Future Dog Guide puppy learning on the job at OPG
Decked out in a stylish green training jacket, Bronco has been busy learning on the job at OPG’s head office in Toronto.
But this is no ordinary employee. Bronco is an intelligent and energetic four-month-old yellow Labrador Retriever and future Dog Guide.
The adorable puppy is part of the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides program, a national charity that breeds, trains, and matches Dog Guides to assist Canadians with physical and medical disabilities, at no cost to qualified applicants.
Robert Machacek, a Real Time Markets Supervisor in OPG’s Market Operations, and his wife Lucy D’Avella, an analyst in OPG’s Regulatory Affairs department, applied to the foundation to become a foster family for a Dog Guide puppy following the loss of their own dog to cancer. From the age of seven weeks until approximately one year, Dog Guide puppies are placed with foster families who volunteer their time and love to prepare the puppy for their formal training.
“Fostering a future Dog Guide puppy is different than raising your own pet, and in many ways more demanding,” said Machacek. “We are obliged by contract to abide by the guidelines provided by Dog Guides Canada regarding the care and initial training of the puppy.”
"There is tremendous pride in knowing that he will go on to serve someone in need and do so in ways that no human can."Robert Machacek, Real Time Markets Supervisor in OPG’s Market Operations
One of those guidelines requires that Bronco not be left alone for more than three hours, which means he is often accompanying his foster parents on shopping errands and to work. During this crucial first year, Bronco is also attending puppy training classes and learning home obedience, socialization skills, and good manners to provide a solid foundation for the puppy’s future as a Dog Guide.
Bronco visits the OPG office three to six times a month to help him become socialized and accustomed to public spaces. On these days, Bronco rises as early as 4:45 a.m. to accompany Machacek to his 6 a.m. day shift in the Portfolio Management Centre, which oversees participation of OPG’s generation in the Ontario electricity market and trades bulk power in eastern North American markets. The puppy has become more comfortable in the office, and now happily sleeps through the night when he’s with Machacek for his night shift.
When he is about a year old, Bronco will return to the Dog Guides Canada training school in Oakville where he will be screened for physical soundness and temperament before entering one of seven official training programs.
For Machacek and D’Avella, it will be tough to say goodbye.
“There will naturally be some strong emotions when he is recalled,” Machacek said. “On the one hand, there is tremendous pride in knowing that he will go on to serve someone in need and do so in ways that no human can. On the other hand, we love this animal dearly and our home will not be the same without him.”
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