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Jeff Green | Sep 03, 2009

Photo left: Future Dog Guide – Argo – in Sharbot Lake

Your Sharbot Lake & District Lions Club will host the Purina Walk for Dog Guides in Sharbot Lake village on Sunday, October 4.

It will be the first time the walk is held here, part of a national event with approximately 180 walks in communities across Canada. This is the Lions Foundation of Canada's largest single fundraiser. Thanks to Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada and our national sponsors, 100% of the funds raised go directly to the work of training and providing Dog Guides for those who need them. These walks are organized by local Lions Club volunteers with support from the Lions Foundation of Canada.

The Walk is on Sunday, Oct 4.  Registration begins at 1 PM and the Walk starts at 2 PM.  Dogs are welcome to walk on a leash along with their owners but walkers do not necessarily have to have a dog with them to participate in the walk.  It is an easy walk suitable for all ages and abilities.  A well-marked route will guide walkers from the band shell at the Oso Beach and follow the K & P Trail east under Hwy 38 towards Perth. They’ll walk to the halfway point 2.5 km down the trail.  A rest station will be provided at this point with refreshments for both canine and human participants.  They will then walk the 2.5 km back to the starting point.  Organizers will be stationed at intervals along the route should anyone require any assistance.

Free refreshments will be available before and after the walk and many gifts and prizes will be awarded to both walkers and dogs.  Larger pledge amounts will be rewarded with larger prizes.  You can pledge at the registration desk on the day of the walk or any time on line at www.purinawalkfordogguides.com.

The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides has been serving Canadians with disabilities to increase their mobility, safety and independence since 1983. Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides is a “paws-on” operation. They raise the puppies and then place them in foster homes for their first year. Once matured, the dogs are selected and trained for six - eight months, which is then followed by recipients staying at the foundation for two to four weeks to be matched and learn how to work with their new Dog Guide partners. All formal training, residences and administration are based in their Oakville headquarters. There are also puppy and training facilities in Breslau, Ontario.

Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides has four programs: Canine Vision Dog Guides, Hearing Ear Dog Guides, Special Skills Dog Guides and Seizure Response Dog Guides.

Why should you Walk for Dog Guides?

To help provide Dog Guides to the growing number of Canadians who need them.

To enjoy a fun day out in your community. Walk with your friends, family, co-workers and dogs.

Each walk is organized by local volunteers – your neighbours. Everybody is welcome – all ages and abilities – and you are not required to complete the route to take part in the festivities.

Everyone is a winner! The money you raise goes towards this important program and you could earn some great incentive prizes.

You can feel good knowing that 100% of your money will go toward the cause.

Watch for more information about this event in upcoming issues of The Frontenac News, or contact our Walk Coordinator at 613-279-2502. Your pledge can change the life of someone who is disabled and could mean that he or she will “Never walk alone”.

Pledge forms are available by calling Betty Anne at 613-279-2329 or Dawn at 613-375-6318.

Your Lions Club. WE SERVE!