For this Giving Tuesday, CHATS is giving back itself with Tulip, a future dog guide that is bringing joy to the lives of the clients of its adult day program.
The six-month-old yellow Labrador retriever lives with her trainer, Jennifer Ritchie, and is making an enormous impact on the clients who visit the program daily in Bradford, according to a CHATS news release.
Orlando always has the biggest smile and pep in his step when Tulip is in the room. Tulip was playing a chicken toss game, and Orlando was making chicken noises at Tulip. Orlando participated in the exercise program with more enthusiasm than usual and was even running on the spot. He finished the 25 minutes of exercise and was still in a happy and positive mood, CHATS said.
Keith, another client, enjoys the company of Tulip and made a joke one day saying goodbye to Tulip and telling her next time to only bring one lip. Everyone had a laugh.
Art had a day where he was not feeling happy and positive, and was restless. He was not interested in participating that day. As soon Tulip arrived, Art perked up. He was willing to sit down and talk about Tulip, his dog, Chester, and get some love from Tulip. Tulip has a calming presence, and it is hard not to smile when you are around her, CHATS said.
Ritchie is a personal support worker who has taken Tulip into her home to train she is given to someone requiring her services. Tulip not only has been working on commands and puppy training but when she is not working, she is kayaking, relaxing at the cottage, and living her best life with many adventures.
Ritchie has trained dogs in the past and wanted to give back and teach her stepson the meaning of giving through example. It can take up to two years to train a dog guide, and they are not allowed to play when they are working. Ritchie thought this would be a wonderful opportunity to make an impact for the clients at CHATS, for Tulip, and to make a difference.
Tulip came from the Lions Foundation of Canada. The foundation's dog guides empower Canadians with disabilities to navigate their world with confidence and independence by providing a dog guide at no cost and supporting them in their journey together. Each dog guide costs $35,000 to train and place for the foundation. They rely heavily on donations and do not receive any government funding for their programs.
Lions Foundational International Dog Guides have training in the following seven programs: hearing, vision, service, diabetic alert, autism assistance, seizure response and facility support.
"We thank Lions Foundation of Canada for allowing Ritchie to bring Tulip into the CHATS team and programming. They make an enormous difference in the lives of many," CHATS said. "To continue to partner with organizations like the Lions Foundation of Canada and others, to support CHATS mission to help seniors live at home and in their communities safely and with dignity, we need your help.
"There are several ways to support the CHATS programming and services. By donating to our Holiday Wish Book to combat social isolation in seniors to our upcoming Holiday Auction beginning on Nov. 29 to a monthly gift, your contribution would mean so much. You would be making a direct impact to a senior in the communities we represent.
"During this otherwise uncertain time, your donations will help ensure that our clients continue to receive the essential services CHATS provides, including nourishing meals, drives to essential appointments such as dialysis, and the sound of a friendly voice during a check-in phone call."
This Giving Tuesday, Nov. 29, you can support CHATS and help a senior in your community.
