MOUNT FOREST – The annual Walk for Dog Guides here raised over $4,400 on Saturday.
“We had 22 dogs walking with 26 walkers, the most we have had in a long time,” reports John Roberts of the Mount Forest Lions Club, which sponsors the event.
With pledges still coming in online, Roberts said the group was hoping the final tally will exceed $5,000.
The event was held for the first time in William D. Moody Park.
“Bill Moody was one of the original people who organized and planned Canine Vision Canada,” said Mount Forest Lion Mary Ruth Job.
She explained that Moody, a Mount Forest resident, was instrumental in establishing the first dog guide training facility in Oakville.
Puppy foster Heather Ryan and Roux, a dog guide in training were among those hitting the trail to raise funds.
“They bought an old school and they worked, pulling walls down, fixing stuff and … our club members got together and co-signed a loan so that they could actually start the repairs on the school,” said Job.
“So this walk is very close to our hearts.”
Job noted the Mount Forest Lions have been involved with the Walk for Guide Dogs since it began over 35 years ago. She pointed out another Mount Forest Lions Club member, Al Leach, is currently heading up an effort to build a new training centre.
“They’re going to expand, so they can train more dogs,” said Job, noting about 250 dogs per year would be trained at the new facility, compared to about 175 annually at present.
“Those dogs are all provided free of charge. Training is free of charge. And when (clients) need a replacement dog, it’s planned so that they don’t go any time without a dog.”
