The weather was perfect for a walk with your best friend - and their friends. On the last Saturday in May, hundreds of people from across the country met with their canine and human friends and set out on a bit of a trek for the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides. Here in Russell just around 20 people showed up at the dog park on the west side of town.

With the money still coming in (you have until the end of June to get your pledges in or make new pledges online) it’s hard to keep a grasp on the evergrowing total.

The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides is a national charity that was created by the Lions of Canada. Its mission is to empower Canadians with disabilities to navigate their world with confidence and independence by providing a Dog Guide at no cost and supporting them in their journey together. Since 1983, Lions Foundation of Canada has been providing specially trained Dog Guides to men, women and children from coast to coast.

In addition to training Dog Guides for people who are blind or visually impaired, Dog Guides are also trained to meet the needs of Canadians with hearing, medical and physical disabilities, epilepsy, autism, diabetes and for professional agencies assisting people in traumatic situations. And they truly are life savers. All Dog Guides and required training, including transportation and accommodation, are provided at no cost to qualified applicants. Lions Foundation does not receive any government funding and relies on the support of fundraising events like the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides.

This past year the Lions held their 2021/2022 Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides both in-person and virtually. Thanks to the incredible support of volunteer walk organizers, participants, donors, and their title sponsor, Pet Valu, they were thrilled to announce they raised an impressive $1,017,626!

Read the full story in this week's Dauphin Herald!