rehabilitation for injured police service dogs. Donations cover the purchase of laboratory equipment and fund ongoing research projects.
(604) 432-8302 or www.bcit.ca/appliedresearch/canine
A group that uses dogs to provide therapeutic benefits to seniors and children (
For senior citizens living in hospitals or nursing homes, a visit from an affectionate therapy dog from Therapeutic Paws of Canada can lift their spirits, stimulate conversation and provide much-needed companionship. And for children struggling with reading skills, the opportunity to read to a dog in the Paws to Read program can provide the non-judgmental environment necessary for them to practise their skills. Volunteers pay a nominal fee to have their dog assessed to ensure it has the necessary confidence, manners and sociability to work as a therapy dog. Individuals with extensive knowledge of dog behaviour and hands-on experience working with animals can also apply to become team leaders or registered evaluators. Donations can be made directly to Therapeutic Paws of Canada or through the United Way.
(613) 632-6502 or www.tpoc.ca
A fund that promotes the health and well-being of pets
The Atlantic Veterinary College on Prince Edward Island may be the smallest veterinary school in Canada, but thanks to support from the Companion Animal Trust Fund, the college is on the cutting edge of research into animal diseases. The fund supports research and invests in improvements to facilities and equipment – and everything is focussed on improving the health and well-being of companion animals. Donations can be made in memory of a beloved pet, as a lasting tribute to someone who was devoted to animals, or in recognition of a favourite veterinarian.
1-866-453-4119 or www.upei.ca/avc/comp_animal_trust
A school that trains dogs for Canadians with disabilities
Since its inception in 1983, Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides has provided specially trained dogs free of charge to hundreds of Canadians with visual, hearing, medical or other physical disabilities. With no government support, all costs related to raising and training the dogs are covered entirely by donations. Supporters can collect pledges and walk their own dogs in the Canada-wide Purina Walk for Dog Guides held annually in early summer. Other options include making a donation in memory of a loved one, purchasing a plaque on the Pet Memorial Wall, or sponsoring a dog guide team. Dog lovers in the Greater Toronto Area and southwestern Ontario can also volunteer to raise a future dog guide in their home, or lend a hand with a variety of tasks at the Foundation’s offices and kennels.
1-800-768-3030 or www.dogguides.com
A group that battles banned-breed legislation
A not-for-profit group organized in response to Ontario’s ban against pit bull-type dogs, the Dog Legislation Council of Canada works to support non-breed-specific dangerous-dog laws, and to promote responsible dog ownership and public bite-prevention education. Membership dues support the Council’s initiatives, and members can volunteer their time and services to further the cause. Donations to help fund a legal challenge against the legislation may also be made through Banned Aid (www.bannedaid.com), a coalition that is working to have dangerous-dog laws based on behaviour, not breed.
www.doglegislationcouncilcanada.org
By Natalie Ann Comeau
Natalie Ann Comeau is a freelance writer with a special interest in working canines. She lives in Oakville, Ont., with her family and two unemployed dogs.
(Originally appeared in our November 2008 issue)
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