Darcy and Matrix

Oakville is home to the guide dog program for Canada. It is supported by The Lions Club of Canada. This program involves hundreds of people and dogs. The dogs are trained for specific programs and will be farmed our once they graduate from a several year training program.

One of the wonderful parts of the program is the socialization program. When the dogs are selected for a program at a young age they are given out to selected people to keep them for about a year. During this year the dogs wear a  bib which identifies them as being in the program and can stay with their adopted master everywhere they go. People in Oakville have embraced this program and aid in the socialization program.

Our granddaughter is a university student at Guelph and she was selected as a suitable foster parent for her dog Matrix. This coal black beauty is intelligent and as a young candidate must be socialized before entering the formal section of training. Darcy has this dog by her side every day while attending classes and social functions. Darcy has become so attached to this four legged friend that I am sure it will be a sad day when she has to give him up come next month.

If Matrix is found to be unsuitable for the formal program Darcy would have first dibs on full ownership and that would suit her just fine. I find this program offers people an opportunity to participate in a life saving program for the people who require the services of a dog.

Darcy coaches hockey and Matrix is there as assistant coach. Matrix is everywhere Darcy goes much the same as the nursery rhyme about Mary who had a little lamb and every where Mary went the lamb was sure to go. That is the way it is with Darcy and Matrix. They came to our house yesterday and we loved the visit and the fact that a young university student is offering her services for the good of needy folk who require Matrix to make life better.