“I wasn’t a dog person,” she admits with a laugh.

But everything changed when she welcomed her first Guide Dog, Mae, into her life. During her seven-week training, Lynn quickly realized how much greater independence and confidence a Guide Dog could provide. Mae became her trusted partner and opened doors Lynn never imagined possible.

With Mae by her side, Lynn travelled to 13 countries, 14 U.S. states, 5 Canadian provinces, and 1 territory. Today, she shares her home with her fourth Guide Dog, Quest, along with her recently retired Guide Dog, Misty.

Now, Lynn is sharing her experience and expertise with others.

On February 24, she launches her new book, Best Kept Secrets for Travelers With Sight Loss. The book is the first comprehensive travel guide written specifically for people who are blind or have low vision.

Drawing from both lived experience and her professional background as a certified vision rehabilitation therapist, Lynn provides practical, step-by-step guidance on:

• Planning and packing for a trip
• Navigating airports, hotels, and unfamiliar places
• Travelling independently or with a companion
• Dining confidently in restaurants
• Using apps and technology to increase independence
• Travelling successfully with a guide dog

“Mae gave me the confidence to travel to places I never thought possible,”
Lynn says.

The book reflects a shared commitment to independence, mobility, and confidence for people with sight loss.

Lynn extends her sincere appreciation to the staff, volunteers, and donors at BC & Alberta Guide Dogs for their dedication, care, and support over the years.

We are incredibly proud of Lynn and grateful to be part of her journey.

Best Kept Secrets for Travelers With Sight Loss is available in paperback, large print, e-book, and audiobook formats.

Learn more

The Heart of BC & Alberta Guide Dogs

Thank you for opening your homes, your hearts, and your lives to help raise, train, and support the future Guide and Service Dogs who go on to change lives. Whether you’re training a young pup, socializing dogs in new environments, assisting at events, or lending your time behind the scenes, your dedication is what powers our mission forward.

Raising a Guide Dog or Service Dog is an incredibly meaningful experience. Every moment you spend guiding, encouraging, and caring for these puppies helps prepare them for the important work ahead. Because of you, lives are changed, confidence is restored, and doors open for people who need it most.

At BC & Alberta Guide Dogs, we are continually inspired by the passion and heart of our volunteers. You are the reason we can do what we do, and this week, we want to shine a light on some of the wonderful stories you’ve shared with us.

Your time, energy, and love allow us to provide life-changing dogs to those who need them. You are truly the heart of BC & Alberta Guide Dogs.

From all of us, thank you.

With deep appreciation,

Your BC & Alberta Guide Dogs Family

At BC & Alberta Guide Dogs, our mission is to meet this growing need while exceeding the standards of the International Guide Dog Federation.

Today, on International Guide Dog Day, we invite you to celebrate every dog, volunteer, trainer and donor who turns wagging tails into life-changing partnerships.

William Thornton, CEO and co-founder of BC & Alberta Guide Dogs, serves as Chair of the IGDF. To contact William, call 604-940-4504.

Follow the inspiring journey that transforms a playful pup into a trusted partner who lights the way to independence.

Empower Independence this International Guide Dog Day!

Thank you for transforming puppy paws into confident steps.

The new facility will enhance our capacity to raise, train, and place Guide Dogs, Autism Service Dogs, and OSI-PTSD Service Dogs with individuals in need throughout British Columbia and Alberta. By expanding our infrastructure, we aim to reduce wait times and serve more clients who rely on these life-changing companions.

The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen’s support exemplifies the impact that community partnerships have on our mission. Their commitment enables us to continue providing our services at no cost to our clients, ensuring accessibility and support for those who benefit from our programs.

To learn more about how you can support BC & Alberta Guide Dogs and contribute to our mission, please visit our Capital Campaign Page.

Blaise recently completed a two-week training program with his primary handler, Constable David Klein, and secondary handlers, Nicole and Kelly. Right from the beginning, Blaise impressed everyone with his task-based skills, steady presence, and natural ability to build trust with each person he encountered.

Constable Klein shared that Blaise’s impact was felt immediately. In the days between certification and the media release, Blaise was already offering support to Edmonton Police staff in both one-on-one and group settings. He had stepped into his role with confidence and heart.

“This pairing has been a long time coming, and Edmonton Police is thrilled to have Blaise join their ranks,” said Michelle, one of our Service Dog Instructors. “A huge thank you to everyone who helped bring Blaise to this point — from his early days in Puppy Raising to his time in Advanced Training. Blaise had many dedicated hands guiding his journey. Ashley and I were just the finishing touches.”

Blaise’s placement represents a first for Alberta and a significant step forward in supporting the mental health and well-being of law enforcement. His role will be to provide comfort, connection, and calm in high-stress environments — all qualities he has shown with ease since day one.

We are grateful to the Edmonton Police Service for embracing Blaise and for recognizing the unique value of service dogs in the workplace. Thank you as well to Mike Annan for attending the event and to the many volunteers, staff, and donors who helped Blaise reach this incredible moment.

Watch the story and learn more:

• Global News
• CTV Edmonton
• Edmonton Police Service
• Edmonton Journal
• Media Release Video

Thank you for helping us make stories like this possible.

Navigating Obstacles

One of the most crucial tasks a Guide Dog performs is obstacle avoidance. Whether it’s a bench, a garbage bin, or an unexpected barrier like sidewalk construction, the dog ensures their handler can move safely around the obstruction. In cases of a completely blocked sidewalk, the dog will guide their handler off the curb, find a clear path, and return to the sidewalk to continue the journey.

Finding Key Locations

Guide Dogs are trained to locate essential landmarks that assist their handler in daily life. These include:

• Crosswalk poles and traffic buttons
• Chairs and benches
• Escalators and elevators
• Counters and doors

This skill is especially useful in public places like restaurants, where the dog can locate a counter for ordering or find a designated seating area.

Traffic Awareness

While handlers ultimately make decisions about when to cross streets, Guide Dogs serve as an extra layer of safety. If a handler gives the command to move forward, but a car is approaching, the dog will refuse to step off the curb. This intelligent disobedience can prevent accidents and ensure safe travel in busy environments.

A Safety Net for Independence

Although handlers judge traffic and determine when to proceed, their Guide Dog is always there as a safety net. The partnership between a handler and their dog is built on trust, teamwork, and training, allowing them to navigate the world together with confidence.

Guide Dogs do so much more than just lead the way. They provide independence, security, and companionship to those who rely on them.

Who Decides the Route?

Guide Dog handlers are responsible for knowing their routes and giving directional commands, such as “forward,” “left,” or “right.” The Guide Dog follows these instructions while ensuring the path is safe. The dog is trained to walk in straight lines and stop at curbs, but changes in direction always come from the handler.

Can a Guide Dog Read Traffic Lights?

No, Guide Dogs do not read traffic lights. Instead, handlers use their hearing to judge traffic flow and determine when it is safe to cross. If a handler misjudges and gives the “forward” command when a car is approaching, the Guide Dog is trained to practice intelligent disobedience—refusing to move forward to keep their handler safe.

Do Guide Dogs Learn Routes?

Yes! While the handler directs the dog, Guide Dogs naturally recognize and remember familiar routes. For example, if a handler takes their child to school every weekday, the dog will anticipate this routine. On weekends, if the handler regularly visits a coffee shop, the dog may recognize this pattern and be ready to guide them there.

However, the Dog still relies on the handler’s verbal direction to ensure they’re on the correct route that day.

A True Team Effort

Guide Dog travel is a 50/50 partnership. The handler is in charge of navigation and traffic assessment, while the dog ensures safe travel and obstacle avoidance. Some days, one partner may need more support, but together, they make an amazing team.

Next time you see a Guide Dog working, remember the incredible teamwork happening between the Dog and their handler, each playing a vital role in safe and independent travel!

The Importance of Focus

Guide and Service Dogs are trained to assist individuals with disabilities by providing crucial support, such as guiding a person with low vision safely through their environment. These dogs rely on exceptional concentration to perform their tasks correctly. If they become distracted, even for a moment, it could put their handler at risk. For example, a Guide Dog that fails to stop at a curb because someone tried to pet it could cause their handler to step into traffic.

Even Eye Contact Can Be Distracting

Many people don’t realize that even staring at a working dog can be distracting. Imagine standing at a bus stop, locking eyes with a Guide or Service Dog. That dog might feel compelled to approach you, taking their focus off their handler’s needs. While Guide and Service Dogs are trained to ignore distractions, they are still living beings who can be affected by their surroundings.

Can You Ever Say Hello?

If you’d like to interact with a working dog, always ask the handler first. Some handlers may allow a brief, controlled greeting. In these situations, the dog may be permitted to sniff or receive a quick pat but should return to the heel position afterward. However, many handlers will kindly decline, as their dog may be easily distracted or actively working at that moment.

How Handlers Manage Distractions

Guide and Service Dog handlers are trained to recognize when their dog is distracted. They can feel subtle movements through the harness and can correct their dog with verbal cues like “leave it.” If a dog momentarily loses focus and then successfully returns to their task, they are rewarded for making the right choice.

Respect the Job

While it may be tempting to interact with a working dog, it’s important to remember that they are performing a vital role in their handler’s daily life. By giving these dogs space and allowing them to focus, you are helping them do their job safely and effectively.

Next time you see a Guide or Service Dog, admire their hard work from a distance and remember, the best way to support them is to let them be the incredible working dogs they are!

Types of Emergencies and Disabilities

An emergency may arise from a sudden health issue or a medical crisis, such as a seizure, a fall, or an injury that requires immediate attention. Disabilities vary from mobility issues to conditions like low vision, and other physical or mental health challenges. In these moments, a Guide or Service Dog’s role is crucial in providing support and ensuring that the handler remains safe until help arrives.

Preparedness: Training for the Unexpected

During training, all our clients are educated on how to get their dogs to an emergency vet clinic in their area. We make sure they know where the nearest clinics are and how to contact them quickly in the event of a health crisis for the dog. This is part of their comprehensive training, allowing them to feel confident and ready for any situation.

If an emergency arises with the handler, their Guide or Service Dog is trained to stay by the handler’s side. The dog’s jacket identifies it as a working service animal, and its tag has our organization’s number. This ensures that bystanders can contact us immediately. We then reach out to the handler’s emergency contacts, ensuring they get the help they need.

The Role of the Service Dog in Emergencies

It’s important to note that in an emergency, the dog does not leave the handler to seek help. Doing so would leave the handler vulnerable, and there’s a risk that the dog could become lost or taken. If the emergency happens in a public space, the dog’s identifying jacket ensures that others recognize the situation, and the dog remains close.

Proactive Health Checks

To further prevent emergencies, handlers are encouraged to do regular health checks on their dogs. This helps identify any signs of illness or injury early on. If something feels off, clients are trained to inform our team right away so that we can take necessary action and ensure the dog’s well-being. In addition, all our dogs are required to have an annual health check by a veterinarian.

In Conclusion

Emergencies are never expected, but with proper training, preparation, and communication, both the Guide or Service Dogs and their handlers can navigate difficult situations safely.

Our team at BC & Alberta Guide Dogs ensures that each client is equipped with the knowledge and tools to handle emergencies, ensuring both the handler’s and the dog’s safety and well-being.