CALEB NICKERSON
SHAWVILLE May 26, 2019
A group of Pontiacers and their canine pals gathered at the Shawville Fairgrounds on Sunday morning to raise money for a non-profit that benefits people and animals. The second annual Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides was organized by Shawville resident Chelsea Smith, who explained that the walk benefits the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, whose purpose is to train assistance dogs for people with a wide range of difficulties, from impaired vision to diabetes.
Smith said that her interest in supporting the program came after she applied for a dog herself.
“At one point in time I was in need of a dog to go to college because I was having multiple seizures a day and I couldn’t do anything without worrying about… just the what ifs,” she said, noting that the seizures stopped abruptly and she ended up not needing the canine. “I opted out. I still have the paperwork in case I ever need one.”
She said that organizing a local walk, with the help of the Shawville Lions Club, was her way of putting something back into the program that she might have relied on.
“It was a way to give back, I’ve only ever been to the event in Renfrew,” she said. “It’s something that’s really needed in the area. Last year’s was our starting event, and with the response we got last year, we decided to keep it going. It was pretty successful.”
The route took participants across the fairgrounds and west along the PPJ where they had the option to walk as far as they pleased. Smith said that there was a water station set up at the two kilometre mark, but walkers were free to venture further. Members of the Shawville Lions were posted up at the fairground entrance, doling out hotdogs and hamburgers to anyone that worked up an appetite on the trail.
Prior to setting off, the group heard from two locals who had their lives changed through the program. First up was Davidson resident Jim Coffey, who attended the run with his son Taïgan and Taïgan’s assistance dog Comet.
“He’s an autism assistance dog, so he helps our son in many different ways,” said Coffey, who credited his son’s four-legged companion with improving his communication skills, as well as providing comfort and companionship.
Coffey spoke highly of the care provided by the Lions, and said that it was important to spread the word about such an important service.
“This program literally changes and saves lives across Canada and we are very, very grateful,” he said.
Next up was Shawville resident Mike Hodgins, along with his guide dog Nellie, a 10-year-old Golden Retriever. Hodgins is blind and Nellie helps him maintain some of his independence, helping navigate to the post office, the bank or along the PPJ.
Hodgins added that next year he will have to return to the Dog Guide’s training facility in Orangeville, Ont., to recruit a new service dog as Nellie reaches the end of her professional career.
“This time next year she will be retiring,” he said. “She’ll be able to take off the harness and just become a regular pet around the house.”
Hodgins said that the process takes about three weeks, in order to bond with the new dog and get it used to his voice and hand signals.
