B.C. guide dog puppies master ferry terminal escalators

A group of guide dog puppies took part in a unique training session at Nanaimo’s Departure Bay ferry terminal on Wednesday, Oct. 29, organized by B.C. and Alberta Guide Dogs. The young trainees practiced riding escalators—an essential but uncommon skill on Vancouver Island—thanks to a partnership with B.C. Ferries. Trainers first introduced the puppies to stationary escalators before gradually exposing them to movement, helping them build confidence for future service roles. Volunteers like Danielle Swanson play a key role in raising the dogs before they enter advanced training. The organization continues to seek more volunteers to support its mission of preparing guide, autism, and PTSD service dogs for Canadians in need.