With beautiful weather in their favour the Vermilion Lions Club held their annual Walk for Dog Guides event in the picturesque beauty of the Vermilion Provincial Park on Sunday, May 27, as walkers and dogs were chomping at the bit to hit the trails in support of the cause. According to Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, the event has been carried out for more than 32 years, and the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides has been a vital national fundraiser in support of Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. The national events take place in approximately 300 communities across Canada. The Walk raises funds to provide life-changing Dog Guides to Canadians with physical and medical disabilities. A family and dog-friendly event that welcomes participants of all ages and abilities, The Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides rely on the generous support of volunteers, donors, and partners to meet its goal of giving Canadians a new leash on life. Providing specially trained Dog Guides through six distinct programs meeting a wide range of needs, Dog Guides increase the independence, mobility, and safety of their handlers. One-hundred percent of the funds raised go towards the training and placement of Dog Guides, and since 1985 they have raised more than $15 million. Regardless of the approximate $25,000 expense, it takes to raise, train, and place each dog; each eligible Canadian receives a dog guide at no cost to them. “ We have been doing the walk here in Vermilion for the past nine years and have raised approximately $27,000; that’s the equivalent of one dog raised, trained and placed. I am very happy for all the help from Justin Thompson, Kirby Whitlock and the members of the Lions Club in organizing the walk. I am thankful for all the supporters that came out; this dog walk is very special to me,” said Jimmy Cryderman, Lions Club member and organizer of the Walk for Dog Guides.