Some of the world's greatest heroes don't wear capes at all, but rather a harness or a vest.
Pet Valu’s annual Walk for Dog Guides, held across Canada during the month of May, celebrates its 40th year. For the third year it's headed to the BC Forest Discovery Centre on May 25.
"It's so important, there are several people waiting for dogs and the demand just keeps on getting bigger and bigger," said event organizer Lyne Moreau.
Dog guides are true life savers for those living with both visible and invisible disabilities including hearing and vision loss as well as seizures, diabetes, and autism. Certain dog guides are also trained to fetch objects and assist with the opening and closing of doors, and appliances around the house, while others offer a calming support to those who have experienced past trauma.
"Trained dog guides are able to help people do whatever they need to do, to live a fulfilling life," said Moreau. "They are like another partner really."
The cost to train one guide dog, get all their vaccines, and to have them properly trained and move-in ready to assist with particular individual's needs is $35,000. The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides in Ontario will fly the recipient of the service dog out there for all the training, and they will later send a representative out to them to ensure that everything is running smoothly with the relationship between the service guide dog and its new owner.
A dog's age ago Moreau started Victoria's first Walk for Dog Guides in the late 1990s before moving up the Cowichan Valley. Now in its third year, Moreau hopes the walk will raise a little more money this year, as the first two raised just under $1,000 each. Every penny raised goes to the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.
"We need to get more people out and aware," said Moreau. "We are hoping to raise even more this year, as the long term goal is to build a new centre in Ontario and to produce as many service dogs for those in need as possible. The demand is definitely out there."
Moreau will be at the Duncan Bosley's for the next few Saturdays leading up to the event in North Cowichan. She is excited to be working alongside BC Forest Discovery Centre's new manager Carol Miller.
"She has been working very nicely with us, and our experience with her last year was very positive," said Moreau.
Only 1 km long, this family and furry friendly walk is sure to be a doggone delight as it keeps the exercise light, and participants get a doggie bag full of goodies like treat and coupons to local pet shops. They will also be treated to a complimentary train ride — no dogs allowed.
Those interested in taking part can contact Lyne at lyne.m1950@gmail.com, call 250 710-6980 or visit www.walkfordogguides.com. Registration for this year’s event will open at 10 a.m. with paws hitting the ground walking at 11.
"I hope people get a better understanding of what leader dogs are, and how important they are to people," said Moreau. "They can make the difference between one having a pleasant life, and one having one that is more scary and isolating. Guide dogs offer people their freedom, and the security that they are being looked out for. That's what these dogs end up being: someone's buddy watching out for them."
