I'm a first yr intervenor student at George Brown,we went to the Dog Guide school in December and got to the little obstacle course with Biscuit! Wonderful dog! Wonderful Exposure for the school! Take Care!
Just an FYI..........the dog in the video doing laundry.....thats my baby girl Halo. That is her in profile pic. She is the love of my life and the best thing that ever happened to me.!!!!
We just got our puppy - his name is Fritz and he's the one in the orange collar. The one thing I picked up on during this broadcast is the fact that we (as Foster parents) dedicate a large portion of our time and money to get these puppies ready for advanced training, but we've been discriminated in various locations and prevented from entering some establishments. I ask all that truly care about this program, if you see this, stand up for us and help us educate these businesses! :)
I used to have a friend who was visually impaired and had a huge black Lab as his dog guide. One day, during lunch, we went to the Eaton Centre (downtown Toronto) and my friend wanted to find the dog-treat store to buy some snacks for his dog. We were stopped by a security guard in the middle of the mall, who told us that dogs were not allowed inside the mall. I firmly told this idiot that Joey was a "seeing eye dog" who accompanied his owner everywhere, and was allowed anywhere his handler was, without exception. The guard refused to believe me and tried to order us out of the mall. I had a few choice words for him, and left him standing there looking like a fool while we made our way to the dog treat store.
you guys started down this road, now in 2025 I see emotional support rabbits in Crabby Joes, another bar I frequent has a woman with a support rat! Everything has a slippery slope so be careful what you wish for
They are such beautiful creatures. My dad might get a guide dog sometime in the future, he's only 42, but within a year he might become completely blind.
Being a grad myself with hearing loss your dad should not have to be completely blind to require a dog. My advice to you and your dad is to apply early as the instructions will stop by to meet you and a lengthy waiting list.
This was a great experience for Mercer and educative to the public. I wish they'd included something to the effect of the general public to NOT patting or distracting the dogs. They get plenty of love and attention from the handler ;)
Awesome!!! Thanks for helping out. I've had many friends with vision impairments get there guide dogs from Oakville. They form a bond that's unbelievably strong. His first dog is retired and a "family dog" now but his second is working hard for him! FYI, you are entitled to bring him anywhere, have your card out and take the opportunity to educate! IF, for some reason, Fitz doesn't make the 'cut' you would be able to adopt him. Forester parents get first dibs! But Fitz will be top dog, I'm sure!
The ending was hilarious. "Usually conscience is my guide, but Biscuit's so much better." That last high-five nearly smacked her in the face, though! Heh. I'm glad it didn't. I think I'll be sending them a small donation sometime soon. :)
It's truly astounding what these folks do, and I'm so indebted to them. Without Watson (a Canine Vision dog), I don't know where I'd be! The average cost of a dog guide is $20,000, and the dog is free of charge to the client during training. Once home, of course, the dog is the client's responsibility, but my stay, and Watson's training were all covered by Dog Guides. :)
Hi Max, I agree with you - unfortunately we aren't afforded the same "all access pass" as fully registered dogs (under the law), with that being said, we are on our 4th dog now and haven't had any issues with him at this point. :) Thank you to all that have supported Dog Guides throughout the years!
Bless , all the Service Canines !!! ~~~ Not only do they Open Doors ,,, for so many , to live Independent lives ,.... They also ,, enhance , independent Lives ,, in the Service of their Communities & Give , Trust , Loyalty & Friendship ... And , Never , Ever , In the Least !!! should IT ever be Forgotten !! for , what they AS CANINES ,, have DONE & STILL DO FOR their Countries !!!Also , there has been many other great Animals , not to be forgotten that have been there for Human Kind thru the Ages & have given & shown great Valence !!!Bless them All !!!!
BTW clients don't have to pay, or donate to the school, although many will organize a walk or fundraiser after getting their dog, out of their gratefulness for what they have been given. Talk to the graduates, and you will hear how much they appreciate what LF does, and the training of their partner. They graduate MANY vision dogs per year, with people coming back for their 2nd and 3rd dogs. They work with CNIB, who partner with them, on behalf of many clients. They do GREAT work! !!!!
A fund raiser for this wonderful program takes place June 27th at the Muskoka Dog Guides Golf Tournament at South Muskoka C&G Club in Braccebridge. Play golf or just come for dinner and see some of the dogs in action that were sponsored by this event. Great prizes, fun auction, beautiful course and delicious dinner plus FUN people. Hope to see you there!
I adored the scene at the 6 minute mark when Rick and Biscuit enter a "butchery." Rick comes out with a meat sandwich, .... but beautiful boy Biscuit comes out with a STRING OF MEATS!!! ROFL
I want Sam's job - working with puppies all day. Yes please!!! :) but seriously, how would one go about getting this type of job? what kind of studies would you need?
+Stephanie L. Dog Guides hires apprentices to work with the puppies and dogs in training. It takes about 3 years. Some people have university degrees in science or college vet assistance degrees
Steph: Great of you to be interested in that. Maybe you have already gotten into that. For other folks reading this who may not know, one thing to be aware of is ..... God gave puppies razor teeth. And they love to chew. So I bet one of the first things Sam and other puppy trainers need to learn is how to gently teach pups that teeth and human flesh are a no no. Plus, when the pooches reach about 6 months, they go through "teething." Which is when they want to chew mass quantities ....
I didn't know that guide dogs were provided by a charity, I thought it would have been government related as well. It's definitely something to look into!
It isn't one. The show is filmed in front of a live audience, and they play the clip in front of one too. I got to watch them film onetime - t'was cool.
According tho CGDB website, if the owner is able to keep the dog, that's what often happens, if they can't, the organization finds homes for them. As for using shelter dogs, I think it could work in some cases, but early socialization is extremely important for guide dogs, to get them used to a variety of thing. Not all puppies who start the program become guide dogs. If you watch the movie Quill (japanese), it gives you an idea of the training/selection program.
Dogs are so pure-hearted, humans could learn a lot from Dogs. They are so loyal. If you have ever wanted a dog do some research on the breed that is right for you and the environment you can provide for the dog. You are not getting a pet you are getting a best friend, it will change your life.
It's totally joking, they had it planned just to be a comedic skit. Also biscuit didn't eat it at all, just held it in his mouth, delicious as it was. That's like asking me to hold a warm chocolate chip cookie in my mouth while i work. I don't even have that self control, so huge props to biscuit!
"It was no problem". That's what a blind person yelled back at me and waved, after I realized I'd left the door open and blocked the sidewalk when carrying in my groceries. "OMG, I'm so sorry', I called to her when I noticed the guide dog about ten feet ahead.
Rick its good to see you leave the comment section open. I found it funny and odd that the CBC news postings all have the comment section disabled. I mean isn't freedom of speech a staple of a media outlet ? I loved the video they added and was titled " Inside Canada's top secret submarine" Which of course would not really make it Top secret if you started filming inside of it ..I mean if i was a expert and wanted to slow the film down and look at the tech and have books on submarines of the 80's I would be a threat ..Is this the sub that had the 8 foot dent put into it on delivery from the UK from the outdated surplus ship yard? Or the one that caught fire underwater from the same place? Must of been overheated from the solar panels after they found out the power cost from the new American owned hydro one electric bill ..PS i live near the HMCS Haida Back in a time when being Canadian meant something ...Cheers
I worked at Tim Hortons were a gentleman brought his dog in training in when he came for coffee, it was find, how else is the dog to get his training except by doing.
Yes visually impaired owners do have to clean up after the dogs. I have a Canine Vision Dog (CVC) from The Lions Foundation and they are an excellent school. Everything that Rick Mercer had to do was in fact the truth lol. As my daughter says though, the best way to find the dogs mess is by the smell lmao.
Sadly, large portions of "things required by the disabled" to function as part of money-earning society is often self-funded or a charity. Born with a disability I wasn't able to get funding for basic survival medical necessities until I was 18. Until then, I was funded by Easter Seals. My parents had little money when I was born and depended on Ronald MacDonald house to get by during my many surgeries. Forever thankful for them. I work (and make good money) and donate much back.
People in my city are starting to take advantage of the whole guide dog thing. Some people are pissed that they can't bring a dog on the bus so I think they are just pretending that there dog is a guide dog by getting one of those harnesses. I see about one guide dog per day, and before I only saw one once a year - and the people aren't blind.
+123northcoast there are service dogs that are for people who aren't blind. I use one and you could not tell that I have a disability. Yes there are fakes but just because you cant see a disability doesn't mean its not there
I agree with both of you, but a lot of people are faking that in 2020. That, unfortunately, makes a difficult situation even more dificult for people with disabilities. I have, what's known as, an Invisible Disability. I'm epileptic. No, I don't have/need a service dog, but I still have that disability.
I am a trained (human) blind guide and it bug the heck out of me that blindwalking is never represented correctly in the media, they usually get the dog stuff right though. African pouched rats, a kind of giant hamster have been trained as mine clearing animals. Has anyone thought of training them as service animals? You could have a dog for the outdoors and a giant rat for indoors.
The dogs are bred to do a job & handle being out in public on a daily basis. (I'm not saying no shelter dog could handle SD work but most wouldn't) These dogs would never be sent to a shelter or euthanized just because they are retiring if the handler can't keep them they ask the puppy raiser, if not then they they are offered for adoption to the public, either way I assure you they end up in good homes and are loved. My dog will be staying with me after retirement. I wouldn't give her up.
Unless you are blind (or visually impaired) then you can't get a guide dog, If you want to raise a guide dog you can do that, You get it at 8-12 weeks and raise them for about a year and a half.
hahaha I LOVe how he states it's the most prestigious school in Canada...NOT true.... talk to the majority of the blind community and they'll tell you otherwise. Also they forgot to mention that the people that go to this school must "pay" or donate to the school to get their dog.
My son has one of their dogs and they are truly a wonderful Canadian charity.
I'm a first yr intervenor student at George Brown,we went to the Dog Guide school in December and got to the little obstacle course with Biscuit! Wonderful dog! Wonderful Exposure for the school!
Take Care!
He brings awareness to different things in Canada. Hopefully it will increase donations.
Everybody loves Rick, he is a super cool human being.
Just an FYI..........the dog in the video doing laundry.....thats my baby girl Halo. That is her in profile pic. She is the love of my life and the best thing that ever happened to me.!!!!
3 words for you, "morbidra." God Bless You. OOPS ... here are four more ..... "And your loved ones."
amazing!!
Awwww!
I volunteer at Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) here in Vancouver. It is a joy to work with the dogs. They are so amazingly smart!
❤️❤️❤️
We just got our puppy - his name is Fritz and he's the one in the orange collar. The one thing I picked up on during this broadcast is the fact that we (as Foster parents) dedicate a large portion of our time and money to get these puppies ready for advanced training, but we've been discriminated in various locations and prevented from entering some establishments. I ask all that truly care about this program, if you see this, stand up for us and help us educate these businesses! :)
I used to have a friend who was visually impaired and had a huge black Lab as his dog guide. One day, during lunch, we went to the Eaton Centre (downtown Toronto) and my friend wanted to find the dog-treat store to buy some snacks for his dog. We were stopped by a security guard in the middle of the mall, who told us that dogs were not allowed inside the mall. I firmly told this idiot that Joey was a "seeing eye dog" who accompanied his owner everywhere, and was allowed anywhere his handler was, without exception. The guard refused to believe me and tried to order us out of the mall. I had a few choice words for him, and left him standing there looking like a fool while we made our way to the dog treat store.
I have a friend who has a seeing eye dog and I get mad at businesses who try to refuse them entry. I can get very vocal.
you guys started down this road, now in 2025 I see emotional support rabbits in Crabby Joes, another bar I frequent has a woman with a support rat! Everything has a slippery slope so be careful what you wish for
@@shawnhughes4192 significant difference between emotional support and guide dogs.
They are such beautiful creatures. My dad might get a guide dog sometime in the future, he's only 42, but within a year he might become completely blind.
Twilightspirit609 I hope he gets one, best of luck!
Twilightspirit609 iki
Being a grad myself with hearing loss your dad should not have to be completely blind to require a dog. My advice to you and your dad is to apply early as the instructions will stop by to meet you and a lengthy waiting list.
@Robbie Trask, I was about to ask the same.
This was a great experience for Mercer and educative to the public. I wish they'd included something to the effect of the general public to NOT patting or distracting the dogs. They get plenty of love and attention from the handler ;)
for sure, those doggos are on the clock if they're in uniforn
Lions Foundation Dog Guides is a great place and deserves support and recognition. So kudos to Rick and CBC for showing their story.
I love how when she was listing the different things the dogs go on to do and Rick was just going "uh huh" while being distracted by the puppy x)
There are now 7 programs. Since this was filmed they have added Diabetic Alert and Support (facility dogs).
Awesome!!! Thanks for helping out. I've had many friends with vision impairments get there guide dogs from Oakville. They form a bond that's unbelievably strong. His first dog is retired and a "family dog" now but his second is working hard for him! FYI, you are entitled to bring him anywhere, have your card out and take the opportunity to educate! IF, for some reason, Fitz doesn't make the 'cut' you would be able to adopt him. Forester parents get first dibs! But Fitz will be top dog, I'm sure!
my heart just melted from extreme cuteness.
Gotta love taking a dog to a bar
Gotta love a dog that can lead you to a bar. :D
@Chai Tea and then have him wake you up cuz the bartender's pounding at the door, telling you to pay up.
One of his best episode, because of dogs.
The ending was hilarious. "Usually conscience is my guide, but Biscuit's so much better." That last high-five nearly smacked her in the face, though! Heh. I'm glad it didn't.
I think I'll be sending them a small donation sometime soon. :)
He's so adorable. the dog too.
I've had a few experiences with their dogs. They do great work.
I support someone with a dog guides hearing ear dog. Such intelligent animals.
That's it I just have an overload of puppy cuteness! I am dying 😍❤
I have had 3 special skills two boys Lennox and Bronco and one girl Flash and they are the most wonderful dogs in the world
Wonderful.
Rick mercer is coming to my school tommorow in almonte ontario. This is so exciting its going to air april 2nd
It's filmed in front of a live audience. That's the audience you're hearing.
It's truly astounding what these folks do, and I'm so indebted to them. Without Watson (a Canine Vision dog), I don't know where I'd be! The average cost of a dog guide is $20,000, and the dog is free of charge to the client during training. Once home, of course, the dog is the client's responsibility, but my stay, and Watson's training were all covered by Dog Guides. :)
Hi Max, I agree with you - unfortunately we aren't afforded the same "all access pass" as fully registered dogs (under the law), with that being said, we are on our 4th dog now and haven't had any issues with him at this point. :) Thank you to all that have supported Dog Guides throughout the years!
Bless , all the Service Canines !!! ~~~ Not only do they Open Doors ,,, for so many , to live Independent lives ,.... They also ,, enhance , independent Lives ,, in the Service of their Communities & Give , Trust , Loyalty & Friendship ... And , Never , Ever , In the Least !!! should IT ever be Forgotten !! for , what they AS CANINES ,, have DONE & STILL DO FOR their Countries !!!Also , there has been many other great Animals , not to be forgotten that have been there for Human Kind thru the Ages & have given & shown great Valence !!!Bless them All !!!!
What a great segment. I had no idea that guide dogs are charity driven. I will find some way to help.
Ahh, that was great. Thanks to the Lions Foundation for all their work. We dream that one day our daughter will have a dog to guide her!
I LOVE Rick Mercer!! He has a great sense of humor.
The best line. "I've never been to Oakville."
BTW clients don't have to pay, or donate to the school, although many will organize a walk or fundraiser after getting their dog, out of their gratefulness for what they have been given. Talk to the graduates, and you will hear how much they appreciate what LF does, and the training of their partner. They graduate MANY vision dogs per year, with people coming back for their 2nd and 3rd dogs. They work with CNIB, who partner with them, on behalf of many clients. They do GREAT work! !!!!
Def gonna donate!
A fund raiser for this wonderful program takes place June 27th at the Muskoka Dog Guides Golf Tournament at South Muskoka C&G Club in Braccebridge. Play golf or just come for dinner and see some of the dogs in action that were sponsored by this event. Great prizes, fun auction, beautiful course and delicious dinner plus FUN people. Hope to see you there!
I wanna work with puppies all day everydaaaay!!
"Let's go get daddy a drink. It's happy hour, Halo!" LOL
I love Rick!! :P
Were those puppies not the cutest?!
00:31 awwwww they're so cuuute :'3
They are awesome, such good and important work! Rick might be my favourite human but I think I like these dogs better haha.
I just found this and i died laughing
My mom (Rhonda) was so young lol
I adored the scene at the 6 minute mark when Rick and Biscuit enter a "butchery." Rick comes out with a meat sandwich, .... but beautiful boy Biscuit comes out with a STRING OF MEATS!!! ROFL
That and the bar. Technically, the dogs aren't allowed to eat on the job, but that was a good joke.
Rick and biscuit are a good team!
I want Sam's job - working with puppies all day. Yes please!!! :) but seriously, how would one go about getting this type of job? what kind of studies would you need?
+Stephanie L. Dog Guides hires apprentices to work with the puppies and dogs in training. It takes about 3 years. Some people have university degrees in science or college vet assistance degrees
Steph: Great of you to be interested in that. Maybe you have already gotten into that. For other folks reading this who may not know, one thing to be aware of is ..... God gave puppies razor teeth. And they love to chew. So I bet one of the first things Sam and other puppy trainers need to learn is how to gently teach pups that teeth and human flesh are a no no. Plus, when the pooches reach about 6 months, they go through "teething." Which is when they want to chew mass quantities ....
We just put in a application for a autism guide dog . it would change our lives forever in the good way.
i love how they went to a pub
Impressive dogs !!
I didn't know that guide dogs were provided by a charity, I thought it would have been government related as well. It's definitely something to look into!
Rick!! You need to go back and do a piece on the Autism Assistance Dogs!!! They are the newest program at Dog Guides and are amazing!!!
It isn't one. The show is filmed in front of a live audience, and they play the clip in front of one too. I got to watch them film onetime - t'was cool.
According tho CGDB website, if the owner is able to keep the dog, that's what often happens, if they can't, the organization finds homes for them. As for using shelter dogs, I think it could work in some cases, but early socialization is extremely important for guide dogs, to get them used to a variety of thing. Not all puppies who start the program become guide dogs. If you watch the movie Quill (japanese), it gives you an idea of the training/selection program.
The paper boy scene was hilarious! :D
Best one ever!
Nick you should come up with a program for guy dogs for reporters
freaking awesome Rick! :D
Yay! Oakville!
Dogs are so pure-hearted, humans could learn a lot from Dogs. They are so loyal. If you have ever wanted a dog do some research on the breed that is right for you and the environment you can provide for the dog. You are not getting a pet you are getting a best friend, it will change your life.
that is my sister. she's awesome.
the puppy's are so cute I just love Anima's
If this man would run for PM i and many many others would vote for him toot sweet.
I miss Rick
i had no idea it was funded by donations. have to find out how to contribute...
Okay I'm sending money there way and also nice of the bar to let Biscuit drink at the counter.
It's the paper boy!
I was there!!!
It's totally joking, they had it planned just to be a comedic skit. Also biscuit didn't eat it at all, just held it in his mouth, delicious as it was. That's like asking me to hold a warm chocolate chip cookie in my mouth while i work. I don't even have that self control, so huge props to biscuit!
"It was no problem". That's what a blind person yelled back at me and waved, after I realized I'd left the door open and blocked the sidewalk when carrying in my groceries. "OMG, I'm so sorry', I called to her when I noticed the guide dog about ten feet ahead.
My sister is the woman in the bar scene cheersing with Rick!
Service dogs are not allowed to eat when they are working. Wonder how the sausages from the butcher shop setup panned out.
4:06 Rick lets his Newfie accent slip trou
how do i go about getting a dog ,i live in Newfoundland Canada
Great. I want one Puppy. :)
How does it compare to MIRA?
Time to get myself blind and get THAT CUTE PUPPY!! YE
Rick its good to see you leave the comment section open. I found it funny and odd that the CBC news postings all have the comment section disabled. I mean isn't freedom of speech a staple of a media outlet ? I loved the video they added and was titled " Inside Canada's top secret submarine" Which of course would not really make it Top secret if you started filming inside of it ..I mean if i was a expert and wanted to slow the film down and look at the tech and have books on submarines of the 80's I would be a threat ..Is this the sub that had the 8 foot dent put into it on delivery from the UK from the outdated surplus ship yard? Or the one that caught fire underwater from the same place? Must of been overheated from the solar panels after they found out the power cost from the new American owned hydro one electric bill ..PS i live near the HMCS Haida Back in a time when being Canadian meant something ...Cheers
I worked at Tim Hortons were a gentleman brought his dog in training in when he came for coffee, it was find, how else is the dog to get his training except by doing.
LABS ARE THE BEST!
I have one called yoda he is one but he hasn't gone yet he go's at July
I live in Oakville;
What season is this from?
Do visually impaired owners of guide dogs have to pick up after them? Serious Question, I have always wondered...
Yes visually impaired owners do have to clean up after the dogs. I have a Canine Vision Dog (CVC) from The Lions Foundation and they are an excellent school. Everything that Rick Mercer had to do was in fact the truth lol. As my daughter says though, the best way to find the dogs mess is by the smell lmao.
Makes Sense! Thanks
@@elizabethjudge9090, It never even occurred to me. Thanks.
smart dogs .
Sadly, large portions of "things required by the disabled" to function as part of money-earning society is often self-funded or a charity. Born with a disability I wasn't able to get funding for basic survival medical necessities until I was 18. Until then, I was funded by Easter Seals. My parents had little money when I was born and depended on Ronald MacDonald house to get by during my many surgeries. Forever thankful for them. I work (and make good money) and donate much back.
I didn't know that it was donation funded. Way better spot for donation dollars!!
the bar scene made me cry laughing XD
Puppies!
PUPPIESSS!!
The puppies 😭
People in my city are starting to take advantage of the whole guide dog thing. Some people are pissed that they can't bring a dog on the bus so I think they are just pretending that there dog is a guide dog by getting one of those harnesses. I see about one guide dog per day, and before I only saw one once a year - and the people aren't blind.
+123northcoast there are service dogs that are for people who aren't blind. I use one and you could not tell that I have a disability. Yes there are fakes but just because you cant see a disability doesn't mean its not there
I agree with both of you, but a lot of people are faking that in 2020. That, unfortunately, makes a difficult situation even more dificult for people with disabilities.
I have, what's known as, an Invisible Disability. I'm epileptic. No, I don't have/need a service dog, but I still have that disability.
I am a trained (human) blind guide and it bug the heck out of me that blindwalking is never represented correctly in the media, they usually get the dog stuff right though.
African pouched rats, a kind of giant hamster have been trained as mine clearing animals. Has anyone thought of training them as service animals? You could have a dog for the outdoors and a giant rat for indoors.
That's where I got my dog, he couldn't be a guide dot because he has hip dysplasia
Lol biscuit in the pub ^u^
Buy an Oakville Firefighter Calendar... Help support Dog Guides (Lions Foundation)
Dogs are better than cats !! Thimbs up !!!
technically biscuit was not working... just a demo run perhaps?
The dogs are bred to do a job & handle being out in public on a daily basis. (I'm not saying no shelter dog could handle SD work but most wouldn't) These dogs would never be sent to a shelter or euthanized just because they are retiring if the handler can't keep them they ask the puppy raiser, if not then they they are offered for adoption to the public, either way I assure you they end up in good homes and are loved. My dog will be staying with me after retirement. I wouldn't give her up.
I just went and got my dog
Congratulations and I wish you both the best.
can you or i get such a dog ? Thank You
Unless you are blind (or visually impaired) then you can't get a guide dog, If you want to raise a guide dog you can do that, You get it at 8-12 weeks and raise them for about a year and a half.
Lucia Brown
informative ..
good stuff Lucia
Sure If you have any other questions I have raised 2 guide dogs myself so feel free to comment :)
@@luciabrown8778, I know that's from 4 years back, but has the policy changed? Does it allow for more disabilities?
I miss Mercer!
whish I had a job lined up right after my graduation
i have a black lab, 100% responsible for stealing food . i miss his puppy days .
ROFL Neighborhood Watch is a different program
Lit
hahaha I LOVe how he states it's the most prestigious school in Canada...NOT true.... talk to the majority of the blind community and they'll tell you otherwise. Also they forgot to mention that the people that go to this school must "pay" or donate to the school to get their dog.