A Service Dog Could Help Young Girl Find Courage

By Angelique Forest

A St. Adolphe mother is reaching out to the community for help on behalf of her daughter who struggles with a combination of autism and anxiety.

Nadine Huberdeau’s 11 year old daughter Leia is sometimes filled with intense anxiety and fear that, what we consider normal, becomes a world that is terrifying.

They have been searching for a solution or a way to help the young girl cope.

“We’ve been told the combination of autism and anxiety she has is one of the hardest to treat, so every tool we can have to help her out, the easier life will be for her,” said Nadine.

It has been suggested that Nadine arrange to get Leia partnered with a service dog to help her face the crippling fear.

“The dog will help with quite a few things, deep pressure therapy, safety, distraction,” Nadine was told. “It will also provide tactile grounding, assistance with over stimulation, kinetic engagement and repetitive behaviour. These are just a few benefits.”

With the help of family, Leia was able to explain her situation in a written post.

“My autism causes me to be scared of a lot of things, so scared in fact that I haven’t left my house in over a year! I haven’t gone to school,” she wrote. “I know I have some cavities but I haven’t seen a dentist. I need new glasses but I haven’t been able to get my eyes checked again. I haven’t even left my driveway!”

“I often tell my mom that I just want to be normal and don’t like living like this but my fears are so big that they make me panic and feel like I’m dying,” added Leia.

“I also have a tremendous sensitivity to noise, loud noises hurt me and scare me a lot,” admitted the young girl. “I don’t like the garbage truck or the school bus driving by because they’re so loud and scare me so much that I need to hide in a closet till it’s safe again to come out.”

Nadine pointed out that not everyone understands Leia’s struggle, or the reality that Leia has to face everyday.

“Some of the struggles we have are people not understanding why someone with autism and severe anxiety would need a service dog and how it can change her life,” Nadine said.

Leia recognizes that a service dog could be a life changing solution for her.

“My parents believe that getting me a service dog will help me to feel safer leaving the house, [and] I think so too because it would be allowed to come with me everywhere I go,” said Leia. “It could open lights for me before I walk into a room, and inspect it so I know it’s safe.” “I know it can do much more than that too!” she said, excited about new possibilities.

Leia believes a service dog may help her when she panics and help keep her feeling safe.

Nadine sees a lot of talent in her daughter.

“Leia loves doing cosplay, she’s quite the artist and she loves every aspect of making videos from writing a script to directing, making the costumes and editing,” she explained.

Nadine noted that Leia is hopeful she can get her new “friend” and has already picked out a name.

“Her full name will be Queen Bella Bartholomew the 1st,” said Nadine, “but she will go by Belle.”

So far family and friends have raised almost $2,700 out of the expected $40,000 needed to bring a service dog into their lives.

Leia’s aunts have set up a GoFundMe page and you can donate by visinting www.gofundme.com/f/vfde6-servicedog-for-leia.

11-year old Leia believes a service dog may help her when she panics and help keep her feeling safe.

Also, there will be an online auction to raise funds. This event will be held on February 28 starting at 8 pm. You can follow Leia’s Service Dog Journey on Facebook for more information. Many local and regional businesses have donated products and services available for bidding.

Piney Continues Commitment to Monitor Groundwater at Waste Sites

By Dan Guetre

The RM of Piney has issued a Ground Water Monitoring Request for Quote in order to ensure its residents continue to be confident is their water source and protect the environment.

“As part of our operating license for the RMs Waste Transfer Sites, the RM must complete groundwater monitoring on an annual basis,” explained Martin Van Osch, CAO of the RM of Piney.

“The RMs current contract with WSP ended in 2022 and as such, the RM is seeking new bids to determine the best price and service provider.”

Having the program in place assures residents that the water they consume is never affected by the municipality and the services it provides.

“To date, our sampling program hasn’t identified any results of concern,” added Van Osch. “The results are sent to the province annually for their review.”

Should any issue arise, a remediation plan would be developed to address the concern, he assured.

By Dan Guetre

Numerous motor vehicle accidents, including a few with fatalities at Highway 12 and Provincial Road 210 near Ste Anne, and a Provincial Government still months away before offering any potential remedies, has forced the RM of Ste. Anne to think outside of the box to try and protect the public.

At a recent council meeting, RM of Ste. Anne councillor Robert Sarrasin lamented how the Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI) could take “months and months, if not a year until something happens” to come up with some options.

According to CAO Mike McLennan, MTI has identified the issue and they will be conducting a functional design study, which involves public engagement. Recent correspondence from MTI indicates that this could take 8-12 months to complete.

One temporary solution discussed by council was to try and educate the public with the help of Manitoba Public Insurance. Without the expertise and experience to create a relevant video, council believed they should reach out to the provincial experts.

“The option of a driver’s safety video was discussed as a short term option to help navigate that intersection,” explained McLennan. “Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure is looking at longer term options which we hope to hear more about in mid-late 2023.”

“MPI has expertise when it comes to driver education and as a result Council though it best to approach them with this project,” added McLennan. “Additionally, MPI is familiar with the type of video envisioned, so it made sense to pursue this option with them.”

According to discussions at a council meeting in mid-January, MPI has yet to respond but council will again reach out to them.

If the video is a possibility, getting the message out to the public could be social media and other avenues.

“This was a preliminary option for circulation,” McLennan noted. “A more detailed release plan, including options apart from social media, would be discussed once details of the project were further determined/finalized.”