On Sunday, May 16 the Purina Walk for Dog Guides took place in Bredenbury at the Lions Den. 2010 marks the 25th anniversary of the Purina Walk for Dog Guides, and the 2nd year the walk has been held in Bredenbury.
The Purina Walk for Dog Guides is a national event that is held in over 200 communities across Canada each year. This years walk began at 1:00 p.m. with registration beginning at 12:00 p.m. There was no registration fee, but those walking were asked to collect pledges ahead of time.
With Purina as the title sponsor along with other national sponsors, 100% of the donations collected go towards the training of dog guides. The walk was open to those of all ages, and those with or without a dog.
The Lions Foundation of Canada founded the Dog Guides program in 1983 and since that time have provided dog guides to over 1400 applicants from across the country, and at no cost to the applicant. Each dog guide costs approximately $20,000 to raise and train before they can be given to a qualified applicant. The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides program doesn't receive any government funding and relies on the support of fundraising events and donations from service clubs, corporations, foundations, and individuals to succeed.
Joe Andrew, the man responsible for bringing the Purina Walk for Dog Guides to Bredenbury, says he got involved after attending a Lions convention in the United States. At the convention Andrew saw a man with a guide dog and "was so impressed by what the dog could do for him." After witnessing what the dog could do for the man Andrew decided, "this is something I want to get involved in" and has never regretted his decision to get involved as he says it is "so rewarding."
The Lions Foundation of Canada operates a training facility in Oakville, Ontario and a breeding and training facility in Breslau, Ontario. After the puppies are weened from their mothers they are taken to a foster home to become socialized. At approximately two years of age the dogs begin the training they will require in order to assist those with a disability. Once the dogs are trained the applicant is flown in free of charge and a dog-applicant match is made. At this time the applicant is given training on what to expect from a dog guide and how to care for them. After training is complete and the pair have had a chance to bond they are free to return home. The foundation trains five different types of dog guides for those with different disabilities.
Canine vision dog guides provide assistance to those who are blind or visually impaired, while hearing ear dog guides assist those who are deaf or hard of hearing. For those who suffer from a medical or physical disability special skills dog guides are available. Seizure response dog guides are for those who suffer from epilepsy, and autism assistance dog guides are for children who suffer from autism.
Clifford Beattie of Roblin, Manitoba has had a canine vision dog guide for nine years, his dog's name is Fax. Beattie says being given a dog guide by the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides program "opened up another world" for him, and has allowed him "more freedom." With Fax's help Beattie is able to be independent and do things on his own, he says, "I can just go out by myself and don't have to worry." Beattie commented that having a guide dog is hard work, but that having Fax has made a "big difference" in his life, and he has had only a positive experience with him. In regards to helping others Beattie encourages those interested in having a guide dog to contact the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides program, and reminds other that, "they are work, but it's worth it."
This year the Purina Walk for Dog Guides in Bredenbury had 20 participants and raised approximately $1,600 towards dog guide training.
