Canadian Friends of the Israel Guide Dog Center

06/18/2026

Meet Simon, a future guide dog in training at Ben-Gurion University!

Like many students, Ayla Aberazon first saw guide dog puppies on campus and thought, “There’s no way I could do that.” Today, she’s raising Simon, a playful Yellow Labrador who will one day help someone who is blind or visually impaired live more independently.

Ayla admits it isn’t always easy. Raising a guide dog puppy takes patience, commitment, and plenty of early mornings. But the rewards are immeasurable.

One moment especially stayed with her: seeing a working guide dog confidently lead its handler past Simon. “That’s when everything clicked,” she says. “I understood what all this work is for.”

Beyond the puppies, students become part of a supportive community that helps one another through the challenges and joys of the journey.

And what about saying goodbye? “It will be heartbreaking,” Ayla says. “But I wouldn’t give up such a meaningful experience just because it’s hard at the end.”

Interested in becoming a puppy raiser in Israel? Learn more: https://bit.ly/43tlLOV 🐕❤️

06/17/2026

Bonjour to the Frenchies! 🇫🇷✈️

Please join us in welcoming Aaron and Alatia, two beautiful Labrador puppies who have just landed in Israel on a direct flight from France.

Aaron and Alatia are part of an exciting international collaboration designed to strengthen future generations of dogs at the Center. Over the coming weeks, they’ll be settling into the Israeli climate, getting to know their new surroundings, and perhaps most importantly, learning that commands sound a little different here. We’re still figuring out whether they respond better to “sit” or assis! 🤭

Partnerships with leading guide and service dog organizations around the world help us remain at the forefront of breeding, raising, and training life-changing dogs for Israelis who are blind, have PTSD, or live with other disabilities.

Welcome home, Aaron and Alatia. We wish you a smooth transition and look forward to watching your journey begin.

In the photos: Aaron and Alatia at the airport and exploring the grounds of our Center, accompanied by Adi, Michal, Noach, and Orna.

06/15/2026

Last week, our נ (nun) and ס (samech) litters went home with their new foster families. Some of these dogs have been named by Canadians in honour or memory of dear ones.

We wish them much success!

06/08/2026

Today is National Best Friends Day.

Our dogs are the bestest friends. They guide us, make the world a safer place, and provide love, affection, and companionship. Every moment, we have a person who is our bestie, and today we celebrate them.

Happy Best Friends Day, good boys and girls!

06/07/2026

It's Walk time! Come visit our booth at the Festival, and say hi if you see us walking.

Excited for a day of solidarity and community mobilization (literally!)
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto

06/03/2026

You know what we do best? WE WALK!

Join us for the Walk with Israel, as a team and at our booth at the Walk Festival this Sunday.

Join here: https://walkwithisrael.crowdchange.co/team/igd

We'll have activities, merch, giveaways, dog treats and hydration. Come by for a hug!

UJA Federation of Greater Toronto

06/02/2026

Tongues Out Tuesday with this cutie in training. What a good boy!

Photo Description: A Black Labrador in a blue vest poses sitting at our center in Israel. His long tongue is sticking out toward the left.

05/26/2026

We will not only be walking at the in Toronto on June 7th, but we will also have a booth. Register and come visit us!

We'll have an awesome Braille activity, a Doggy Rehydration Station, and merch for sale. Support the team and come by for a hug!

Team Israel Guide Dog Center Join Team Israel Guide Dog Center at the Walk for Israel and help change lives, one step at a time. For more than 30 years, the Israel Guide Dog Center has provided...

05/21/2026

Happy Shavuot and
חג שמח
to all who celebrate 🌸
Our offices will be closed tomorrow, but we’re back on Monday.
Enjoy the cheesecake!

05/20/2026

Yesterday I had the privilege of meeting two Israeli heroes: Achiya and Joy. What an incredible experience it was to attend an event hosted by one of my favorite organizations, the israel Guide Dog Center, and to hear from Achiya Klein and see his incredible guide dog, Joy.

In 2013, while serving as a young officer in an elite IDF commando unit, Achiya was severely injured and lost his vision during a mission outside Gaza. After a long recovery, he refused to let that define his future. With resilience, determination, and the support of guide dogs like Joy, Achiya went on to compete in triathlons and Ironman competitions, earn advanced degrees, continue serving Israel, and represent Israel at the Tokyo Paralympic Games as part of Israel’s national rowing team.

Joy, his beautiful yellow lab, became Achiya’s guide dog partner in 2023 and is an essential part of his independence, confidence, and active life.

Their story is a powerful reminder of courage, perseverance, and the extraordinary bond between people and dogs. 🐾💙🇮🇱🤍