Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind reaches milestone of 600th guide dog

Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind marked a very important and significant milestone in June 2007. Lorna Hilborn of Peterborough, Ontario and her guide dog "Opus" formed the six-hundredth graduating guide dog team from Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Back in 1984, Jane Thornton came to Canada from England with the enthusiastic dream of starting a much needed guide dog school, and was Co-Founder of Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind. The organization began in a rented a house in the Ottawa area, with the garage converted into a kennel. In 1984, "Sacha" was the first guide dog to graduate with his handler officially launching Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind has progressed to a National Training Centre which opened in 1988 in Manotick, Ontario, a small community in the south end of Ottawa, Canada's capital city. This facility enables potential guide dog users from across Canada to train with and receive a guide dog, enhancing mobility and independence. Jane Thornton remains as the organization's Chief Operating Officer.

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