This Giving Tuesday, CHATS gives BACK!  

We are happy to introduce you to Tulip! Tulip is a six-month-old yellow Labrador Retriever.  

Tulip is a part of the CHATS family. She lives with her dog trainer Jennifer Ritchie and is making an enormous impact on the clients who visit the Adult Day Program daily in Bradford, Ontario.  

Tulip is a future Guide-Dog and will live with her trainer until she is called for service. Tulip’s trainer, Jennifer Ritchie, is a personal support worker who has taken Tulip into her home to train until she is given to someone requiring her services. Tulip not only has been working on commands and puppy training; but when she is not working, she is kayaking, relaxing at the cottage, and is living her best life with many adventures.  

Jennifer Ritchie has trained dogs in the past and wanted to give back and to teach her stepson the meaning of giving through example. It can take up to two years to train a dog guide and they are not allowed to play when they are working. Jennifer thought this would be a wonderful opportunity to make an impact for the clients at CHATS, for Tulip, and make a difference. 

Tulip came from the Lions Foundation of Canada. Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides empower Canadians living with disabilities to navigate their world with confidence and independence, by providing a Dog Guide at no cost and supporting them in their journey together. Each dog guide costs $35,000 to train and place for the foundation. They rely heavily on donations and do not receive any government funding for their programs. 

Lions Foundational International Dog Guides have training in the following seven programs: hearing, vision, service, diabetic alert, autism assistance, seizure response and facility support.  

Tulip has made quite an impact at the Bradford Adult Day Program. 

Orlando, a client who attends the Adult Learning Program in Bradford, always has the biggest smile on his face when Tulip is in the room. Tulip was playing a chicken toss game and Orlando was making chicken noises at Tulip. Orlando had a pep in his step that day; he participated in the exercise program with more enthusiasm than usual, and even running on the spot. He finished the twenty-five minutes of exercise and was still in a happy and positive mood.  

Keith, a client from the Bradford Adult Day Program, enjoys the company of Tulip and made a joke one day saying goo-bye to Tulip and telling her next time to only bring one lip. Everyone had a laugh. 

Art, a client from the Bradford Adult Day Program, had a day where he was not feeling happy and positive. He had had a rough day before he came to the program and was restless. He was not interested in participating that day. Jennifer, Tulip’s trainer brought out Tulip and instantly, Art perked up. He was willing to sit down and talk to Jennifer about Tulip, his dog Chester, and get some love from Tulip. Tulip has a calming presence, and it is hard not to smile when you are around her. 

We thank Lions Foundation of Canada for allowing Jennifer to bring Tulip into the CHATS team and programming. They make an enormous difference in the lives of many. 

To continue to partner with organizations like the Lions Foundation of Canada and others; to support CHATS mission to help seniors live at home and in their communities safely and with dignity, we need your help. There are several ways to support the CHATS programming and services. By donating to our Holiday Wish Book to combat social isolation in seniors to our upcoming Holiday Auction beginning on November 29^th  to a monthly gift, your contribution would mean so much. You would be making a direct impact to a senior in the communities we represent.  

During this otherwise uncertain time, your donations will help ensure that our clients continue to receive the essential services CHATS provides including, nourishing meals, drives to essential appointments such as dialysis, and the sound of a friendly voice during a check-in phone call. 

This Giving Tuesday, please give to CHATS and help a senior in your community today! 

Learn more about CHATS: CHATS – Community & Home Assistance to Seniors Home – CHATS