Meet Barney. At just 15 weeks old, Barney is already making his mark at YMCA Calgary. As a Guide Dog Puppy in Training with BC & Alberta Guide Dogs, Barney holds a very special title at the YMCA: Vice President of Canine Inclusion.
Over the next 15 months, you'll spot him around our locations alongside Nick Wiggins, Vice President of Operations, who is working to help Barney learn essential socialization, basic skills, and how to adapt to a variety of environments to prepare him for Advanced Training at 18 months old.
“The more I learned about how important socialization is for service dog puppies, the more I thought the YMCA would be a great fit," says Nick when asked about the experience so far. "What better place to experience our community in a fun, safe, inclusive environment? Everywhere Barney goes, he’s welcomed with a smile."
Barney’s journey at the YMCA is part of his greater mission to eventually transform someone’s life. At 18 months, Barney will enter Advanced Training, where he’ll be assessed for one of three career paths:
- Guide Dog for individuals who are blind or partially sighted.
- Autism Service Dog for children aged 3-8 with high needs.
- PTSD Service Dog for veterans.
Service dogs, like Barney, are expertly trained and certified by registered organizations to assist individuals with specific needs. In Alberta, registered Service Dogs, including those still in training, have full access to public spaces, including our YMCA Calgary facilities. These incredible dogs are different from therapy or emotional support animals, as their work is defined and protected by law.
You might be wondering: can I say hi to Barney? The answer depends on the situation. The golden rule is to always ask the handler before approaching a Service Dog. Barney’s training involves a lot of socialization at this young age, so he’s likely to greet you enthusiastically. However, as Service Dogs progress in their training, they’re often focused on their tasks and may not be able to interact.
A good tip: if the dog is wearing their work vest, they’re on duty. When the vest comes off, they’re just like any other dog, ready for playtime and belly rubs.
While it’s hard to predict where Barney’s talents will take him, one thing is certain: he’s destined to make a life-changing impact.
It will be difficult to eventually say goodbye to Barney when he moves on to his next adventure, but Nick and his family know that their time with Barney is preparing him for an extraordinary future. Other Puppy Raisers compare the experience to sending a child off to college: bittersweet, but incredibly rewarding. Knowing the difference Barney will make in someone’s life makes the goodbye worthwhile.
Overall, Barney’s time at YMCA Calgary isn’t just about his training – it’s also an opportunity to educate our community about Service Dogs. Keep an eye out for him in programs or events at our YMCA Calgary locations, especially ones with children, as these interactions are valuable for both Barney and our members.
So next time you see Barney, feel free to ask Nick if it’s a good time to say hello. If it is, remember to get down to Barney’s level with your hands out – he’s still learning not to jump up! Your support helps Barney on his journey to becoming a hero for someone in need.
Learn more about Service Dogs and their vital work.