Service dog among new recruits at second Lowe's store in Regina
CBC News | Posted: June 10, 2016 12:39 AM | Last Updated: June 10, 2016
"Together they're a fantastic duo," store manager says
A man and his best friend are brightening the day of customers at Regina's second Lowe's hardware store, which opened today.
Owen Lima and his service dog Blue are among 180 employees who will work at the new store, replacing the old Target at the Northgate Mall in City View.
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Lima, who has special needs due to a brain injury, works with Blue to do his job as a customer service associate.
The pair greeted customers at a launch event at the store today.
Lowe's store manager Paulo Gallo said the standard response from customers who met Lima and Blue was "wow."
"Together they're a fantastic duo," Gallo said. "And to greet customers when they come in the door, it's mind-blowing for some customers when they come in the door. To give somebody an opportunity like that to work in our store is fantastic."
Lowe's made Blue a special canine vest to identify him as a member of the store's team.
"It's all about embracing our communities and reaching out to the people and making somebody's day a better day, and that's what we did for Owen," Gallo said.