Seighard Weitzel, owner of Outdoor essential and his guide dog Radar have been a common sight in Smithers for many years.
As Radar was due to retire, Weitzel has been working with BC and Alberta Guide Dogs (BCADG) on a replacement named Babs.
Rachel Nelson of BCAGD explained it takes about six months to a year to train a seeing-eye dog. When a client is in need of a service animal, they work together with the available animals looking for similar walking rates, personality, temperament, lifestyle, workload and, importantly, if they simply like each other.
Weitzel says Babs is a great match.
Although slightly smaller than his previous companions Buddy, Mulligan and the now-retired Radar, Babs ticked all the boxes right away.
This last Friday was the “Graduation Ceremony” with a final check-through from Colin Yu, a neutral certified trainer.