Canine CourierLions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides

Fall 2015

Graduate Update

With Honours: Alyssa & Moxie

Moxie is a Service Dog Guide, trained to assist Alyssa, who uses a wheelchair or other mobility aids as needed after she was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease lupus. The team graduated more than a year ago, following the retirement of her first Service Dog Guide, Luna. “Luna was a catalyst for me,” says Alyssa. “I didn’t have much quality of life before her and was very isolated, but having a Dog Guide meant I needed to leave the house, which got me out meeting new people, and eventually inspired me to go back to school.” Luna’s successor Moxie had big pawprints to fill. “He’s an amazing dog,” she says of the sturdy yellow Labrador retriever. “I’m always talking to him, and he seems to respond to me with an amazing range of facial expressions.”

Alyssa has since reached another milestone, with a crowning glory few achieve. She was named valedictorian of her graduating class in Disability Studies at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alta., this past spring, and so it was only fitting that the Dog Guide who is always by her side be with her for this honour as well.

It wasn’t an easy path for Alyssa. The 33-year-old was sidelined from her studies by an illness years ago, and at times, it looked like she might not have a future to strive for. She credits having a Dog Guide as a key factor in helping her overcome challenges – both inside and outside the classroom – to achieve this success. Service Dog Guides assist their handlers by opening and closing doors, retrieving items, barking for help when it’s needed, and picking up dropped items – even items as slender as a credit card. Moxie can even help out with the laundry.

An advocate for those whose voices aren’t always heard, Alyssa also leads programs at a Calgary organization providing social and recreational opportunities for those with disabilities. Alyssa hopes her story serves as an inspiration to others, and that it also raises awareness of the vital role service dogs play in the lives of their handlers. Congratulations, Alyssa!

To read more about Alyssa and Moxie, check out the media coverage her graduation generated:

Calgary Herald | CBC Calgary | Calgary Sun | Metro News Calgary

To learn more about Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides’ Service program, visit the program’s page.

Amazing Donors

Teeing off for Dog Guides, Honouring “Miss Evvy”

Dog Guides has a new set of wheels, thanks to a touching donation in memory of a loved one, and a strong network of supporters.

The donation of a cargo van was made by Matt Lawless, and honours the memory of his wife Evelyn Lawless, a generous supporter of Lions Foundation. The van, which is valued at $25,000 and is known as “Miss Evvy’s van,” was unveiled during an annual golf tournament organized by Grimsby, Ont., resident Pat Jaskula, which is held yearly to support LFC. Mrs. Jaskula, who owns and operates the Grimsby Canadian Tire location, has been instrumental in rallying support for Dog Guides, inspiring other Canadian Tire dealers to share in the effort, and organizing the Grimsby Purina® Walk for Dog Guides.

Philanthropy begins at home: Jaskula’s daughter Jennifer organized her own successful Walk this year in Milton.

Pet Valu is a Dog Guide Champion

Thanks to proceeds raised by Pet Valu’s give-what-you-can calendar campaign last year, the pet store chain is LFC’s first Dog Guide Champion, a recognition of outstanding support through the sponsoring of a team in each of the six Dog Guides’ programs. The calendar campaign raised more than $60,000.

The support continues. This summer, Pet Valu helped us celebrate both Canada Day and the Dog Guide partnerships it’s made possible. The latest team, Autism Assistance Dog Guide Lewis and his best friend Owen, appeared in a feature story in a recent edition of Companion. Pet Valu stores also sold maple leaf doggie bandanas in all its stores, with the proceeds from the sales supporting Dog Guides.

Stay tuned to see Pet Valu’s continued support in action, and check out page 19 of this newsletter for more images of Dog Guides and pet dogs alike decked out in their Canuck garb!

CareAlive Supports Seizure Response

CareAlive, the foundation dedicated to providing support to individuals with epilepsy, is the biggest supporter of Lions Foundation’s Seizure Response Dog Guide program, sponsoring two teams of graduates in a class each year.

Members of CareAlive attended a recent graduation to see Quinnah and Quaffle cross the stage with their respective handlers Martha and Kevin – two partnerships made possible thanks to CareAlive’s support. Hank Cunningham spoke to the audience before presenting Lions Foundation with a further cheque for $20,000 – a generous surprise that will go far in making future Seizure Response Dog Guide teams possible.

At LFC’s annual general meeting each year, one company or organization is nominated as a patron of Lions Foundation of Canada, and last year, CareAlive was recognized for their generosity, effort and commitment to the foundation.

McHappy Together

Our thanks to the Oakville, Ont., community for coming out and getting McHappy with us earlier this summer. McHappy Day sees McDonald’s locations partnering with local charities to raise awareness and funds for amazing causes. This year, $15,366.25 was collected for Dog Guides. A huge thank-you goes out to owner, management and staff at the locations which hosted us.

Diabetic Alert Program Gets Boost from ArcelorMittal

Dog Guides Diabetic Alert program is benefiting from a significant grant. ArcelorMittal Dofasco’s Corporate Community Investment Fund is supporting the program through a $10,000 grant. The Hamilton, Ont., company gives back in big ways, investing in people and enriching Canadian communities.

Junior Fundraiser

Instead of birthday presents this year, Alison asked her friends and family if they could make a donation to Dog Guides. She ended up raising more than $500, and even dropped off a bucket full of dog treats for the Dog Guides in training as well. Our thanks to Alison for this compassionate gesture.

To “donate your birthday” to Dog Guides, please get in touch with Jen.

With Sympathy

Hugh Beaty had a twinkle in his eye when he attended a Dog Guide graduation last year to witness the work his investment would help fund. The 96-year-old resident of Milton, Ont., donated $25,000, through the Oakville Community Foundation – to help with the travel and accommodation costs for clients. Mr. Beaty, a World War II veteran, was no stranger to good work, spending decades of his life contributing to various humanitarian efforts. He passed away in July. Lions Foundation extends its condolences to his family and friends.

McCormick Donation Adds a Dash of Spice

Last year, we visited McCormick Canada to give a presentation about Dog Guides. Without even letting us know, McCormick decided to select Dog Guides to receive a portion of the proceeds from their annual Charity Day, when employees opt to work for free and McCormick matches their pay for the day. The donation was just over $27,000, and sponsored four Dog Guide teams, each with a decidedly spicy name to honour the spice company’s generosity. Thank you to all the McCormick employees who so generously donated their day of pay.

Want to raise funds and support for Dog Guides? Here are a few ideas:

Bowling for Dog Guides

Dog Bowl is a “blind bowling” event which raises awareness of visual impairment and funds for Dog Guides’ Canine Vision program. Organizing a local Dog Bowl is fun and easy! For more information, contact Emelia.

Pet Pictures with Santa

The holidays will be here before we know it, and pet owners love to mark the festive season with a pet photo taken with Santa himself. Consider organizing a photo opportunity with donations going to Dog Guides.

Request for Auction Items

Donating prizes or gift cards for Lions Foundation events maximizes their value, and ensures our Dog Guides benefit. If you or your business would like to donate a prize for an upcoming event, contact Emelia.

Dog Guides Happenings

Let the Golden Years BeginLions Foundation is bidding farewell to two stellar employees and all-around great people this summer. Liz and Don Duncan are retiring and will be enjoying the golden years with QT, their miniature poodle, who just happens to be a retired Dog Guide. Many Dog Guide graduates know Liz very well since she served as our client services coordinator. Liz was there at every step of the process, from receiving applications to providing support to working teams. Don served as Controller in the accounting department, leading years of financial success. Both were kind, professional and helpful in all of their dealings, and we wish them the very best.Contemplating the transition, Don reflected, “I feel lucky and honoured to have worked for Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides for the last six years. It’s great to retire at the high point of my career – all five decades of it. Liz echoed the sentiment, adding, “I have had a long and varied working career... none have been more rewarding than Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. My coworkers and the volunteers are outstanding and it is clear they take pride in their work. I wish continued success and growth to the programs. I will certainly miss everyone.”

Parapan Am Torch Relay Goes to the Dogs We had a great time in early August helping the Parapan Am torch on its journey to Toronto to kick off the Games! Two Dog Guide graduates did the honour of carrying the flame - with their Dog Guides, of course. Canine Vision graduate Nathalie and her Dog Guide Garfield started the relay, passing the torch to Bill and his Service Dog Guide Angus, who completed the loop around LFC’s training centre.The spirit of the Parapan Am Games embraces team work, dedication, and reaching goals, just like Dog Guides. It was an honour to be a part of the festivities. Thanks to all who came out to help us cheer on the torch! For more about the Torch Relay See Barking News on page 13

Volunteer BBQ

Dog Guides volunteers are invited to the breeding and training centre in Breslau, Ont., for a late-summer fete, taking place Saturday, Sept. 12th from noon to 3 p.m. The afternoon includes food, training demonstrations, and a Hawaiian-themed costume contest for people and canines. Foster puppies welcome!

Fall Open House

Want to meet Dog Guides graduates, see training demonstrations in all six Dog Guides programs, and cuddle future Dog Guide puppies? The date is set for October 17th. Join us from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. as we open the doors of the LFC training centre in Oakville, Ont. for tours.

Annual General Meeting

Lions Foundation of Canada’s annual general meeting will be held on Saturday, October 24th at 3:30p.m. at the training centre at 152 Wilson St. Oakville, Ont. Three new board members will be elected, and the incoming Chairperson of the Board announced. Recognition will also be given to the dedicated volunteers who donated more than 100 hours of their time over the past year, as well as individual and corporate patrons. All are welcome to attend.Ride, Puppy, Ride

Motorcycle enthusiasts put two wheels to the pavement to support our four-legged helpers this summer, with four events raising more than $14,000 for Dog Guides. Rides took place in Oakville, Ont.; Charlottetown, P.E.I; Enfield, N.S.; and Saskatoon, Sask.

...and the Survey Says

Dog Guides scored top marks again this year, according to an annual survey which collected feedback from a representative sample of its graduates. The survey is an incredibly important tool for Dog Guides, meant to determine overall client satisfaction. It collects quantitative and qualitative feedback on everything from the application process through to satisfaction with follow-up contact after being matched with a Dog Guide. Categories are rated on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest, and average responses were over 9. Survey results are used to improve and enhance the client experience at Dog Guides.

Quality of life improved: 9.6Would you recommend Dog Guides: 9.5 Overall satisfaction: 9.4

Meet the Trainer

Sunny is a Dog Guide trainer in the Canine Vision Dog Guide program, and his career trajectory is an inspiration for anyone who seeks to seize the day. Hailing from Kunming, China, he originally trained and worked as a chemical equipment engineer. That career eventually became “boring and repetitive,” Sunny says, and by chance one day, he happened to catch a news program feature on service dogs in Canada. That was that. He and his wife decided to uproot their lives in China and head to Canada to seek new opportunities. “It was an adjustment – learning a new language and culture – but we love to travel, and we didn’t have kids at the time, so it was a bit easier.” He found his way 13 years ago to Lions Foundation, which had three programs at the time: Canine Vision, Hearing Ear, and Service. He started off volunteering and then working in the kennels learning the basics, and moved on to begin learning how to train Canine Vision Dog Guides. He found this line of work anything but boring. Part of the learning process entailed spending three days blindfolded in an unfamiliar setting, figuring out his way around, eating meals, and showering – all without the use of his vision to guide him. “Everything took longer, and was much harder to do. Even walking takes a lot of effort when you can’t see,” he says. During those three days, he worked with a Dog Guide to replicate the experience of clients when first matched with their Dog Guides. “From this task, you learn to start building trust.” Trust is important, considering a significant part of Sunny’s role as a Canine Vision trainer involves working with clients to build trust in their Dog Guides’ abilities. When he’s not at work, Sunny volunteers with an organization that helps newcomers to Canada acclimatize to day-to-day life here. He has a full house, with two kids under five, and his family also includes Tanner, a career-change Canine Vision Dog Guide. He says the silliest question people ask him when they find out what he does for a living is, “How do you teach the dogs to read traffic signs so they know when to cross the street?”(For the record, Canine Vision Dog Guides don’t actually read words or determine a red light from a green light; rather, the team works together, with the Dog Guide taking its cues and commands from the handler, and leading them safely around obstacles, stopping at curbs, etc.)Thank you for all your hard work, Sunny!

Purina Walk for Dog Guides

A Dog-Gone Success

Dear Walk Supporters,

This past year, 208 communities across Canada hosted local Purina® Walk for Dog Guides, raising an unprecedented grand total of $1,195,201!

On behalf of everyone at Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, a huge thank you to all the walkers and supporters of walkers, walk organizers, and volunteers who made these events possible. We know you worked incredibly hard to ensure your community had a successful event, and your efforts mean more Canadians will be able to receive a new leash on life.

To all the walkers, the dollars you've brought in will ensure Dog Guides can be provided to more people, and at no cost to them.

Merilyn LethbridgeManager, Purina® Walk for Dog Guides

Top 10 Walks

These Walks raised the largest amounts, helping surpass last year’s grand total. But all Walks make the difference, and the new total wouldn’t have been possible without each community that participated. Thank you!

Walk City Total

Oakville $79,242 Southern Alberta $78,945 Toronto West $71,905 Kitchener $30,385 Toronto Harbourfront $22,516 Grimsby $21,232 Newcastle $20,432 Orangeville $19,271 Fergus $16,772 London $16,336

See the complete Walk Results here

Dog Guide Grads Walk the Walk

Dog Guide graduates are daily ambassadors of Lions Foundation, demonstrating its mission in action. Our grads also put forth an amazing effort for this year’s Purina® Walk for Dog Guides, spreading the word through media interviews, community presentations, organizing Walks, and fundraising in their communities. Here’s just a few of the graduates who gave this year’s walk a helping paw:

Faith & Brownie, Oshawa, OntarioService Dog Guide Program

This spring, while Dog Guides applicant Faith patiently waited to meet her new match, she decided to reinvigorate the Walk in her hometown of Oshawa, Ont., which hadn’t hosted for the previous two years. Organizing a local Walk was no easy feat. “It was exhausting,” says Faith. “But there are so many clients in the Oshawa area and a great network of volunteer puppy raisers that I figured would probably give back [through participating in the Walk].” Shortly after the Walk, Faith was in class at LFC’s training centre as part of the June Service class. She was matched with Brownie, whom she says allows her to be more confident when she’s home alone by fetching out-of-reach items, and picking up dropped objects. Read more about her Walk here.

Danny & Flanders, Edmonton, AlbertaSeizure Response Dog Guide Program

Danny was matched with Flanders, his Seizure Response Dog Guide, in May, and while classes were in session, he learned about the Walk. Inspired by the cause – and seeing first-hand now what an amazing difference Dog Guides make – he and his wife wanted to support the effort. So they started fundraising, doing double-duty since they had a full schedule of classes to attend. “After meeting other clients, and discussing our disabilities, I started to see just how much these dogs help us, and wanted to help any way I could.” And help they did! Danny ended up making a $1,000 donation to this year’s Walk. Flanders was matched with Danny thanks to a sponsorship by Pet Valu.

Blake & Armani, Placentia, NewfoundlandAutism Assistance Dog Guide

Blake and his Autism Assistance Dog Guide, Armani, deserve a big congrats on an amazing fundraising effort this year. The team raised more than $3,200 for the Walk in Placentia, Nfld., proving that young people can get things done! The entire family got into the fundraising spirit, calling themselves “Team Armani,” with an aim to pay it forward, and ensure other families can also experience the benefits an Autism Assistance Dog Guide provides. Way to go, guys. The whole community of Placentia is a supportive one, with the Lions Club of Placentia active with Lions Foundation. To read more about this team, check out this article

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Campaign Update:

“Opening Doors to Independence”

Launched nearly two years ago, and now in the home stretch, the “Opening Doors to Independence” campaign has already transformed Lions Foundation’s training centre. A major component of the campaign included increasing the capacity of residence space by 25 per cent, and ensuring clients feel comfortable and connected when “on campus.”

One room to go!

Donations are still required to complete the final residence room, bringing the total number of rooms up to 29. Your contribution, in any amount, helps ensure that Lions Foundation can serve the increasing number of Canadians who require the special assistance of a Dog Guide, and keep them comfortable while they’re at the training centre.

Thank You!!!Special thanks to our major lead donors of this project:

Donald E. Meehan LCIF through District A15 The Ontario Trillium Foundation

Special thanks to the following for their generosity in providing a room: Diane Berwick Mavis Berwick Jonathon D. Fischer Foundation Susan & John McCracken

Special thanks in providing the complete furnishings for a room: Diane Berwick Mavis Berwick Rockton Lions Club, ON District 19 A, DG Jimmy Ho, B.C.

For more information about Opening Doors to Independence, please visit www.dogguides.com/odti or contact Julie.

Nursery NewsMay - August 2015

Roma (yellow Lab) and Vito (yellow Lab) had 6 puppies on May 20th (See photo) Feta and Schooner (flat-coat retrievers) had a litter of 11 puppies on May 21st Yahtzee (yellow Lab) and Tommy (yellow Lab) had 7 puppies on May 25th Bliss and Ulster (standard poodles) had 7 puppies on May 25th Krystal (yellow Lab) and Yarley (black Lab) had 7 puppies on June 4th Ruby II and Ripken (Labs) had 9 puppies on June 20th Minnie and Nugget (Labs) had 4 puppies on June 23rd Wenda (black Lab) and Gable (yellow Lab) had 11 puppies on July 30th Chilli (cream standard poodle) and Roblin (apricot standard poodle) had 8 puppies on August 10th

Barking News

Walk this Way

Global’s Susan Hay was delighted with future Dog Guide Demi when she visited High Park in Toronto to help kick off the national Walk weekend in May. The segment was featured on Global’s six-o-clock news.

Walking for Dog Guides in Calgary

The Calgary Purina® Walk for Dog Guides generated lots of buzz thanks in part to an interview featuring Autism Assistance Dog Guide Sergio and “his boy” Jacob on CTV News. Catch the clip here.

Torch Relay Goes to the Dogs

Dog Guide graduates Bill and Nathalie pass the torch during the ParaPan Am Games torch relayThe Oakville Beaver was there to cover all the highlights as Dog Guides participated in the Parapan Am torch relay in August. The story features interviews with Nathalie and Bill, who carried the torch with their Dog Guides at their sides. Read the story here.

Gibson Guides

Canine Vision graduates Kathy and Gibson made an appearance on CHCH Morning Live to promote the Purina® Walk for Dog Guides in Hamilton, Ont., earlier this summer. Watch the clip here.

Volunteer ProfileEricStepping into retirement to walk future Dog Guides

For years, Eric drove out of downtown Oakville to work and saw Dog Guides on walks with volunteers. Early on, Eric wanted to do something similar when he retired – and he did just that.

Eric has volunteered with the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides for four-and-a-half years. He works primarily with our dogs in the Canine Vision program. Several times a week, he walks CVC dogs, and helps reinforce what they learn in the program. He even comes in on weekends and holidays to walk his canine friends.

Volunteering allows Eric to give back, socialize and help dogs in training. The best part for Eric is seeing the difference Dog Guides make in clients’ lives. “My wife, Mary, and I were at a library in Florida when she pointed out a beautiful Dog Guide with his handler,” said Eric as he reflects on a particularly emotion moment with one of his favorite dogs, Yager. “I suddenly realized it was Yager, and seeing them working together, so far away from home, was sentimental because I saw the difference these dogs make every day.”

Eric says he simply enjoys helping other people, being part of a great organization and seeing clients graduate with their Dog Guides. Eric has also participated three times in the Purina® Walk for Dog Guides in Oakville, in addition to the time he gives as a volunteer.

Eric’s work and friendly presence do not go unnoticed, and we appreciate everything he does for the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.

Dog Guides Out & About

Swim Team Seizure Response Dog Guide Viola keeps her eyes on the pool deck during a recent recreational outing with handler Connor.

History LessonHearing Ear Dog Guide Pesto visits historic site Sainte-Marie among the Hurons in Midland, Ont., with handler Stephanie.

Written in StoneSeizure Response Dog Guide Dixie accompanied Tracey to the Royal Ontario Museum, and checked out the Ancient Cultures wing.

Dog Guide at the FallsJalen and his Autism Assistance Dog Guide Zeppelin take in the view of Horseshoe Falls this summer in Niagara Falls.

Today, Grade 8...Tomorrow, the World Bailey and his Autism Assistance Dog Guide Vosco both looked dapper at Bailey’s grade 8 graduation in June.

Trying Something NewFuture Dog Guide Floral practices riding on escalators with some encouragement from her foster mom.

Not a DalmatianPuppy raiser and firefighter Josh takes Morris for a vist to work.

Game OnPuppy raiser John volunteered with the PanAm Games this summer in Toronto, and got some help from puppy Demi.

Beyond the SeaAndrew shares a moment with Autism Assistance Dog Guide Waylon on Malcolm Island, B.C.

Happiest Place on EarthSeizure Response Dog Guide Fleetwood keeps his cool with booties to protect against the hot pavement at Disney World this summer, with handler Carmen and her son Keegan.

Dog Guide Team Makes the GradeStephen and his Hearing Ear Dog Guide Brooke crossed the stage to receive Stephen’s diploma, a bachelor of science in biology from Nipissing University, this past June. Congratulations, Stephen!

Through Thick and ThinIn the recovery room, Autism Assistance Dog Guide Cash donned hospital scrubs to cheer up his main man Matthew, who was in for surgery.

Dr. Dawg SaysScratch the Itch!

The Dr. Dawg column is written by Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides’ resident veterinarian, Dr. Michelle van Lienden.

All dogs like to have a good scratch every now and then. However, when a dog is incessantly licking, scratching and biting to the point of damaging the skin, this is a symptom of an underlying problem.

Here are some of the most common causes:

Parasites: Don't assume that your dog isn't suffering from parasites just because you can't see them. Fleas are very small and can lay hundreds of eggs in the environment in a short period of time. Some dogs are allergic to the saliva of the bites, and only one flea bite is enough to cause severe symptoms. Other parasites that can make your pet itchy are sarcoptic and demodex mites. These mites are tiny, and can only be seen under a microscope.

Dry skin: Dry winter weather and fatty acid deficiencies can cause your dog’s skin to become flaky and itchy.

Boredom or anxiety: Just as people with anxiety might bite their nails or twirl their hair, dogs can have physical responses to psychological upset, too. In fact, some dogs develop a condition similar to obsessive compulsive disorder. It can manifest itself in scratching, licking or chewing behaviours that can cause severe damage. To prevent this behavior, always make sure your dog receives plenty of exercise, attention and love. It can also be helpful to offer your dog plenty of toys to chew on. This is a great way to keep them occupied and relieve stress.

Allergies: Allergies can be caused by environmental factors such as pollen and dust mites, or by components of your dog's diet. Allergies tend to be chronic. They can be difficult and frustrating to deal with and a combination of therapies is often necessary to keep symptoms under control.

Pain: When trying to determine why your dog is licking and chewing excessively, be sure to consider the possibility that something is making him physically uncomfortable. For example, something as simple as a burr that is stuck in your dog’s coat or a thorn or sharp stone that has injured your dog’s paw could be the problem. Orthopedic problems such as arthritis or panosteitis can also cause your dog to lick in one particular area.

Hormonal imbalances: If your dog's body is not producing enough thyroid hormone or putting out too much cortisol, superficial skin infections can occur. Your dog becomes very prone to bacterial skin infections that reoccur after antibiotics are stopped. A series of blood tests can be done to diagnose these hormonal imbalances.

Make Dog Guides your Charity of Choice through United Way

Did you know that you can designate Lions Foundation of Canada as your charity of choice when you make your United Way donation? Simply contact the United Way and let them know you wish to select Lions Foundation as the recipient of your donation. The registered charity number is 13024 5129 RR0001.

Lions Foundation of Canada is not a United Way agency, and only receives funds designated by donors.

Dog Guides Wish List

The Wish List is a unique way to make a contribution to the Dog Guide program. If you wish to contribute an item or make a donation towards the purchase of an item, please contact Julie Jelinek at: 905-842-2891 Ext. 223 or 800-768-3030 Ext. 223

Walk-in fridge $15,000 Furnishings for new client rooms $10,000 (cost per room with name on a permanent plaque on door) Commercial washer for client bedding $7,500 Two new electric hospital beds for Service rooms $6,000 Puppy jackets $2,500 Heavy duty sewing machine for leather harness repairs $1,000 Laptop for trainers when travelling $900 Grooming blades (each blade) $50

- OTHER ITEMS INCLUDE - Gift cards to grocery stores for food for clients Gift cards to gas stations and office supply stores Canadian Tire money Dog toys - Kongs and Nylabones

Thank you to:The Kravontka Family (AAD Henry)grooming table

Unitronfolding machine

Marlene Creechgift cards

Matt Lawless and friendscargo van

Pet Valu - Fergusdog toys

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING LIONS FOUNDATION OF CANADA DOG GUIDES

Congratulations Graduates Spring – Summer 2015

AAD Graduates Location Sponsors

Max & Boone Caledonia, ON

Aidan & Dollar Gloucester, ON

Isabella & Kadence North York, ON

Evan & Vegas Grimsby, ON

Connor & Bronte Timmins, ON

Jacob & Falcon Brampton, ON

Philip & Saber Ottawa, ON Ajax Lions Club

Megan & Freesia Burlington, ON Fisherville Lions Club

Benjamin & Oakland Winnipeg, MN

Alexander & Mina Oshawa, ON

Taylor & Charlie Scarborogh, ON

Kayetan & Mungo St. Albert, AB Fido

Christopher & Bunker Kleinburg, ON St. David’s Lioness Club

Jack & Quinto Hamilton, ON Beamsville Lions Cllub

Dennis & Pax Toronto, ON Cambridge Highlands Lions Club

Robbie & Pachi Massey Drive, NL

Devon & Nanook Chilliwack, BC

Zane & Indy Surrey, BC

Andrew & Waylen Courtenay, BC

Nathan & Milo Kingston, ON

Miguel & North Sault Ste. Marie, ON

JJ & Reba Maple Ridge, BC Fido

CVC Graduates Location Sponsors

Sandra & Mimi Georgetown, ON Lions Club of Nobleton, ON; Anonymous, ON

Laura & Norma Orillia, ON Paws for a Cause, ON; Oro & District Lions Club, ON

Randy & Leaf Hamilton, ON Lynden Lions Club, ON

Ray & Mac Chilliwack, BC McCormick Canada, ON; Fort Langley Lions Club, BC

Karoline & Fenton Toronto, ON Rob Parker Fundraiser, ON

Ashley & Zoe Lake Echo, NS Truro Lions Club, NS; Jaskula Jarvis Golf & Dine Day, ON

Stephen & August Brantford, ON Tillsonburg Lions Club, ON; Fergus Lions Club, ON

Patti & Clover London, ON Ingersoll Lions Club, ON; Lethbridge Northern 4H Club, AB

David & Delight Elmira, ON Art Woods Rhino Run, ON; Anonymous, ON;

Robert & Poppy Dartmouth, NS Parrsboro Lions Club, NS; Bernace Davies Davison, ON

Renée & Freedom Toronto, ON Newmarket Lioness Club, ON; Ward & Shirley Russell, ON

Gary & Cinder Sudbury, ON Al Rees, ON; Fenwick Lions Club, ON

John & K.C. Flesherton, ON Faye Welsh, ON

DAD Graduates Location Sponsors

Nancy & Lolly Granby, QC Frank Feere, ON

Alexandra & Cinnamon Camrose, AB McCormick Canada, ON; Calgary Mountainview Lions Club, AB

HED Graduates Location Sponsors

Monique & Faith Ottawa, ON Paws for a Cause, ON

Janny & Cadet Saskatoon, SK Dorintosh Lions Club, SK; Shell Lake Lions Club, SK

Manon & Nassau Lac-aux Sables, QC

Cailyn & Okra Ganonoque, ON Pet Valu, ON

Elizabeth & Heart London, ON Anonymous, ON

Melissa & Sage Kingsville, ON McCormick Canada, ON

SD Graduates Location Sponsors

Martie & Cumin Oakville, ON

Douglas & Amelia Toronto, ON

Bonnie & Denise Brantford, ON Mavis Berwick, ON

Correene & Glimmer Victoria, BC Pet Valu, ON

Faith & Brownie Oshawa, ON

SRD Graduates Location Sponsors

Darlene & Rue Victoria, BC

Daniel & Flanders Edmonton, AB Pet Valu, ON

Raven & Boots Victoria, BC Oakville Firefighters’ Calendar

Martha & Quinnah Kitchener, ON Care-Alive, ON

Kevin & Quaffle Barrie, ON Care-Alive, ON

Legacy Leader

“To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, that is to have succeeded.”- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ann Graham’s legacy will live on through a generous gift she bequeathed to Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. Mrs. Graham passed away in 2014, leaving a gift that will ensure the world is a better place for two Canadians who will benefit from the assistance and independence of having a Dog Guide.

The first part of Ms. Graham’s gift has enabled the sponsorship of a Seizure Response Dog Guide, a cause that was close to her heart. This four-legged helper has been named Chimo in Graham’s honour, an Inuit greeting meaning, “welcome,” and a word that holds significance for her whole family. The second part of Ms. Graham’s gift also has a special family connection, and reflects the generous spirit alive and well among her loved ones. The gift covers the costs of training and sponsoring Opal, a future Dog Guide puppy, currently being fostered by Mrs. Graham’s neice Shannon. The name Opal was chosen because it is Mrs. Graham’s birthstone. Through Shannon’s selfless commitment to fostering, and her aunt’s lasting legacy, Opal will grow up to change someone’s life for the better. Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides is incredibly grateful to Mrs. Graham and her family for sharing this legacy with us.

For more information about leaving a legacy gift, please contact Julie at 905.842.2891 Ext. 223 or jjelinek@dogguides.com

An estate or planned gift is probably the most meaningful gift most of us will be able to make. It’s the gift for a lifetime and beyond. You have the ability to improve the lives of many people with disabilities. By including a gift to the Lions Foundation in your will, you are making a difference that will last a lifetime. It’s a simple and impactful way of giving which allows you to leave a larger gift to the Lions Foundation than would be possible during your lifetime. In your will, you can choose to leave the Foundation a specific piece of property, securities, cash or a percentage of your estate. By planning today, you can have a tremendous impact, helping to provide Dog Guides at no cost to people for generations to come. Every gift in every will makes a difference.

Other benefits include: Satisfaction of providing a future gift while retaining control of your assets during your lifetime A charitable tax receipt to your estate Reduction or elimination of estate taxes through careful planning An opportunity to honour or memorialize yourself or a loved one

A bequest may be made in several ways: Percentage bequest - make a gift of a percentage of your estate Specific bequest - make a gift of a specific dollar amount or a specific asset Residual bequest - make a gift from the balance or residue of your estate

By leaving a bequest to the Lions Foundation, after providing for family and loved ones, your support can continue to help the breeding, raising and training of the life-changing Dog Guides who dedicate their lives to helping others. A key part of our donations are through bequests and we rely on these. So whether large or small, your bequest will be valued greatly, because it will change the life of someone with a disability. You will help someone to live more independently and safely while giving a puppy the opportunity to become a Dog Guide - and that's a rather remarkable gift.

Leaving a gift in your will is much easier than you would expect. Speak to your lawyer about drafting or revising your will or adding a codicil. Letting us know that you have made a bequest allows us the opportunity to thank you today and ensure that your gift can accomplish what you would like it to in the future.

If you plan to leave a gift for Lions Foundation of Canada, the legal name for your will is“Lions Foundation of Canada” or “Dog Guides Canada”

The address is 152 Wilson Street, Oakville, Ontario L6K 0G6