Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1990-11-28, Page 3THE HURON EXPOSITOR. NOVFJASER 311.. 111116-3 LETS taU 10 WORK - Fancy OPENING A FRIDGE in two PULLS OPEN THE FRIDGE DOOR. Now that Fancy has learned fetches Tom's tool box so they steps Fancy bites on a cord tied to open the fridge door, the next step is to teach her to retrieve can start working around the door handle... things from g for her master. Special Skills dog first one for Seaforth area BY SUSAN OXFORD Please don't touch the dog, no matter how irresistible it is. Fancy is a yellow Labrador Seaforth people and businesses will be seeing often as she helps her master Tom Ryan when he comes to town. Fancy is a Special Skills Dog trained by the charitable non-profit organization Hearing Ear Dogs of Canada. Its founder is Jacqueline (Jacquie) Harbour and she was in Walton last week to help Fancy and Tom adjust to each other. Tom's wife and two children also have to adjust to Fancy, along with the new dog they bought for themselves. Jacquie began her business in 1979 when her mother gradually began to loose her hearing. Her mother's poodle Saucy was trained by Jacquie to help out. Knowing her mother's needs Jacquie taught Saucy to guide her mother to a door that was being knocked on, a rin- ging clock, the special needs telephone, and getting the woman's attention when she was needed by another person. A story appeared in Saucy's hometown newspaper about her and people began asking Jac- quie for help. She began training dogs full time for people with hearing disabilities. "My mother's sense of security increased," said .Jacquie "and she didn't have to waste time sitting close to a telephone to hear it ring." Jacquie's mother has her third Hearing Ear Dog and Jacquie has gone on to train and place over 10 dogs. The Lions Foundation of Canada has been sponsoring the project for two years, and through them Jac- quie is able to place dogs at no charge to the client. Training costs about $ 12,000 per dog since there is a kennel, four full time employees to train the dogs, equipment and a home service when the dog comes to live with the client. A followup "We knew she was a smart dog, so we took the chance." test is conducted after the dog has been home for three months and at that time the dog and client are cer- tified to be a Hearing Ear Dog team. "Although the Lions Foundation of Canada has taken Hearing Ear Dogs of Canada as a long term project, we still depend on com- munity clubs and services to help with the costs of placing a dog in their community," said Jacquie. In 1988 Hearing Ear Dogs of Canada advanced into the field of special skills training for dogs and since then has placed three dogs. The first Special Skills Dog went to a young girl in St Marys who has cerebral palsy. The standard poodle, Jill, helps the child by providing c'. nstant companionship and accom- panies her to school. The second Special Skills Dog is in Alberta with a three-year-old girl with a rare metabolic disorder. Her parents are alerted by the dog in the middle of the night if tubes running into the little girl's stomach start to become disconnected. Fancy is the third Special Skills Dog to be placed. Fancy is unique for Hearing Ear Dogs of Canada in that she was originally Tom's dog. Most of the other dogs are selected and matched up with the client. When Tom, who has Frederick's Ataxia which is a progressive disease that affects the nerves, heard about Special Skills Dogs he thought perhaps they could train his one -year-old Fancy and contacted Jacquie. She sent Tom an ap- plication, which included an elevation of Tom by a doctor, and explained the difficulty of training his own dog. "If Fancy wasn't Special Skills Dog material it would have been heartbreaking for the family," explained Jacquie. 'There's a high failure rate for the dogs. The dog must be healthy, have good hips and eye sight, and be very strong to physically help the client get up from a fall." Tom bought Fancy to breed and had to decide if he had enough faith in her to be trained, because in order to enter training she had to be sPayed- "We knew she was a smart dog, so we took the chance," said Tom. After passing a 30 day evaluation test at the training centre in An - caster, Fancy spent five more months training and testing and re- testing. Throughout the training Fancy learned to walk alongside walkers, canes and wheelchairs. She had constant lessons in obedience, which became more intensive during the final portion of her training. She was being trained to perform duties Tom would need help with. Once a month the Ryat visited Fancy and she was alway delighted to see them, but after 15 minutes of visiting she'd want to get back to play with some of the 25 other dogs at the training centre. She came home to Walton Novem- ber 19. The dogs trained by Hearing Ear Dogs of Canada are all taught dif- ferent skills because they are trained to respond to the needs of their owner. Jacquie has trained one dog owned by a paraplegic woman to help pull her wheelchair. A woman in Toronto who has epilep- sy axe was robbed while having a seizure. She has a Hearing Ear Dog that stands over her while she has a seizure, and the dog wears a note telling caring popple the woman is fme and needs to be left alone. The note is important because in the past people have called an am- bulance and the woman has been forced to waste a day in a hospital. Her siezures have become less severe since having the dog makes her feel secure and lessens her anxiety. Fancy can open a door for Torn by putting her weight on it, and she can unlock simple hinges by pushing them upward with her nose. She will retrieve articles for Tom such as his pen if he drops it, or his walking stick, gloves or keys. If Tom falls and needs help getting back up Fancy will stand still and let Tom use her weight to raise himself. Soon Fancy will accom- pany Tom to St. Columban school where he will write an exam for a University of Guelph course towards his horticulture diploma. Fancy has been trained to respond to only Tom's needs, and only Tom can respond to hers. He feeds and takes care of her. He is the only person who can praise her or dis- cipline her. "She's a nice dog and people want to pat her," said Tom. "But they shouldn't or else she'll start to respond to other people. She can't get free praise." Fancy is easily recognizable by the blue harness she wears, and soon she will also wear a back pack when she comes to town with Tom. There is a tattoo in her car iden- tifying her as a Special Skills Dog. Fancy's first trip into town was successful, except that people couldn't resist the urge to pat her. Turn to page 20 • New restaurant to open BY HEATHER ROBINET This Saturday, December 1 marks the grand opening of Seaforth's new restaurant, The Bistro. Located on the premises of the former Acropol, on Main Street, just south of the lights, the Bistro hopes to provide Seaforth and area residents, with an elegant dining experience. Newly remodelled in blues, burgundy and grey, the Bistro boasts partitioned seating for 130 in its back dining room, and more casual dining in the front. A bar complete with bar stools, and full time bartender, is also featured in the dining area. A large assortment of real and imitation plants hang from the ceiling, and fill window boxes along a north end window. There is a formal entrance at the rear of the building, and parking enough for 50 cars. The parking lot will be paved in the spring. A hardwood platform in the northwest corner of the room, can double as an eating area, or a dance floor, and Victorian style mood lights dot the walls. Soft music adds to the at- mosphere. this Saturday AWAITING OPENING - The Bistro in Seaforth will officially open its doors on Saturday, and the owners and management of that facility are counting down the days until then. Managing the restaurant will be Ginette Nash. She is pictured her with owners Ahmed and Kaled Abulebada. A lot of work has gone into readying the restaurant for December 1. Robinet photo. The menu will include a daily salad bar, homemade entrees, diet fare, and such delicacies as lobster, shrimp and escargot. A buffet, featuring three meats, two vegetables, potatoes and homemade soups, will be a twice -weekly attraction (Wedne- sday and Friday), and there will be daily specials. On Sundays there will be a brunch from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Manager Oinette Nash, Jackie Hart and Brenda Hodge will share cooking duties. Bartender is Denise Dupuis. In order to ensure prompt service, a minimum of two waitresses will cater to the front of the res- taurant, and three to the back. "It's been a lot of work," commented Mrs. Nash. "But it'll be worth it. It's nice to have a place like this. Myself, I go to Stratford or London if 1 want to sit down, relax and enjoy a meal. Seaforth needs something like this." The Bistro will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and from 7 a.m. to midnight on the weekends. The bar will open at 11 a.m. Patrons are invited to use either the rear, or the Main Street, entrance. The restaurant is owned by Lebada Trade Inc., or Kaled and Ahmed Abulebada, brothers of Bouncy Farag. Seaforth readies itself for Show and Sale BY HEATHER ROBINET The Seaforth Agricultural Society, CKNX 920 A.M. and the Van Egmond Foundation, are gearing up for a large crowd this Sunday, December 2, when they co-sponsor the fourth annual Midwestern On- tario Show and Sale. Again, five shows are featured in this, Seaforth's official welcome to the Christmas season, and or- ganizers report a full house in all. "We have many new dealers and new products, so people should not take it far granted that it'll be the same old thing." commented Joyce Ribey, coordinator of the doll and miniature show, which occupies the Seaforth and District Community Centrr.s Among some of the attractions at the Doll and Miniature Show are paper Victorian dolls and Teddy Bears; Tots of handmade bears outfitted in character costumes; rag dolls; bunnies and other stuffed animals. Some of the dolls double as doorstops, others as air freshners. Some are porcelain and lace -draped; some are vinyl or hard plastic; some are musical; some are not. For those thinking of crafting their own dolls - for Christmas or otherwise, their will he a display of fabric and trim. Also present at the show and sak will be a number of C'hnstmas tree decorations, some of them handpainted and mouthhlown; col- lector plates and figurines, reproduction antique dolls; ceramic dolls and Raggedy Anns, and Ken and Barbie. Doll house kits will be available as well as doll furniture and acces- sories. Grab bags featuring a miniature for doll houses will be available at an affordable price for children. An updated display of doll houses, much admired at last year's show, will also be featured this year, along with four other displays of private collections. "1 think it's going to be a good show again," commented Mrs. Ribey. The Quilt Show is full again this year, and will be contained in the Round House, on the grounds of the Seaforth and District Community Centres. There will be a new array of quilts on display this year, and several of them will be on sale. Antique and modern quilts will be part of this much enjoyed attraction. The craft show, held at the Seaforth District High School, offers visitors a lot of variety again this year. Coordinated by the Van Egmond House, this division offers a showcase of stained glass, jewel- ,, woodworking, leather goods, paper toile, Victorian and country wreaths. chocolate crafts, and Christmas crafts. The Farm Toy Show will be held in the show bin on the Tern to page 7 . 1 FANCY, GO GET A PAIL - Ever helpful, Fancy helps her master Tom with work around the house and farm by fetching a pad for him. Shell always be a great help to Tom. GIVING FINAL APPROVAL - Fancy gives Tom her approval of the meat Tom selected at the grocery store. Tom and Fancy will become a familiar sight in Seaforth stores. Oxford photo. -Community Calendar - Wed., Nov. 28 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. - Seniors, Parents and Tots Skating 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. - Senior Shuffleboard at Arena 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. - Tween Ringette 5:3Q- 6:30 p.m. - Christmas Is Coming with Rick and Judy Avery performance at Arena 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. - Novice hockey practice 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Centensires practice 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. - Christmas Is Coming performance 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. - Minor Broomball 7:30 p.m. - The London Chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association will meet at RM 135 Victoria Hospital, London. 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. - Fitness is Fun at the Arena 9:00 - 11:30 p.m. - Ladies Broomball at the Arena 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. - Recreational Volleyball at High School 8:00 - 11:00 p.m. - Men's Challenge Curling Thurs., Nov. 29 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. - Fitness is Fun at the Anna 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. - Figure Skating 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. - Bantam Hockey prac- tice at Arena 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. - Minor Broomball at the Anna 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. - Seaforth Wood Carv- ing Club at SDHS 7:00 - 11:00 p.m. - Mixed Curling 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. - Mixed Basketball at the High School 8:00 - 12:00 mid. - Mens Broomball at Arena Fri., Nov. 30 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. - Bunny/Novice Ringett• at the Arena 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. - Junior Houseleague Hockey practice 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Senior Houeeleague Hockey practice 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. - Stratford vs. Petite I Ringette 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. - Mixed Curling 9:00 - 10:30 p.m. - Rayfield vs. Mer- chant Oldtimers Sat., Dec. 1 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. - Kings vs. Canadians 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. - Mors vs. North Stars 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. - Flames vs. Leafs 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. - Whalers vs. Penguins 11:30 - 12:30 p. m. - Mites Hockey 12:30 - 1:30 p.m - Petite Ringette at Arena 1:30 -.2:30 p.m. - Story Hour at Seaforth Library 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. - Free Public Skating at Arena. Sponsored by the Seaforth Lions Club 2:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. - Seaforth Har- mony Hi Liles Concert at Seaforth and District Community Centres 2:00 p.m. - Harmony HI-Lites Christmas Concert 2:30 p.m. - Ted Roberts Concert at Library 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Goderich vs. Novice Hockey 4:00 - 5:15 p.m. - Goderich vs. Atom I Hockey 5:15 - 7:00 p.m. - Goderich vs. Pee Wee Hockey 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. - Listowel vs. Beaver Oldtimers 8:00 p.m. - Harmony HI-Lites Christmas Concert 8:30 - 10:30 p.m. - Free Teen Skating Sponsored by the Seaforth Lions Club Sun., Dec. 2 10:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Seaforth Ag Socie- ty's Midwestern Ontario Toy Show and Sale at Seaforth & District Community Centres, Fair Grounds and Seaforth District High School. 10:00 a.m. - Mid -Western Ont. Farm Toy Show and Sale at Arena 11:00 - 12:00 p.m. - Forest vs. Novice Ringette 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. - Free Public Skating Sponsored by the Seaforth Ag Society 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. - Petite 1 and 11 Rinpstte 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Stratford vs. Tween RIngette 9:30 - 11:00 p.m. - I.H.L. Mon., 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. - Minor 8:30 - 10:00 p.m Oldtlmers 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. - at High School 7:00-11:00p.m.- Ing Club 10:00 - 11:00 p. practice Tues., 10:30 - 12 noon - Tots Skating 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. S:30 - 6:30 p.m. practice 6:30.8:00pm.- Hockey 8:00 • 10:00 p. Midgets Hockey 7:30 - 10:00 p.m Curling Club Dec. 3 - Figure Skating Sports Dabber Bingo . - Zurich vs. Beaver Fumiture Refinishing Mens Curling et Curl - Midget Hockey Dec. 4 Seniors, Parents and - Teachers Hockey - Pee Wee Hockey Zurich vs Bantams m wingham vs. L sties Curling at 1 you're organizing a non-profit event of interest to otter Seaforth area residents, phone the recreation office 527 0882 or the Expositor at 527 0240, or mail the information to Community Calendar. The Huron Expositor, Box 69, Soaforth, Ontario, NOK IWO well in advance of the scheduled dale. Free listing includes date, time, name of event and location only Space for the Community Calendar is donated by The Huron Expositor