LUSELAND – After completing intensive training, a guide dog handler from Luseland will graduate as part of the CNIB Guide Dogs – Class of 2022.
On April 27 (International Guide Dog Day), Jodi Laycock is graduating with Shadow, a male black Labrador-golden retriever cross.
Laycock and Shadow are among 21 graduating partnerships (16 guide dogs and five buddy dogs) from across Canada.
Laycock tells the Press-Herald, SASKTODAY.ca, "I would like to simply say that CNIB has literally changed my life. The freedoms I am now given with Shadow are truly life changing. I am not only allowed new life freedoms but also I am in better health both physically and mentally from having him in my world. There aren't words that could truly say how thankful I am to all involved with Shadow at the CNIB and even before that to the CNIB for my white cane training. I want people to know that when they donate to the CNIB it is a very special thing for someone out there like me ... and it does not go unnoticed nor unappreciated."
Guide Dog – Guide dogs are among the most highly trained dogs in the world, performing tasks that require intensive standardized training, and are specifically trained to assist someone who is blind or partially sighted. Being part of a guide dog team provides mobility, safety and confidence, leading to increased independence and a sense of connection with the world. Guide dogs are one of the only service dogs trained in intelligent disobedience, which is disobeying their handler's command if it will put the handler's safety at risk. The safety of their handler is the guide dog's top priority. 
Buddy Dog – A buddy dog is partnered with a child who is living with sight loss. Whether it’s feeding, grooming or walking this well-trained family pet, a buddy dog gives the child an opportunity to care for a dog and may make it easier to transition into a guide dog partnership in the future.  
