Annual Purina Walk for Dog Guides held on a sunny Sunday

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Chinook

There was no discrimination apparent as working class dogs set out with pampered pooches for the second annual Purina Walk For Dog Guides on the afternoon of Sunday, May 6.  Big and little, perky pups and wiser older dogs all padded along towards the goal of earning money for the training of special guide dogs.

Bill Brown with Jax, David Zech with Indiana, and Calvin DeWit with Briar all came from Lethbridge to join in the walk.  These gentlemen live with their working seeing-eye dogs.  Each of their dogs were trained in Oakville, Ontario.

Bill Brown with Jax, David Zech with Indiana, and Calvin DeWit with Briar
T. Lucas photos

Brown said that their dogs "show everyone where the money goes," while DeWit joked "I don't see where the money goes."  On a more serious note, DeWit added, "I've done so well this year, this is to give back for my dog."  DeWit raised $2,200 for this years walk, approximately $600 more than he had in pledges last year.

Cindy Mauthe with Ruger, Ashley Mauthe with Pax, and Karina Cail with Scruffy
T. Lucas photo

Another working dog on the jaunt was Ruger, a Canadian search and rescue dog walking with Cindy Mauthe.  "He's not working right now," Mauthe said, inviting me to pet Ruger.  Ruger and his brother Scruffy were happy to be out in the sunshine with each other and their four legged friend Pax.

Loretta Packham with Izzie and Heidi

Local Walk Chairman Earl Johnson was thrilled with the response.  "It has been an excellent turnout.  Already the total is well over last year.  We would like to thank the volunteers, sponsors, donors, walkers, and everybody who helped to make today a great success."

Shannon "Shootin' the Breeze" Robin and Jinger
T. Lucas photo

Lions George Dowson and Jim Johnson
manning the BBQ

George Dowson, Jim Johnson, and Arnie Nelson were kept busy feeding all the participants once they were done the walk. Humorously enough, the menu included hot dogs. On the way out the door participants got to collect a 'doggie swag bag' of goodies donated from local and national sponsors.

Rayanne Stewart, Happy, and Romeo

Three local Lions Clubs were hosting the event, including the Cowley Lions, the Pincher-Cowley Roaring Lions, and the Pincher Creek Lions.  Support also came from the Lions Clubs in Blairmore and Coleman.  The final proceeds go toward the raising, training and placement of five different types of guide dogs:   Canine vision, hearing ear, autism assistance, seizure response, and special skills.

100% of donations to the Purina walk go towards the cause.