It’s been about a year and a half since Colin Routhier and his sidekick Panda met. Over that time, their relationship has resulted in an obvious and sweet friendship, but equally important, it has given Colin a greater sense of independence to move around the community, and do the things he enjoys.
Colin can be seen throughout town, volunteering at the St. Paul Municipal Library, visiting and playing cards with residents at Sunnyside, and volunteering at the museum during the summer months.
And while he could do these things prior to meeting Panda, his service dog, making his way to the locations was more of a challenge since Colin is blind. He would have to rely on his memory and his cane to get him around safely, and going longer routes were often out of the question.
Colin’s parents, Linda and Roger Routhier, say the thought of getting a service dog for Colin had crossed their minds, but they had never seriously looked into. Then, the St. Paul Lions approached the Routhier family with an offer they couldn’t refuse.
Being part of the national Lions Club, the local chapter regularly donates to the Canine Visions Canada program, which has been in operation since 1985. And while funds from the area go toward the national program, the club had yet to see a local person benefit from the program.
Then, one of the St. Paul Lions Club members noticed Colin working at the library, and thought he could benefit from the program. So, once the connections were made, the Routhier family went through the process, which first saw a representative visit St. Paul so that a suitable dog could be paired with Colin.
Then, Colin spent a month in Ontario, getting to know Panda and doing his own training on how to handle his new companion. While Colin says he was happy to take part in the experience, he admits he was nervous to get on an airplane without his parents, and spend a month away from home.
But, he did it. And while in Ontario, part of the training involved visiting public spaces with his new service dog. So, together Panda and Colin visited Niagara Falls, explored walking trails, went out to restaurants, and more.
After Colin arrived home, with Panda at his side, life in St. Paul changed for the Routhier family, and Colin has since gained a level of independence he had yet to experience as an adult.
“We’ve seen a huge, huge difference in him,” says Linda, as she looks at her son, sitting nearby in the family’s home on Lakeshore Drive. Linda says her son often says he now has a friend, and while Panda’s abilities as a service dog were the primary reason for taking part in the program, Panda has also become a much-loved part of the family.
“She’s perfect. It’s just changed a lot of things,” says Linda.
Now, Colin can make the trip from his home, across town to the library, with Panda as his guide. He can take a longer route to Sunnyside Manor if he chooses, and he can go out at night, thanks to a special collar that lights up around Panda’s neck.
“And, like every couple, they argue, silently,” says Linda, with a laugh. Some times, Colin has to trust Panda’s judgement, but other times, Panda can get a little distracted if there are changes to her route – making it a very real relationship with some give and take.
According to Colin, the best part of having a service dog has been the increased independence he’s experienced. But, along with that independence also comes an increase in responsibility.
Because the Routhier’s never actually own Panda, someone from the Dog Guides program makes an annual visit to check up on her. Because she’s a service dog and goes into public spaces, Colin has to keep Panda well groomed, and he even measures her food to make sure she stays in perfect health.
“Colin does such a good job,” says Roger. “He does it all by himself and he’s very happy to do it.”
Because of Colin and Panda’s growing independence, the Routhier family would like to let residents know that the pair is often out and about, walking from place to place. The Routhier’s would like motorists to be mindful, and keep a watchful eye out for Colin and Panda.
