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Harrison boy finds fundraising success for guide dogs this week

Local dogs say “four paws up” for Ryder Newhouse’s treats

Young Ryder Newhouse of Harrison Hot Springs had a very successful weekend of fundraising for guide dogs.

Newhouse, who has autism, has been baking “Tommy’s Choice” cookies to raise money for B.C. And Alberta Guide Dogs for two years. This past weekend, he sold his delectable doggy treats at the grand opening of Beach Dogs Veterinary Walk-In Clinic in Harrison Hot Springs.

“Tommy’s Choice” is named after Newhouse’s unofficial guide dog, Tommy.

B.C. And Alberta Guide Dogs CEO William Thornton and puppy sponsorship manager Kim Goodall met Newhouse at Beach Dogs, along with guide dog graduate “Felix,” the friendly Labrador retriever.

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“It was such a joy to welcome so many people into the clinic for tours and treats for their pets,” Beach Dogs owner Dr. Laura Madsen told The Observer. “We are overwhelmed by the community support!”

Newhouse sold 38 boxes of cookies on Saturday – a very successful weekend, according to Ryder’s grandmother, Lillian.

Last winter, Newhouse started working out of Fergie’s Doggie Delight Pet Bakery in Chilliwack as part of Agassiz Elementary Secondary School’s “Take Our Kids To Work Day,” where he would bake doggy-friendly cookies for dogs along his newspaper route as a Christmas gift. Shortly after, he got the idea to make and sell dog cookies with part of the proceeds going to help B.C. and Alberta Guide Dogs.

Newhouse has been committed since the start, promoting his cookie sales at area dog parks and spreading the word at farmers’ markets.

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The veterinary office is now fully stocked with “Tommy’s Choice” Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream Cones, which is reportedly a big hit with all the dogs.

As of mid-March, Newhouse has been raising money for little Juniper, a Vancouver Island puppy training to be a guide dog. It can take more than two years to train a guide dog, according to B.C. and Alberta Guide Dogs, and costs run $35,000 for training and certification; the dog is provided free-of-charge to the recipient.

Tommy’s Choice dog treats can be purchased at Fergie’s (9372 Mill St.). For more, call 604-791-9299 or email fergiespetbakery@gmail.com.

– With files from Jenna Hauck