City residents take walk in park for guide dogs

FUNDS USED TO TRAIN AND SUPPLY ANIMALS FOR THOSE WHO NEED ASSISTANCE

About 25 people brought their furry-tailed friends to Henderson Lake Saturday for the annual Pet Valu Lions Foundation Walk for Dog Guides. The goal of the event is to raise money to help the Lions’ Foundation train and supply guide dogs for those who are visually impaired, have autism, live with hearing problems or need help with seizure alert. The Lions Foundation provides the dogs free of charge to those they feel would greatly benefit from having these fluffy companions to share their lives with.

“Guide dogs are amazing,” said Lethbridge Walk for Dog Guides organizer Dena Lavigne, who has been a recipient of the Lions Foundation seeing-eye dog program in the past. “They are a lifechanger. You go from having a cane with a little bit of independence to a set of eyes, and a a companion that becomes more than family. They help you in everyday situations where you feel safe when out walking because you know you have that set of eyes with you.”

Lavigne was generally pleased with the turnout for Saturday’s walk, but said the Lethbridge walk was only one of dozens taking place across the country.

“This is one of our biggest fundraisers,” she said. “The Lions Club has walks all across Canada to raise money so people can get their (guide) dogs for free.”

For more information on the Lions Foundation Dog Guides program visit

Herald photo by Tim Kalinowski Participants brought out their furry friends to take part in the Pet Valu Lions Foundation Walk for Dog Guides on Saturday. The event was intended to illustrate the importance of guide dogs and to raise some money for the Lions' ongoing efforts to...