Patients and visitors often have no idea a Dog Guide is sitting quietly at the feet of receptionist/office administrator Diana Hoppe when they stop at the registration desk at Tisdale Hospital.
Born with a hearing impairment, it wasn’t until Diana purchased her first home that she realized she needed support. Hearing an alarm clock or the smoke detector became issues of safety and security for Diana, who found a solution to her concerns through the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.
The Dog Guides program breeds and trains dogs in seven specialized service areas, matching dogs to their prospective handlers at no cost. After applying online, it was 18 months before Hoppe learned she was matched with Isha, a black Lab. Diana spent three weeks in Oakville, Ontario training with Isha before returning home with her almost two years ago.
“It’s life changing. I’m more independent and I feel more secure,” Hoppe said of life with Isha. “She’s loyal and dependable and she loves people. I can definitely put all of my faith in her and rely on her.”
The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides program found the perfect match for Tisdale Hospital receptionist/office administrator Diana Hoppe in Dog Guide Isha, who has been specially trained to provide support for Diana’s hearing impairment.
Information on the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides program can be found at
www.dogguides.com.