Canadian Dog Stamps
Posted by Anne Corke on 2008-03-22. Filed under Monthly Feature
From Canada Post Details magazine:
"Ancient sculpture and art, old-world fables and new-world films, each in their time have documented the faithful dedication and help received from animal companions. On April 21st, 2008, a commemorative stamp, released to coincide with the Montreal Association for the Blind's 100th anniversary, pays homage to the contributions of guide dogs.
The relationship between people and their guide dogs was captured in a first-century A.D. mural discovered in the ruins of an ancient Roman town. Centuries later, a wooden plaque from the Middle Ages and a mid-eighteenth century painting from France also portray a guide dog with a partner. But it wasn't until the twentieth century that the concept was introduced formally and embraced globally.
Upon the return of thousands of soldiers blinded by poisonous gas during the first World War, a sympathetic German doctor, Gerhard Stalling, explored the idea of training dogs to serve as guiding companions for those who had lost their vision. His research and training methods drew international attention and eventually launched a modern movement of similar schools worldwide.
While Stalling's initial concept focused on giving people with vision loss more independence, today people with hearing impairments or physical challenges also enjoy new-found freedoms through the assistance of specially trained canine companions.
According to Stephen Boake and Andrew Perro of Toronto's Designwerke Inc., the guiding principle behind the stamp imagery was to keep it simple: "We wanted the dog to be the dominant feature, while reinforcing the intimate connection to the human partner. So the dog is shown in three-quarter view, while the partner appears in silhouette."
The Lions Club of Canada runs a rigorous guide dog training program. Boake and Perro spent a considerable amount of time at their Oakville, Ontario, facility to select dogs-in-training with just the right personalities and temperament. A calm disposition, a high level of initiation, the ability to concentrate and a strong desire to please are characteristics expected of guide dogs; as many as 60 percent are rejected from dog training schools by 15 to 18 months of age.
Luke, the golden labrador featured on the stamp, was in the middle of a six-month training program when the photo was taken. Boston, a black labrador in training as a chore dog for people with physical disabilities, and Lee, a border terrier, training as a hearing companion, appear with Luke on the back of the official first day cover."
Another release on June 20, 2008, honouring St. John Ambulance features a therapy dog on the commemorative envelope:
"Service to the community is the strength of St. John Ambulance. Each year, approximately 25,000 volunteers provide upwards of two million hours of services to their local communities, including therapy dog visits, youth leadership training, medical first responders and emergency preparedness programs."