Dog guide killed

Bruce Barrett's dog, Casper, was unlike a lot of other animals.

He could run and fetch a toy, he could nudge him for a friendly pat, but he could also lead Bruce, who is blind, down the street - safely guiding him between work and his home most days.

Mr. Barrett's dog guide, the name given to canines raised as seeing-eye dogs, was a companion; but he was also Mr. Barrett's mobility.

Casper was struck by a vehicle in West Bay on March 27 and died shortly thereafter.

"I don't really want to know who did it," Mr. Barrett told the Georgian last week. "It wasn't like I neglected the dog. I was there with him, playing with him."

Mr. Barrett, who was visiting a friend's home at the time, says he was playing with Casper in the front yard.

"I could hear when he got hit. I was right there, only ten-15 ft away, between the house and the road."

He says he heard a thud and the dog yelp and yelled out that Casper had been struck. His friend found the injured dog in the ditch, on the same side of the road.

Mr. Barrett wonders what kind of a person could hit an animal with their vehicle and drive away.

"He was someone's pet, even if they didn't know it was a guide dog, or whatever. What kind of anger are they going through to do something like this?"

Since Mr. Barrett received Casper from the Lion's Foundation of Canada last summer, the large standard poodle had become part of his family. He says his daughter is devastated by the loss.

"She said that was my buddy and I need to get another one. She's really upset. She was very proud to see me walking with him."

Bill Dunne, vice district governor of the Newfoundland and Labrador Lion's Club, was on hand last summer at a special ceremony recognizing Mr. Barrett and Casper.

Mr. Dunne says he was shocked to learn of Casper's death and has informed the Lions Foundation about it and inquired about another dog for Mr. Barrett.

Mr. Dunne says it seems another dog for Mr. Barrett may be possible, but it will take time and there are no guarantees.

Dogs like Casper are special in that they are trained specifically to meet mobility needs of the visually impaired. Casper began his training as a young puppy and it lasted for two years.

Mr. Barrett spent 26 days at the dog guide school in Oakville, ON, bonding and learning how to walk with Casper. A dog guide costs about $24,000.

He says he would like to receive another dog guide in the future. In the meantime, Mr. Barrett says he will mourn the loss of his friend.

"I lost my mobility, my comfort. He was my buddy."