By Dr. Morris Samson, Kingston Road Animal Hospital, with Joanne Ingrassia
For Beach Metro –September 29 , 2003 issue

When one of my clients, Karen, lost her much-loved guide dog, her world changed dramatically. Gone was that wonderful, constant companion who so generously and gently assisted her with everyday living. The pain of losing not only a great friend but a true helpmate devastated Karen. Making matters worse was that she was told she would have to wait seven months before she could get another dog.

I appreciated her great loss and loaned her my black labrador dog, Morgan, who visited with Karen several times a week. While this only could help a little, Morgan provided at least some relief from the grief and frustration Karen was forced to endure as she counted off the long wait for a new guide dog.

Karen’s situation sparked an idea: to find a way to contribute more to providing guide dogs for people who are blind. I knew that the few groups that provide these dogs are overwhelmed with the actual demand for these specially-trained companion animals.

Working with others in our community, we decided to create the Foundation for Canadian Companions for the Blind. We’re in the process of completing our charitable registration so we expect to be operating very soon. In fact, we’ve already started receiving pledges of support. I am also committing a percentage of my veterinary practice’s earnings to begin to build much needed resources for this work to move forward.

I have also witnessed people who are blind struggling financially to pay to support their dogs, especially when it comes to unforeseen veterinary bills. Some people have even gone as far as trying to collect change from passersby, playing guitar or just simply asking for help to support their much-needed guide dogs. Because of this need, the Foundation will also be providing assistance with veterinary bills. We don’t want anyone with a guide dog struggling to take care of their much-needed companion.

The Foundation is a wonderful example of community need being met by others in our own community. Contributing to our community, through volunteer work or fundraising, provides richness and joy to our lives. But even more, for those of us who are fortunate and are not struggling with disabilities or stretched dollars, I think it is our responsibility to give as much as we can. I hear this from many of my clients who have shared stories with me about how they contribute both time and funds to charitable organizations that work with animals or humans in need. Perhaps it has something to do with having animal companions that we understand the needs of those who need us so clearly.

We know how important our animal companions are to us, providing us with comfort and care, and for some, a reason to get up every day, knowing they depend on us.

Imagine for a moment what an animal companion who is also a well-trained assistance dog means in the life of someone who is blind. Or what it might mean to financially struggle to support this much-needed companion with sometimes unforeseen medical care.

We are hopeful that this new Foundation, started right here in the Beach, will gain the support we need to be able to offer our services to as many people who are blind as we can.

I think it’s a good reminder to all of us to do what we can, where we can, with any charity that we are passionate about.

So whatever you choose to support, do it with a willing and generous heart. The satisfaction and joy you’ll receive in turn is truly a gift.