Puppy power earns big bucks for Dog Guides

Jillisa Finn-Fraser with Jazzy and Darwin with Michelle Fraser at the
third annual Pincher Creek Purina Walk for Dogs
T. Lucas photos

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

The third annual Purina Walk For Dog Guides in Pincher Creek happened on the afternoon of Sunday, May 4, 2013.  Big dogs and little pups walked toward the goal of earning money for the training of special guide dogs.

Doris Rowledge and Fay Jenkins at the gift table

Bill Brown with Jax, David Zech with Indiana, and Calvin DeWit with Breyer 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.

David Zech with Indy, Bill Brown with Jax, Calvin DeWit with Breyer

This year there a number of working dogs and dogs in training participated.  Jazzy is in training to become a diabetic alert dog with foster owner Jillisa Finn-Fraser.  Michelle Fraser walked with Darwin, a mental health dog in training.   The dogs have been placed with these ladies through the Hope Heals Service Dog Team Building Institute (HHSDTBI).  HHSDTBI supports Albertans with disabilities to work within their strengths to train their own service dog in the Edmonton, Calgary and Medicine Hat areas.

Tamie Bene, Carrie Kinahan, Gucci

Tamie Bene had her special skills service dog, Gucci and her sister Carrie Kinahan with her on the walk.  Due to a skiing accident Bene has been restricted to a wheelchair.  Gucci is her second service dog and has been with her for two years.  Her first service dog Nike retired after the dog had a heart attack.  "When Nike went down, I was lost," said Bene.  "It was like a part of me was missing.  They are more than a pet, they give me complete independence, and the confidence to go out."  She added that with both dogs she has had "The companionship has been incredible."

Loretta Packham (Mrs. P)  with Izzie, Heidi, and Kattie

Local Walk Chairman Earl Johnson of the Cowley Lions was thrilled with the response to the event.  "It has been an excellent turnout.  We would like to thank everybody who participated in every way, shape and form."  Johnson said that even though the pledges were still being handed in, the Lions had already collected close to $9,000 with approximately 40 dogs participating in the walk.

Aynsley with Kelly Nelson and Roscoe and Kokanee

On the way out the door participants got to collect a 'doggie swag bag' of goodies donated from local and national sponsors.

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.

Final proceeds go toward the raising, training and placement of six different types of guide dogs:   Canine vision, hearing ear, autism assistance, seizure response, special skills and diabetic alert.

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

Arne Thomsen and Jim Johnson relaxing after their hot dog duties