The 108 Mile Ranch Lions Club’s Walk for Dog Guides raised over $1,000 to support training new guide dogs, whether it’s vision, hearing, service, seizure response, autism assistance and diabetic alert dog guides. However, according to 2017/2018 108 Mile Ranch Lions Club president Donna White, training these highly specialized dogs is quite expensive.
According to the Lion’s Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, where the money was going, each dog guide costs approximately $25,000 to raise, train and place. They provide the dog guides at no cost to qualified applicants.
The weather was a big boon this year according to White and Peggy Archer, who was dealing with the donations
“Better than last year. Last year it was raining. It was raining and cold. A couple of years, it was so cold. We usually did it out at the 108 Lake. It was always at the 108 and it was so cold a couple of years ago,” they said, interrupting each other frequently with excitement.
According to White, they decided to hold it in 100 Mile House for the first time in hopes of a bigger turnout by making it more accessible for visually impaired dog walkers and others relying on public transport. That move paid off big time, according to White, who said that even before 1 p.m., when the walk was officially taking off, they already had about a 100 donors with about 20 walkers ready to go.
Dogs and their walkers also received a whole bunch of goodies including doggie bandanas, frisbees, leashes, snacks as well as plenty of water.
For more information or to donate visit www.walkfordoggu ides.com or call 1-800-768-3030.
