Hoofin’ and woofin’ for dogs
Summerside Walk for Dog Guides gives many a new ‘leash’ on life
Dogs of all shapes and sizes descended on Heather Moyse Park in Summerside for a recent Sunday 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 for a chance to raise funds and meet lots of like-minded animal lovers.
Organizer of the event, Cleve Rix, says funds raised go toward providing dog guides to Canadians with physical and medical 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.”
Dog Guides help increase independence, mobility and safety issues with the handler.
Tanya Matheson, 43, who participated in the walk with her partial dog guide Peek-aBoo, 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.
Tanya’s family hope she will be provided with a standard poodle Dog Guide.
Charlene Lapierre and Mike Deveau came out for a sunny stroll with their two rescued grey hounds- 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 onboard to help,” said Lapierre.
The event that started with registration in the parking lot followed by a lap around the park and ended with a barbeque for the walkers and treats for the dogs.