Achievements of Les Quatre A
Helping Hands has been proud to support Les Quatre As from 2021 until 2024.
This remarkable association, founded in 1994, is dedicated to improving the lives of visually impaired people by providing them with fully trained guide dogs. Over the years, they have successfully trained and delivered 108 guide dogs, offering not only independence but also companionship and security to their owners.
The journey of each guide dog is both long and costly, estimated at 25,000 euros per dog from the initial training to the end of its service. During the first year, the puppy lives in a host family where it receives love and early socialization. In the second year, it enters a structured educational program that equips it with the skills needed to safely and confidently guide a person with visual impairment. Once training is complete, the guide dog is entrusted to its new owner free of charge. The association also ensures regular follow-up to guarantee the wellbeing and safety of both the dog and the person it supports.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Helping Hands has been able to contribute to this life-changing mission. Our support helped finance:
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The acquisition of puppies for future training
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The purchase of a much-needed vehicle for the association’s activities
In 2024, our contribution made it possible to acquire two new puppies, Vaiti and Vulcain, who are now beginning their journey to become guide dogs.
Curious about what this journey looks like up close? Below, we hear it from Toffee, one of our furry friends who began his adventure with Les Quatre As.
Toffee’s Story
Hi there, I’m Toffee! I’m not just any puppy, my life changed completely the day I was chosen to become a guide dog. I was excited, a little nervous, and ready to start this incredible adventure. My trainers showed me that I would need to learn many skills to help my future human companion navigate the world safely and confidently.
From a young age, I learned how to use my senses (my hearing, my nose) to guide and protect. I practiced following commands, avoiding obstacles, and staying focused, even in busy, noisy places. I spent my early months exploring lively streets, bustling markets, shops, and my favorite spot, the Amadeus cafeteria, learning to stay attentive while people admired me and wanted to pet me. Sometimes it was hard not to get distracted by all the attention, but I knew my work was important.
Now, I’ve grown up and moved on to the structured training program at the Les Quatre As training center. Here, I’m learning advanced skills that will prepare me to become a fully trained guide dog. Every day brings new challenges: navigating tricky environments, responding perfectly to commands, and staying focused no matter what distractions come my way.
It’s a big responsibility, but I feel proud and excited. Each lesson brings me closer to the moment when I’ll meet my future human companion and form a lifelong bond. I can’t wait to help someone move through the world with confidence, independence, and trust. And maybe sneak in a few cuddles along the way too!
Our stories with the association
This is a new opportunity for me to help in another manner, people who are fully dedicated to their project. A guide dog is also a way for the blind person to have a link, a contact with the external world and a connection with other people.
I personally know people who are working in the association, so the direct connection makes the relationship easier.