A doggie first for Sault Ste. Marie

You could call it ‘a canine first’ for Sault Ste. Marie.

The Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides, a fundraiser held with the help of the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides and the Lions Club of Sault Ste. Marie, will be held Sunday, May 28, beginning at Roberta Bondar Park & Pavilion.

It will mark the first time the event will be held in the Sault after being held at St. Joseph Island for many years, said Doug Moxam, Lions Club member and event organizer.

There are six different types of dog guides, specifically trained to assist people faced with various challenges, Moxam told SooToday.

They include canine vision dogs to assist the blind, service dogs trained to help people who have various disabilities, autism assistance dogs, hearing aid dogs, seizure response dogs, and diabetic alert dogs.

“We raise money because it’s $25,000 to train a dog,” Moxam said.

The dogs are purchased and trained at the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides head office and national training school in Oakville, Ontario.  Handlers come to the national training school to receive and train with their new dog guides. 

As with any community, there is a need in the Sault for such dogs.

“We have five dogs now in town because of this program,” Moxam said. 

As for the May 28 event itself, “we have a route where you can walk your dog for about half an hour, from Roberta Bondar Park to Clergue Park and back,” Moxam said.

Registration begins at 10 a.m. May 28 at Bondar Park, the walk itself begins at 12 p.m.

Registration cost is by donation.

It is anticipated the event will run to about 2 p.m., Moxam said.

Bottled water and healthy snacks will be available, donated by various local businesses.

Moxam said the Lions Club appreciates Pet Valu’s help, along with the staff from the local Eddie Bauer store, who have indicated their willingness to help out in any way they can.

For more information on the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides, call 705 575 1191.