While he doesn’t wear a cape or a superhero costume, this is more than just an ordinary dog.
Pesto, a two-year-old black lab, is a highly trained special skills dog who has been specifically matched to 17-year-old Alex Rangen, a Crowsnest Pass youth affected by cerebral palsy. Pesto, who was secured through the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides program with the help of the Crowsnest Pass Lions Club, is making a difference in Alex’s life every day.
“He goes basically everywhere with me,” says Alex. “Anywhere I go, he goes with me.”
The Lions Foundation of Canada operates their dog guide program in Oakville, Ontario, where they raise 180 dogs each year in a number of special training programs. Six years ago, the Crowsnest Pass Lions Club approached the Rangen family about applying to get a dog for Alex.
The program matches dogs specifically to applicants, and it took most of six years to find the right dog in the program, one who would match Alex’s speed and personality.
“I think the matching turned out a hundred percent,” says Alex. He says that Pesto is very good, quiet, and patient.
“He does everything,” says Alex, “from picking up everything I drop to opening and closing doors.”
Pesto will bring Alex things from the fridge, from inside cupboards, and even from inside drawers. He can help Alex get into and out of clothing by tugging on command. He will bark for help if commanded, or go to find someone to help if Alex is in trouble or gets stuck.
Alex and Pesto have been together since late October.