This Saturday at Robert Simpson Park in Arnprior is the local date for the Walk for Dog Guides Event, sponsored by Pet Valu in both Arnprior and Renfrew.
The Arnprior Lions Club is the organizer- on behalf of the Lions Clubs in both communities.
Lion Bill Gardiner says while Dog Guides are generally associated in public perception with the non-sighted, the range of those who benefit from canine companions is much broader.
Lions President Bruce Bidgood says Braydn Waterman, and Dog Guide Companion Innes are the “poster pair” for this year’s event.
Braydn, who is autistic, says Innes greatly calms him in social situations.
Even with Lions volunteers active at every stage of a Dog Guide’s development, training costs can top 35k per dog.
Waterman says being united with a personal dog guide is not something that happens overnight.
Braydn says Innes benefits not only him, but those around him.
He says while his dog guide is a 24/7 companion, Innes is not always on duty
Braydn has been a participant in past Dog Guide Walks- both at the former event in Petawawa, and at the Walk’s current Arnprior venue.
There’s still time to enroll for Saturday’s Dog Guide Walk and raise funds for the cause.
Raise 150 dollars, get a pair of Walk socks. Raise $500, receive a Walk for Dog Guides Travel Kit. 1000 dollars gets you a Walk for Dog Guides speaker, and 1500 dollars raised earns a Walk for Dog Guides Backpack.
As well, all “super heroes” names are entered into a prize draw for prizes ranging from E-Gift Cards, up to a 55 inch Samsung Smart TV.
Entry forms at your local Pet Valu.
Bill Gardiner says this will be the first Dog Guide Walk to take place along the renovated trail system at Robert Simpson.
Braydn says come out and get involved; every dollar raised is a step closer to helping unite a deserving individual with a dog guide companion.
More information at Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides : Home (walkfordogguides.com)
The Dog Guide Walk, Saturday May 11th. Register at 11AM and the Walk’s done by 1.
By Rick Stow