Dogs and their owners turned out in force recently as the Enderby Lions Club held its second annual Purina Walk for Dog Guides.
Angela Killen, with the club, said the event was a resounding success.
“We had a beautiful day with 31 registered participants as well as many more walkers just out for a stroll and to see what was happening,” she said. “This is a 30 per cent increase over last year. “
Also on the increase this year was the amount of money that was donated to the Lions Foundation of Canada for the training of dog guides, a total of $7171.22.
“Cpl. Richard and the RCMP canine unit were a big hit, with the stands full for his demonstration and photo shoot. And it was a privilege and great pleasure to have Gail and Tyrell and Cathy and Haven with us this year. And new this year was the barbecue which was enjoyed by all.”
Killen sends a kennel full of thanks to everyone who participated, and a heartfelt thank you to the volunteers who helped to organize the Purina Walk for Dog Guides.
“They say it take a village to raise a child. Well it also takes a community to put on an event like this. Many thanks to everyone. Mark May 26, 2013 on your calendars and we look forward to seeing you next year.”
The Lions Foundation of Canada and its founding program, Canine Vision Canada, was established in 1985, and has grown to include four other dog guide programs: hearing ear, special skills, seizure response, and autism assistance.
The foundation’s mission is to assist Canadians with a medical or physical disability by providing them dog guides at no cost. To do this, the foundation operates Dog Guides Canada, a national training school and charity that assists individuals with disabilities through five specialized dog guide programs. The dogs are provided at no cost to eligible Canadians from coast to coast. The foundation relies on donations and does not receive government funding.
Now the largest school of its kind in Canada, Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides has two training facilities in Ontario, both of which serve Canadians across the country.
