Guide dog walk fundraiser set for today at Henderson Park
Dogs’ loyalty knows no bounds nor conditions; perhaps this is why we trust them to assist and help those with disabilities. Therefore, Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides does an annual walk to raise money for more service dogs.
The Walk for Dog Guides aims to raise $20,000 at today’s event, taking place at Henderson Park at 11 a.m.
Holly Bandelow, the walk organizer, talked about what can be expected at the event.
“There’s a waiting list for recipients and clients in Lethbridge waiting for these dogs.
. . For example, if you have an autistic child, you can apply for this. You can get these services as well. The community can come out, it’s community oriented, there’s refreshments, fun, getting to see a dog without having to own it. Seeing the impact these dogs have on people’s lives, we are going to have a recipient and dog there to show how this dog has changed her life,” said Bandelow.
The Walk for Dog Guides is founded by the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides and sponsored by Pet Valu. Currently, Walk for Dog Guides has raised $9,175 and is focused on reaching its goal of raising $20,000.
Bandelow said the Lions Foundation of Canada trains dogs in different areas of disciplines and covers the cost of each service dog.
“The walk is from the Lions Foundation of Canada dog guides. What they do is they train dogs in seven different disciplines. What we do is raise money for these dogs. Each dog costs $35,000 to raise from birth.”
The mission of the walk is to provide service dogs throughout Canada to help individuals who struggle with disabilities at no cost. Bandelow said the walks happen across Canada.
“These walks are held across Canada in every community.
The standard walk date is May 28. However, each community gets to decide the walk for them. Some people have church communities so they don’t do it on a Sunday versus a Saturday.”
At this year’s event, Boots, the therapy goat, will be making an appearance. After the walk, refreshments are available. Registration for the walk can be found at www.walkfordogguides. com.