Dogs ruled last Sunday in the annual Walk for Dog Guides hosted by the Fergus Lions Club.
The event was one of many across the province and one of several held locally. Other locations included Harriston and Mount Forest.
In addition to the walk itself participants had a chance to let their pets try out an agility course provided by Diamonds in the Ruff, a local Sports club for dogs.
Fergus Lions Member John Aarssen, with Dexter, commented on a recent encounter at the Total Women’s Show where he met someone who had a guide dog.
He said that during the conversation, it came up that the dog was trained in Oakville, the facility sponsored by the Lions Foundation.
“She was the first stranger I’d met who’d used them. I’d never seen the results before and it left me with a great feeling.”
Aarssen said, “I thought to myself, this is what it is all about.”
He noted that there is a considerable investment in the training of the dogs … anywhere from $12,000 to $20,000.
During the opening ceremony Wellington-Halton Hills, MPP Ted Arnott said the Fergus group has organized a local Walk for Guide Dogs every year for the past eight years. The event is now in its 25th year across Canada.
“It’s a great cause and I’ve enjoyed most of the years I’ve been here and I really enjoy seeing all the participants, Arnott said.”
“I know there’s a lot of work going into this event every year; we really do appreciate your participation.”
Lions member Eric Peterson read a letter from Centre Wellington Mayor Joanne Ross Zuj.
“It’s my pleasure to extend a friendly welcome to the participants of the Fergus Purina Walk for Dog Guides.”
She described the event as a unique and fun way of raising awareness and to support the Lions Foundation of Canada as it continues the dog guide program to support Canadians with varying disabilities.
