The holiday season is fast approaching and with it, a long wish list of presents your children want for Christmas. Although a cute little puppy or kitten would surely make your kids “over the moon” happy on Christmas morning, it’s not a good gift idea. Especially for young children, the novelty of a new puppy or kitten quickly fades and the reality of the commitment necessary to take good care of your new family member sets in.

For all the animal lovers in your life, here is a unique gift idea, for Christmas or any special occasion, that will make everyone feel warm and fuzzy all over — sponsor a guide dog/autism support puppy through Alberta Guide Dog Services.

With your support, Alberta Guide Dog Services is able to provide all of its dogs and services to clients free of charge. Your sponsorship gives the gift of increased safety, mobility and confidence to a visually-impaired/blind person or a family that has a child with autism.

There are several levels of sponsorship: from a Puppy Scholarship that costs just $15 monthly (50 cents a day) to a one time gift of $50 in the Kinderpup level to a $250 one time Puppy Bursary or a $1,000 one time contribution to a Mom and Pups Fund. For all the details read our cover story and check out the sponsorship options on page 8.

For more information or to sponsor a puppy contact Alberta Guide Dog Services at (403) 258-0819 or 1-877-258-0819 (toll-free in AB) or visit www.bcguidedog.com.

In this issue you’ll find some great suggestions for books to give as gifts this holiday season. We also have a story about people who share their outdoor work and leisure-time adventures in the backcountry with their dogs along with a story about equine-assisted therapy and its many benefits. We also take a peak inside The Blessing of the Animals, an interdenominational celebration of life and thanksgiving for all creation, held every year in October.

Happy Holidays!