Brigitte Beaudry-Hull’s dog Bella was lapping up all the attention while getting a good scrubbing at the Widdifield Lions Club Dog Wash.
All proceeds from the wash go directly to the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides program.
“I thought it was a great idea. It is really original instead of having a car wash, having a dog wash. Honestly, it is always a struggle for us to give Bella a bath. So I thought you know what? It is for a good cause. It is good for her too,” laughed Beaudry-Hull.
“It is a good organization and anytime an animal, whether it be dog guides, or having a dog as a companion, anything like that, I think it is wonderful. Bella is not a service dog, but she does help my two kids, so I figured I would provide financial help to an organization like this that helps people.”
The cost to raise, train and place a dog guide is roughly $25,000.
Dogs are matched with their “forever person” as either a hearing dog guide, canine vision dog guide, seizure response, diabetic alert, autism assistance, support or as a service dog.
Jackie Guthro brought Jack, a husky lab shepherd, for a quick wash. She is familiar with the work being done by dog guides.
Two of her friends each have a specially trained dog and she says the animals are making a big difference in their lives.
“It is just amazing what they can do. With the autistic child, just being there and knowing what to do to calm the child down is amazing. He lays down right beside the child and for some reason that calms the child. I don’t know what it is, but it works.”
The dog wash is held one weekend after a successful Walk for Dog Guides fundraiser held at the North Bay waterfront.
Melanie Pigeau is the Walk for Dog Guides organizer for the Widdifield Lions Club.
“Last week was the main event with the dog walk for dog guides. It was our best year yet. That event alone raised $11,500.”
See: Walk for Dog Guides raising money to match dogs with their 'forever person'
Approximately 60 dogs attended the dog wash, bringing the combined total for the two fundraising events to just over $12,000.
“We are definitely raising enough for one dog every couple of years. It’s great. We had about eight dogs show up before registration even opened today. The event is just three hours long and we’ve got a lot of volunteers this year including vet clinic staff which really helps,” said Pigeau.
The dog training is done at two facilities, one in Oakville, the other near Guelph.
The potential owner stays at one of the facilities, training alongside the dog as trainers look for compatibility.
The dogs are provided at no cost to the recipient.
The Lions Foundation does not receive any government funding.
