Guidedogs featured at Henderson

SATURDAY EVENT SUPPORTS LIONS FOUNDATION OF DOG GUIDES TRAINING PROGRAM

After using a white cane for many years, a Lethbridge man was challenged to work with a dog guide instead.

Dave Zech says it was a friend in the city’s blind bowling league that urged him to think about making the change. Now he says Doyle, his yellow Labrador, provides companionship as well as safe passage around the neighbourhood.

And at noon Saturday, Dave and Doyle will be part of the city’s annual “Walk for Guide Dogs” at Henderson Park. The fundraising event, sponsored by the Pet Valu stores, helps support the national Lions Foundation of Dog Guides training program.

A longtime southern Alberta resident, Zech says he lost his sight about 30 years ago due to complications of diabetes. Originally from Fort Macleod, he moved to the city for better access to medical services.

And he learned how to get around using a white cane. Years later, the friend told him dog guides had become available.

“It took him four years to convince me it was a good thing,” he says.

Then he had to apply for a dog, be approved — and wait.

“They want to know how well you’re doing with the cane, how fast you walk, how aware you are of your own neighbourhood,” and more.

Later, once a dog has been trained, the prospective owner must also pass the orientation process at the Lions’ training facility in Ontario. The Lions Club sponsored service flies the clients there once the dog has completed nine to 12 months of training.

It’s not just blind people who can benefit from a dog guide, event officials point out. Others are taught how to safeguard children on the autism spectrum, or adults who are deaf, physically disabled, epileptic, or diabetic with hypoglycemic “unawareness.”

More than 2,700 of the specially trained dogs are now helping Canadians, officials report. The $25,000 cost of training is covered by donations — not government funding — and there is no charge to the recipient.

For Zech, taking a walk with Doyle is much less stressful than relying on his hearing — and hopefully, alert motorists — when crossing the street.

“If it’s not safe, he’ll stop. He won’t allow me to continue.”

If there’s a vehicle parked across the sidewalk, he adds, Doyle will find a safe way around it. The dog doesn’t mind making decisions, Zech notes, and he knows his way around.

When out for their daily walk, he’ll often say “Take me home” — and Doyle has several routes he likes to follow rather than retracing their footsteps.

Dog guides, says Zech, are a wonderful boost “for our independence.”

Saturday’s event is open to all interested, and their dogs. Registration will open at 11 a.m., and participants will start walking about noon.

The Lethbridge walk is one of more than 300 this year across Canada. All donations wil go directly to the training program.

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