Optical Prism May 2016 | Page 30

A PAW TO GUIDE By Sarah McGoldrick IT IS COMMON TO SEE A VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSON WALKING DOWN THE STREET OR AROUND A SHOP WITH A GUIDE The Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind (IGDCB) provides guide dog services similar to organizations like the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), however, the organization, which is not affiliated with the CNIB provides a unique service. All their dogs receive instruction in Hebrew. This made a huge impact on the lives of countless people in Israel who prior to says life in Israel provides unique challenges for both dog and owner. “Israel is very crowded and there are lots of obstacles,” he said. “The sidewalks are filled with light posts, bins, trees and even cars. It’s very different from Canada.” He said the dogs are trained to avoid these obstacles including ducking for trees and dealing with emergency situations such as air raid sirens. DOG. BUT THERE IS A SPECIAL BREED OF GUIDE DOG HALF A WORLD AWAY THAT IS HELPING TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN DISABILITIES AND CULTURES. the organization being established, had to speak English and travel to other parts of the world to receive a guide dog. The organization has branches in the United Kingdom, United States and in Toronto, Canada known as the Canadian Friends of the IGDCB. They are working with individuals, foundations and companies across the country to help support the training of these dogs. Canadian Executive Director Ayal Lesh 30 Optical Prism | May 2016 “These dogs have incredible intelligence and temperament and the ability to learn and adapt,” he said. He added the dogs are placed with people throughout Israel including Jews, Muslims, Palestinians, Bedouin, and Druze. It takes countless volunteer hours and approximately $25,000 over the lifetime of the dog. Not all dogs end up being seeing eye dogs, those that don’t make it through