The Bancroft Lions Club raised more than $5,000 during its annual Pet Valu Walk for Guide Dogs, held in support of the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides program.
“It was a great day walking in support of the program,” club member Steve Scalley told MooseFM.
Local Dairy Queen owner Laverne Stapely, who leads the guide dog initiative in Bancroft, plays a key role by fostering puppies during their early development. Stapely and his wife, Janet, raise the dogs from about eight weeks old until they are eight or nine months, helping to socialize them in public settings.
“He helps them become accustomed to being around people, riding elevators and escalators, and navigating traffic,” Scalley explained. “Then they return to the training school, where they’re assessed to determine which program they’re best suited for.”
The dogs go on to assist individuals with a wide range of challenges — not only those with visual or hearing impairments, but also children with autism and people managing diabetes.
“There are quite a number of programs, and they’re always expanding,” said Scalley. “I don’t think they’ve started working with PTSD yet, but it’s something they’re looking into.”
Stapely said he and Janet first learned about fostering guide dogs at a Lions Club event.
“My wife was talking to a gentleman that had a service dog. And then after that we came home and talked about it, and we decided we were going to foster.”
The man, who is vision impaired, would later share his appreciation with the couple, saying that if it weren’t for people like them, he wouldn’t be able to have a service dog.
Laverne and Janet are currently fostering their 25th guide dog, a black Lab named Zia.
Funds raised during last month’s walk will help cover the cost of training and placing service dogs with Canadians in need. The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides provides the dogs at no cost to recipients.
The Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides was held in Bancroft on May 25. More than $5,197 was raised.
