Donations to the Dog Guides Program

WALK for DOG GUIDES
Sunday, September 24th 2006
1:00pm at Elgin Park, Uxbridge

Participants may walk with or without a dog.

The Lion’s Walk For Dog Guides was held on Sun., Sept. 25, 2005 with thirty four walkers on hand. They walked their dogs on a scenic trek through downtown Uxbridge, but more importantly they raised in excess of $ 4,000 for the Lions Dog Guide Program. An additional $1,900 was raised for this program at the recent Lions Summerfest in Elgin Park held in late August.

Ted Barris once again acted as MC with Mayor Gerri Lynn O’Connor and local MP Bev Oda speaking in support of the Dog Guide Program and congratulating the walkers for their fund raising efforts.

Our thanks to all those who participated in this event and to those who pledged their financial support to this most worth while program.

Contact : Sue and Bob Armitage 905-852-4648 or, Chuck Gullickson 905-852-7950, cgullickson@sympatico.ca.

Canine Vision Canada

Since 1985, Canine Vision Canada has been training Dog Guides For Canadians who are blind and visually impaired. The dogs are trained to deal with street situations, navigate stairs, revolving doors,, and other things that are encountered on most daily routes. The dos pass an assessment and medical and then begin an intensive six month training program. The qualified client spends 26 days at the facility in Oakville learning to handle, trust and bond with the already trained dog. Our certified Canine Vision Dog Guides are distinguished by the monogrammed black heather harness and leash identifying the Canine Vision Canada Dog Guide.

Hearing Ear Dogs of Canada

Since its inception in 1988, Hearing Ear Dogs of Canada has trained Dog Guides to alert people who are deaf and hard of hearing to every day sounds, bringing independence and new confidence. This program usually trains year old, small to medium sized dogs who are assessed for both medical reasons and temperament. The dogs begin a six month training program in a simulated home environment at the training centre. They are taught to distinguish sounds, make physical contact with the handler and lead the person to the sound. Applicants must be at least seventeen years of age, living independently and able to care for a dog. A successful applicant begins a two week program to learn how to work and bond with their dog guides. The dog is trained to respond to the sounds particular to the client’s home - a baby crying, kettle boiling, phone ringing, etc. Our certified Hearing Ear Dog Guides are distinguished by the internationally recognized bright orange collar and leash that is stencilled with “Hearing Ear Dogs of Canada”.

Special Skills Dogs of Canada

Started in 1991 and trains Dog Guides to work with people with physical disabilities, and/or medical conditions such as epilepsy. The Dog Guides can operate light switches, open and close doors, retrieve items, or call for help. The Special Skills Dog Guides are usually Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and Standard Poodles. A qualified applicant’s needs are assessed and the dog then begins six to eight months of custom training. These dogs may depend on other family members to look after their daily needs. The trainer, the dog and the client work together for a two-week period to master techniques and allow for bonding. These Dog Guides are recognized by the black harness, leash and perhaps blue saddle bags.

Foster Puppy Program

The puppies for the Dog Guide programs come from their own breed program and from generous private breeders or donors. At eight weeks of age, puppies are placed in foster homes for a period of twelve to fourteen months. The foster family is asked to raise the pup, socialize and teach proper house manners, while exposing the pup to as many different situations, experiences and people, as possible. The food is donated by Ralston Purina Canada Inc., and the Foundation covers routine medical and veterinary expenses. The dogs wear the saddle bags with “Dog Guide In Training” stencilled on it.

All Dog Guides and associated programs are provided with no charge to the client.

The Uxbridge Lions are proud to be associated with the Dog Guide program and each year the club, through the publics generous support enables us to donate to this program.

For information about any of the above programs you can call 1-800-768-3030 Or on the web www.dogguides.com ;    e-mail: info@dogguides.com