Mira pursues the goal of increasing the autonomy and social inclusion of people with visual impairments, physical disabilities and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by providing free of charge dogs trained to meet their needs for adaptation and rehabilitation. Since its creation in 1981, Mira has allowed more than 3,000 people to have a better life by giving them a perfectly trained dog to palliate their disabilities.
For the next 12 months, the puppy will undergo basic obedience training, as well as social and environmental stimulation to help it develop into a secure, self-confident working dog for his future role as a service dog. As a foster family, the Canadiens will welcome the puppy into the organization's offices and to the Bell Centre during games, which will help in its socialization. When training in the office is over, the puppy will continue his daily learning at the home of a dedicated Canadiens front office employee.
"Everyone in the organization is happy and excited to participate in this initiative," said Geneviève Paquette, vice president of community engagement for the Montreal Canadiens. "This is an extraordinary opportunity to raise awareness and educate our colleagues and the public on the challenges of independence, accessibility and social integration of people with disabilities. The work that Mira does is remarkable and we welcome the chance to contribute in our own way."
"We consider it a privilege to count on the support of the Montreal Canadiens organization and are thrilled to witness the great enthusiasm generated by this team project," mentioned Nicolas St-Pierre, general manager of the Mira Foundation. "This puppy will have the opportunity to grow in an extremely stimulating and diverse environment. During his first year of life, he will have been exposed to many situations and I am sure it will greatly contribute to making him a good service dog."
After staying with its foster family for one year, the puppy will return to Mira for evaluation to identify the program that best suits him. Then, it will undergo training for three to six months, depending on the selected program, after which it will be matched with his beneficiary.
As the Canadiens are making the final arrangements before the puppy's arrival, fans can submit their recommendations for the puppy's name now through November 30th. Submit your recommendation by
clicking here
.
The puppy will be introduced to fans during the January 5th home game when the Canadiens host the Nashville Predators. For the next year, fans will have the opportunity to meet the Habs puppy at home games at the Bell Centre, at the Bell Sports Complex, and at various community activities.
To stay up to date on the puppy's development, follow
@chiotcanadiensmtl
on Instagram.
