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Thief is blind to the needs of those who can’t see

Donation dog stolen in Red Deer
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For the second time this year, Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind is the victim of theft in Red Deer.

In March, the organization’s donation dog at IGA Eastview was stolen and later recovered in a nearby school playground, but the model was destroyed, smashed open for the small amount of loose change that was normally inside.

Now, another theft has occurred. Again, similar to the IGA theft, the crook performed a smash and grab at London Drugs on 50th Avenue.

The donation dog was the only thing taken, leaving store manager Brian Ozga shaking his head.

There were plenty more valuable items to take, so it was obviously a targeted theft of the dog, a risky crime for the approximately $19 a month that’s placed into the donation dog.

London Drugs had to replace a window and Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind incurs the loss of a guide dog model worth approximately $200.

The organization trains and provides guide dogs to individuals who are blind and visually impaired, including in central Alberta.

Donation dogs in the area are looked after and emptied regularly by local residents Ann Barlow and Dianne Briers.

“Red Deer is pretty bad for crime. I guess everywhere is right now, so I think the thief just wanted the instant cash,” said Briers.