Walk for the cause
Summerside walk for Dog Guides gives many new ‘leash’ on life
Dogs of all shapes and sizes descended on Heather Moyse Park in Summerside recently for a stroll. The nationwide event, ‘Walk for Dog Guides’ is an important fundraiser in support of the Lions Foundation of Canada guide dogs.
Dogs of all shapes and sizes descended on Heather Moyse Park in Summerside recently for a stroll.
The nationwide event, ‘Walk for Dog Guides’ is an important fundraiser in support of the Lions Foundation of Canada guide dogs. Summerside Lions Club and Pet Value teamed up May 28 for a chance to raise funds and meet lots of like-minded animal lovers.
Organizer of the event, Cleve Rix, said funds raised go towards providing guide dogs to Canadians with disabilities.
“It costs around $25,000 to train and look after a guide dog, for any of six different programs which meet a variety of needs, so every little bit helps,” said Rix.
“Today there is about 240 walks taking place around the country, and we are trying to raise as much funds as we can.” Guide dogs help increase independence, mobility and safety issues with the handler. Tanya Matheson, 43, who participated in the walk with her partially trained guide dog, Peek-a-Boo, was hit by a truck when she was eight-years old.
As a result of the blow to her head, she suffers with a brain injury and is visually impaired.
Matheson and her family hope a standard poodle guide dog will be provided for her. Charlene Lapierre and Mike Deveau came out for a sunny stroll with their two rescued greyhounds, Theo and Calvin. “We go to Pet Value all the time and heard about this ‘Dog Guide’ event, and anything we can do for these service dogs or for any dogs we are ready to help,” said Lapierre.
The event that started with registration in the parking lot at 1 p.m. and followed shortly by a lap around the park, ended with a barbeque for the walkers and treats for the dogs.