'She gives me autonomy': Quebec foundation raises loyal, loving service dogs for range of disabilities
For over 40 years, Quebec's Mira Foundation has provided service dogs free of charge to those who face physical and mental challenges.
The non-profit has even developed its own breed of dog for the job: the "Labernese," a mix of the Labrador Retriever and the Bernese Mountain dog.
"The breed is really good because we take the good qualities from both sides," says senior trainer Karen Winter. "The Labrador Retriever is highly motivated, yet it's a strong worker and very loving. You take the Bernese Mountain Dog, who is extremely intelligent and extremely loyal, and you have a wonderful working dog."
Frederic Gauthier says his bond with his Labernese Manille is strong.
It has to be since Gauthier is blind and relies on Manille to get around safely.
"If I didn't have her, I would have to use a white cane, and I wouldn't be able to get around as easily as I do with Manille," he says.
Gauthier is one of thousands whose lives have been changed thanks to the hundreds of hours of training that goes into each service dog.
Once they are nine weeks old, the Mira puppies go to foster families for socialization. At one year old, they are assessed to see if they have what it takes to be a service dog.
Winter says they're especially looking at "their activity levels, their attraction towards other animals, food, any fears they have, any dominance."
If they don't meet the criteria, they are adopted out to loving homes. If they do meet the challenge, they get to work.
The first step is learning that when the harness is on, they're on the job. Mira trains dogs for three different programs, helping those who are blind, those who have reduced mobility and children on the autism spectrum.
The dogs are put through their paces, learning how to walk, climb stairs, pull wheelchairs and retrieve dropped items.
They also have to learn how to tune out distractions. Winter says it's very important that when people encounter a dog wearing a harness, they should not attempt to pet it or distract it from its job.
The recipients receive the dog free of charge, along with training, which includes learning the French commands for sit, stay, heel and go.
The cost to train each guide dog is $35,000. The foundation, which runs entirely on private donations, would like to be able to train many more.
"The goal for 2024 is to put out 100 dogs which would make 100 people very happy," says Winter.
People like Gauthier, who says Manille is much more than his guide.
"She gives me autonomy in my life," he says. "She is affectionate and loving. She has a lot of energy and likes to spend it."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976926.1721883767!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
LIVE UPDATES Critical infrastructure 'successfully protected': Jasper park officials
Jasper National Park officials in an update said all critical infrastructure in the townsite has been 'successfully protected, including the hospital, emergency services building, both elementary and junior/senior schools, activity centre and wastewater treatment plant.'
Canadian Olympic Committee removes women's soccer team's head coach over drone scandal
The Canadian Olympic Committee has removed women's national soccer team head coach Bev Priestman over a drone scandal, according to a press release from the organization.
Yukon woman narrowly escapes bear attack, credits hair clip
A woman in Yukon believes her hair clip helped save her during a bear attack.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
'I was just shocked': Jasper lodge owner on seeing property destroyed by wildfire
On Wednesday night, the owner of Maligne Lodge in Jasper, Alta., was shocked to receive a photo of her business engulfed in flames.
Mary-Ellen Turpel-Lafond likely has Indigenous DNA: report
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
U.S. authorities have arrested 'El Mayo' Zambada, a historic leader of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel
Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, a historic leader of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel, and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of another infamous cartel leader, were arrested by U.S. authorities in Texas on Thursday, the U.S. Justice Department said.
Harris pushes Netanyahu to ease suffering in Gaza: 'I will not be silent'
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to help reach a Gaza ceasefire deal that would ease the suffering of Palestinian civilians, striking a tougher tone than President Joe Biden.
'She led it the whole way': 18-year-old B.C. woman leads hikers to safety in Jasper National Park
As fire threatened people in Jasper National Park, Colleen Knull sprung into action.