Lions Club holds Dog Guide fundraiser

Walking side by side, Fran with Pesto and Jennifer with Tatum supported the Woodstock Walk for Dog Guides. (Ron Yuzark Photo).

Ron Yuzark, Echo Correspondent

The Woodstock Walk for Dog Guides took place on Sept. 27 at Southside Park, bringing together walkers, volunteers, and supporters in a show of community spirit. The event raised funds and awareness for the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, an organization dedicated to empowering Canadians with disabilities. Attendees learned about the vital role Dog Guides play, from assisting with daily navigation to responding in emergencies. Each Dog Guide costs $35,000 to train and place, but thanks to the generosity of donors, these companions are provided free of charge to individuals in need. The Lions Foundation, headquartered in Oakville with a breeding and training facility in Breslau, is the only school in Canada to train Dog Guides in seven specialized programs. Since its founding program, Canine Vision Canada, was established in 1985, the Foundation has expanded to include hearing, service, seizure response, autism assistance, diabetes alert, and facility support dog guides. The Woodstock Walk was a celebration of these programs and a reminder of the profound difference Dog Guides make in the lives of Canadians living with disabilities.