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Richmond man gets a new leash on life
Published: December 21, 2010 12:00 PM
Updated: December 21, 2010 12:57 PM
Christmas came early this year for Mark Hicks of Richmond. After years of finding his way
around town with the help of a white cane, he now has a new pair of beautiful brown eyes to
help him.
This fall, Hicks got his first guide dog, a yellow labrador retriever named Leamy, given to
him by BC Guide Dog Services of Ladner.
Mark Hicks of Richmond got a new guide dog and
he says her help is 'liberatin.'
Richmond Review - Richmond man gets a new leash on life 2011-01-30 11:04 PM
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2. This will be their first Christmas together.
Having a guide dog is "liberating," said Hicks, blind for nearly 10 years.
Hicks was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at age three. He began noticing spots in his
vision by his mid-20s, and total blindness set in over the next two years.
A former ramp manager for Purolator at Vancouver International Airport, Hicks is now
living off a disability pension.
He trained hard at using a cane for mobility, but getting around wasn't easy. Now, with the
help of Leamy, he walks so fast he can "feel the breeze" on his face.
"I feel empowered. I no longer have to struggle to get groceries or wait for someone to drive
me for a haircut. Leamy and I can just go, whenever and wherever we want to."
Hicks waited two years to get his new friend from BC Guide Dog Services.
It takes nearly two years to train a guide or support dog, and the course is challenging
—nearly 40 per cent of the dogs do not complete the training. The full program for a dog
costs $37,000. Funds are raised through donations and grants. Recipients receive their dog
for free.
"We'd love to train and place more dogs because they make such a difference in people's
lives," said CEO William Thornton in a news release.
If you would like to help, bcguidedog.com offers some ideas, including giving the gift of
puppy sponsorship at Christmas.
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Richmond Review - Richmond man gets a new leash on life 2011-01-30 11:04 PM
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