Guide dogs offer confidence and assurance to area residents

Pet Valu’s guide dog walk returns May 31

Pet Valu’s annual walk for guide dogs is back again this year on Sunday May 31. All money raised goes to the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. The national charity works to remove barriers and open doors by providing those in need with guide dogs at no cost.

Since 1983, the Lions Foundation has partnered with individuals, families, and communities across the country, matching specially trained guide dogs with children, youth, and adults of all backgrounds. Programs support people who are blind or partially sighted, deaf or hard of hearing, and those living with medical, physical or neurological disabilities. This includes guide dogs trained to assist individuals with epilepsy, diabetes, autism, and those working in professional roles responding to trauma.

Guide dogs have to go through extensive and customized training to meet the needs of their handler. These costs include training, travel, accommodation and lifelong support. In order to keep these costs free, the foundation relies on fundraising events as they receive no government funding.

Michelle Visser, of Coboconk, lost her sight in 2016 due to diabetic retinopathy. Her grandparents are members of the Coboconk Lion’s Club, where she heard about their guide dog program and applied.

During this time the COVID pandemic occurred, making her wait for a dog longer. In that time, she learned how to navigate better with her cane. “My confidence was very low with the cane. After five years I received the phone call that I have been matched with a guide dog and my whole world changed,” said Visser.

After that call, a trainer came out to ensure Visser’s home was suitable for a dog, and her walking speed had to be matched with a dog who walked at the same pace. Visser was matched with a yellow lab named Bonbon, who she spent more than two weeks learning to work with at the guide dog school in Oakville. “That is why this walk is so important to me. All of this is done, and the dog is provided at no cost to the client,” said Visser.

“When I am with Bonbon, I feel so safe, comfortable and confident,” said Visser. Bonbon is trained to help Visser with everyday tasks. Bonbon is able to help guide Visser around obstacles like puddles and potholes, finding empty chairs or benches when the pair are out, and Bonbon can lead Visser right to her mailbox.

“Even though Bonbon works very hard she also gets lots of time to be just a dog, she loves to swim and play,” said Visser.

While she understands how excited people can get when they see a dog, she hopes people can remember to be mindful that guide dogs are working dogs, and any distractions can be dangerous. However, Visser welcomes questions people may have about what Bonbon does as she believes education is important when it comes to guide dogs.

The walk will take place at Old Mill Park with registration at 9 a.m. and the walk beginning at 10 a.m. Registration can happen leading up to the walk at Pet Valu or the day of the event. This year the walk will also be selling chili and a drink for $5.