Martensville mutts are straining at their leashes in anticipation of a canine celebration at the end of May.
The 8th annual Lions Foundation Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides is slated for Martensville’s Lions Park on Sunday, May 29.
This year marks the return to an actual walk in the park for the annual fundraiser, according to project chairperson Doug Ward. For the last two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has obliged the club to hold the walk virtually.
“We’re hoping this year will be more successful with people able to attend a live walk again,” said Ward. “But, you can still support the project online if that suits you better.”
The annual Walk for Dog Guides raises funds to help support the training of life-changing dogs for Canadians in need. It costs about $35,000 to raise and educate each dog at a special facility in eastern Canada.
“The dogs are trained to assist Canadians with medical or physical disabilities, and are provided to them at no cost,” said Ward. “The dogs are trained in seven different disciplines: hearing, vision impairment, autism assistance, seizure response, diabetic alert, and physical or medical disabilities. There are also facility support dogs that are for professional agencies that assist individuals in traumatic situations.”
Ward said there are two families in Martensville waiting for dog guides.
“Hopefully it happens soon, but COVID-19 restrictions have made things difficult and really slowed things down,” said Ward.
Ward said pet owners can register for the fundraising walk by going online to www.walkfordogguides.com and selecting ‘Martensville’ as their walk location. Alternatively, they can contact Doug Ward at 306-491-8914 to register.
Ward said the Lions Club’s 40th anniversary project, a shelter in Lions Park beside the children’s spray park, was completed last year.
“Come check it out for a family gathering,” said Ward. “We look forward to seeing everyone and their dogs on May 29.”