Victoria-Based Paralympian Follows Instinct for K9 Training
Jessica Tuomela, partnering with trained canine Lucy, aims to keep vulnerable Canadians safe
Paralympian Jessica Tuomela has spent the last year working with dog specialists in scent-tracking to eventually receive Lucy, a golden retriever guide dog trained to help find missing and vulnerable people.
Once she and Lucy are paired in February and undergo further training together, Tuomela plans to travel throughout the province with her new companion to assist in search and rescue operations upon request.
The three-time swimming and triathlon Paralympian, rendered blind following a retinoblastoma diagnosis at age three, said she is especially keen to partner with provincial organizations representing people with autism and dementia…
