Eighteen people signed up for Sunday’s walk. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Community events

Local fundraiser assists persons in need of a guide dog

May 29, 2023 | 8:43 AM

Individuals who may benefit from the help of a guide dog are receiving support from the community.

The Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides raises funds to help the Lions Foundation of Canada, who in turn help assist Canadians with disabilities navigate the world through the use of Dog Guides. Garry Beaudry is President of the Prince Albert Lions Club and also the Sask representative on the board of directors for Lions Foundation of Canada dog guides. He explained these dogs literally change their owner’s lives.

“They give them an independence of getting out into the public and living a life the rest of us take for granted,” he explained.

There are various types of service dogs for varying needs, including people who have sight or hearing loss, and others who struggle with seizures, autism, or diabetes. Explaining the need to have fundraising events, Beaudry said the cost to train a puppy to the point where they are set up with a client, can run in the area of $35,000.

“Absolutely at no cost to the clients and we don’t get any government grants either,” he said.

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Sunday’s event attracted dogs of every shape and size. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Amanda Ehlert relies on her black labrador Kerry to see. The two were paired up about seven years ago and Ehlert said she cannot imagine life without him.

“Losing her would rip my heart out,” she said.

With respect to the fundraising walk, Ehlert said she did not think twice about participating.

“They’ve done so much for me and I just want to have a hand in giving something back,” she said.

Sunday’s event in Prince Albert, sponsored by Pet Valu, raised just over $2,500. It was one of hundreds being held across the country and is the foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the summer.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell