Canine Courier February 2016
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PUPPY L0VE and they called it DONATE N W Canine Courier February 2016 LIONS FOUNDATION OF CANADA DOG GUIDES Graduates’ Corner This new feature brings our graduates a tail-wagging message from the Client Services’ desk. Read what Grads need to know Graduate Update: Martha & Quinnah Martha has never been one to let a challenge stand in her way. Now with a Seizure Response Dog Guide named Quinnah by her side, “nothing is off limits.” Read their story on page 3 Dog Guides Happenings It was another year of posive new beginnings for Canadians matched with Dog Guides in 2015. Now, thanks to your support, this year is off to a strong start. See what else is happening
Transcript of Canine Courier February 2016
PUPPY L0VEand they called it
DONATEN W
Canine CourierFebruary 2016LIONS FOUNDATION OF CANADA DOG GUIDES
Graduates’ Corner
This new feature brings our graduates a tail-wagging message
from the Client Services’ desk.Read what Grads need to know
Graduate Update: Martha & Quinnah
Martha has never been one to let a challenge stand in her way. Now with a Seizure Response Dog Guide named
Quinnah by her side, “nothing is off limits.”Read their story on page 3
Dog Guides Happenings
It was another year of positive new beginnings for Canadians matched with Dog Guides in 2015. Now, thanks to your support, this year is off to a strong start.
See what else is happening
Canine CourierTable of Contents
Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides152 Wilson St. Oakville, ON L6K 0G6
(905)842-2891 • (800)768-3030PURINA® WALK FOR DOG GUIDES: Merilyn - Ext. 231 [email protected]: Julie - Ext. 223 [email protected] FOR A DOG GUIDE: Megan - Ext. 222 [email protected]: Emelia - Ext. 226 [email protected]
www.dogguides.com
February 2016
Congrats Grads
Ask Dr. Dawg
18
16
22
17
Legacy Leader
Wish List &Nersery News3
Graduate Update
Barking News
6Dog Guides Happenings
11
10
4
14
Out & About
Graduates’ Corner
Purina® Walk for Dog GuidesAmazing Donors
13
Meet the Trainer
12
15Volunteer Profile
Graduate UpdateMartha & Quinnah
Martha has never been one to let a challenge stand in the way of reaching a goal. “I’m a really independent person,” stresses the Kitchener, Ont. resident. So it’s hardly surprising that living with epilepsy hasn’t stopped the young entrepreneur from travelling the globe, living on her own, and starting her own company.
“I found, though, that I was avoiding certain situations without even realizing it,” she reflects. “Simple things, like getting up in the morning and walking to the grocery store – there was this fear of having a seizure, so I wouldn’t do it.” Diagnosed with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy around age 14, the condition was something she’d learn to deal with. But after a particularly difficult New Year’s Eve two years ago in which she experienced multiple seizures in one day and faced a lengthy recovery, Martha decided there had to be better ways to deal with it. “I was doing research online when I found Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides’ website,” she says. Last spring, she met Quinnah, her Seizure Response Dog Guide.
During the first week of her handlers’ training in Oakville, she describes a
surreal experience. Having just been matched with her Dog Guide, she was working one-on-one with the trainers.
“I had to mimic having a seizure so Quinnah could respond to it,” she says. “So my sister was helping me do this since it’s hard to tell what your own seizures look like, and all of the sudden, Quinnah starts barking. She did exactly what she’d been trained to do, and I thought right there, ‘I have this amazing new way to live my life.’”
The benefits Quinnah brings are thanks to her training – she watches over Martha, ready to react to the onset of a seizure. She goes everywhere with Martha so that if a seizure does occur, she will bark for help. But other benefits have been less expected. “I definitely have workaholic tendencies
– not always sleeping enough, or letting my stress levels get too high
– and these things are not good for my epilepsy,” Martha says. “Quinnah makes it necessary for me to take a break and have downtime.”
As the team approaches its first anniversary this spring, Martha is still as independent as ever, but now has a constant companion who keeps her safe. “Every day I feel this weight has lifted. With Quinnah by my side, nothing is off limits.”
Dog Guide Quinnah was provided to Martha thanks to a sponsorship by Care-Alive, the Caroline Cunningham Foundation for Epilepsy, which is dedicated to supporting people with epilepsy and their families.
Entrepreneurial Grad Strikes Work-Life
Balance with Dog Guide
Take me out to the ballgame: Martha and her Dog Guide Quinnah cheered on the Blue Jays last fall
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Happenings Dog
Gu
ides
New Beginnings
David walks with his new Canine Vision Dog Guide, Doyle, in Oakville before returning home to Lethbridge, Alta.
in December.
It was another year of positive new chapters for Canadians who were matched with Dog Guides in 2015. Thanks to the support of thousands of donors from coast to coast, Lions Foundation is able to meet its mission of providing these life-changing dogs at no cost to those who benefit from their assistance. On behalf of everyone at Lions Foundation, and all our graduates, thank you!
Puppy BoomJanuary seemed to be the Month of the Puppy, with 29 future Dog Guides born in one week alone. Now into February, the puppy boom doesn’t seem to be slowing down, keeping our intrepid Puppy Program staff on their toes!
Check out page 17 for all the latest Nursery News.
Proud mama Haiku gave birth to seven puppies the first week of February
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Happenings Dog
Gu
ides
This year’s auction has an exciting twist: it’s going online so supporters across Canada can get in on the fun! Stay Home and Bid is an auction without an event component, and will instead invite you to get in on the action from the comfort of your home. Each week in April, new items will be up for bid, and a new set of winners announced.
Lions Foundation is currently seeking items to auction off, all in support of Dog Guides’ programming. If you have an item, an experience, or even if you’ve accumulated rewards points, Lions Foundation would be grateful to receive donations from across our country. Suggested items include electronics, wine, dining gift cards to restaurants with locations across Canada, or jewelry.
To donate please contact Emelia Froom at 905.842.2891 ext. 223, or [email protected]
See the website or watch your inbox for more details.
Diabetic Alert Program Grows
Graduates from the most recent Diabetic Alert class train with their Dog Guides
In 2013, Dog Guides introduced its sixth program. It was developed to assist people with type 1 diabetes with hypoglycemic unawareness. Now two years old, this program is well established, and helping to improve life for more and more people across Canada who are in danger of experiencing blood-sugar lows without any physiological cues to alert them to these lows. The most recent Diabetic Alert class graduated last week. For more information about the Diabetic Alert program, visit here.
Foster Pups Take Over the Six
Foster families raising the next generation of Dog Guides organized an annual outing to the Toronto Eaton Centre during the holiday season. This is the 13th year in a row the excursion to the shopping and tourist destination has taken place, and more than 40 Dog Guide puppies (and a few graduates, too) made it out. Thank you to all the puppy raisers who contribute so much of their time, love, and support to Dog Guides.
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Amazing DonorsA Regal Gift
Last summer, Lions Foundation received a phone call from an amazing woman who wanted to make a difference in someone's life.
Marion Davidson's goal was to cover the complete costs of breeding, training and matching a Canine Vision Dog Guide, and through a post-retirement job with Regal Gifts, a national catalogue company, she had saved $25,000 to do just that.
Later this year, her goal will be fully realized, and Marion will meet the Dog Guide team whose partnership her wonderful donation enabled.
You can read more about Marion and her incredible contribution here.
The Sound of Support
When it comes to enhancing people's ability to hear the world around them, Unitron and Lions Foundation share the same values. That's why the company, which designs and manufactures hearing instruments, is a lead supporter of Dog Guides' Hearing Ear program. Unitron also makes a difference through volunteering, which brings its staff up close and personal with the causes they support. In January they visited the training school to help keep the kennels spick and span, bathe and groom Dog Guides in training, and spruce up the grounds before winter settles in. Thank you, Unitron!
Unitron staff take a quick break to play with two Dog Guides in training during a recent volunteer day
Marion with Future Dog Guide Yedi
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Amazing DonorsTobah Rabah, Nathan
Nathan with his Dog Guide, Morty, and Sniffles, the Autism Assistance Dog Guide his donation is supporting
Instead of gifts for his milestone Bar Mitzvah, Nathan requested donations be made towards the sponsorship of an Autism Assistance Dog Guide. He wanted another boy and his family to experience the same sort of safety and support he's had with his Dog Guide, Morty. After the big event, Lions Foundation received a donation from Nathan and his family that covers the $12,000 sponsorship of a future Autism Assistance team. Thank you to Nathan for his amazing generosity and compassion!
Training in Style
Recent cold weather provided an opportunity to road-test the latest gift to LFC Dog Guides. Greenhawk has generously donated jackets from the Shedrow K9 line to keep Dog Guides in training warm while working with their trainers outdoors. Poodles Vita (Hearing Ear program), Olga (future
Service Dog Guide) and Vernon (a Canine Vision Dog Guide in training) were happy to pose in their new threads.
Vet Clinic gets Big Boost from
Boehringer
Boehringer Brand manager Karen Klassen was visited by Morris, a
future Dog Guide
It's crucial that Dog Guide puppies and Dog Guides in training receive the best care possible. Thanks to Boehringer Ingelheim Canada Ltd., LFC Dog Guides is getting major support in doing just that. The company has made an outstanding contribution to our veterinary clinic by donating vaccines and certain medicines for roughly 400 puppies and dogs in training - enough to supply LFC for an entire year!
To learn more about Boehringer Ingelheim Ltd.'s contributions and
commitments, visit here.
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Amazing DonorsPJs Pets
PJs staff including Frank Linhart, Amy Young, Jennifer Innes & Tammy Johnson pose with LFC staff and
Dog Guides in training
PJ’s Pets and its family of stores (including Oliver Pets & Co., and Petculture) recently presented Lions Foundation with the results of their annual in-store fundraising campaign, which took place last November. The gift amounted to a wonderful $13,719 to support Dog Guides Autism Assistance and Diabetic Alert programs.
Our thanks to everyone at PJs Pets and its customers for this significant contribution, and their continued support!
Pet Valu
Michael with his Diabetic Alert Dog Guide, Nico. The team is one of the most recent to be
sponsored by Pet Valu
Pet Valu (which includes Paulmac’s and Bosley’s stores) has been a wonderful supporter of Dog Guides programming, sponsoring a total of 21 graduating teams so far. Most recently, they sponsored two west-coast graduates in the Diabetic Alert program, and past sponsorships have supported teams in all programs, and from all regions of Canada.
Thank you to Pet Valu for its continued commitment to our graduates!
There are other ways PJ’s Pets and Pet Valu (and their families of stores) support our grads. See page 10 for a cool way to save on purchases for your Dog Guide!
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Amazing Donors
A Cause for Country, Saturday, April 16th Edmonton, Alta.
This concert is sure to delight country music fans, and with funds supporting Dog Guides, how can you go wrong?
The show will feature performances by headliner Cory Marquardt, with Steve Newsome, Outlaw Matty Rose and Maddison Krebs. The organizers of the show know firsthand what a Dog Guide can do – their family is the recipient of an Autism Assistance Dog Guide.
If you’re in the Edmonton area, purchase tickets here.
Check out these upcoming events and fundraising initiatives to get inspired or get involved:
Hairless for Hearing, March 13th Barrie Vision Gala, May 16th Garrett McRae Foundation online fundraiser
It Takes a Village...Supporters of Dog Guides are always coming up with inventive, inspiring ways to raise funds, and provide more Dog Guides. Watch this space for the latest events across Canada that you may wish to support.
Special Thanks
Thank you to the organizations and foundations listed below who recently made generous donations to support Lions Foundation’s mission.
Foundations supporting:• The Leonard and Gabryela Osin Foundation • The Fenella Foundation • President's Choice Children's Charity • Halton Helping Hands • Kreiner Family Fund
Corporate supporters:• Boehringer Canada Ltd.• Pet Valu and Bosley’s• PJ’s Pets• Toronto Airline Operators• Unitron Hearing
Dog Guide Sponsorships
You can make a tangible difference in the life of a Canadian with a physical or medical disability through sponsoring a Dog Guide team. Now more than ever, the Autism Assistance program is in need of support. Autism Assistance Dog Guides become constant companions and provide important safety for children on the autism spectrum – a difference the entire family benefits from.
For more information about the Autism Assistance program, visit here.
To learn more about sponsorships, visit here.
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Graduates CornerA Message from the Client Services Desk
Be Prepared! If you haven’t already, consider making an emergency preparedness kit for your Dog Guide. The government suggests that all Canadians be able to “shelter in place” for up to 72 hours in case of an emergency. Pack a duffle bag that you can keep in a convenient location with everything you would need to care for your dog. Your kit should include copies of your vaccination records, ID card and condition of placement. It should also include a supply of food, medication and water. Remember to rotate the food with a fresh supply every two months. Keep in mind that in the event of an emergency evacuation, your Dog Guide must go with you to the evacuation centre. Stay safe and be prepared!
As always, you can reach Client Services by contacting Megan Stewart.
Discounts for GradsPet Valu and PJ’s Pets are wonderful supporters of Dog Guides programming. Now, they’re sharing the love with our graduates even more by each offering a discount of 10% on all items in stores! The discounts apply at each’s family of stores as well, which means Dog Guides grads can now enjoy savings at the following locations:
• Pet Valu and its family of stores including Paulmac’s and Bosley’s **discount will be applied after a one-time sign-up using your client ID card.
• PJ’s Pets and its family of stores including PetCulture and Oliver Pets & Co.
Thank you to Pet Valu and PJ’s Pets for extending these savings!
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Out & About Dog
Gu
ides
Ground Control to Major Dog
Faith and her Service Dog Guide Brownie met astronaut, author, musician and all-around amazing Canadian Chris Hadfield at an in-store event last fall.
Those Are Funny-Looking Dogs
Future Dog Guide Felton got a glimpse of two officers from the Toronto Police Service Mounted Unit this winter. Look at that composure!
Subterranean Dog Guide
Hearing Ear graduate Andrea explores the Luray Caverns in Virginia along with her daughter and her Dog Guide, Adison.
A Whole New World
Jalen and his Autism Assistance Dog Guide Zeppelin got to meet Princess Jasmine and Aladdin on a family trip to Disney World this winter.
Lest We Forget
Beaches Lions Club president and Canine Vision graduate Karoline participated in a Toronto-area Remembrance Day ceremony with Dog Guide Fenton at her side.
Close Encounters
Dog Guide puppies Wafer and Zach will be well prepared, should they encounter any yetis in their future careers.
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Meet the TrainerSarah Trainer, Autism Assistance program
Sarah with Dog Guide Freesia and friends during a taping of TVO Kids’ Now You Know. The episode featuring Dog Guides airs in March.
Sarah’s work prepares dogs to be Autism Assistance Dog Guides. These specially trained canines provide safety and companionship to children on the autism spectrum, and become a vital part of the support system for the child’s parents or caregivers.
“One of the best parts of the job is seeing the ways Dog Guides transform families,” she says. “A parent might say to me at first, ‘my child won’t do that,’ or ‘that will never work for us.’ Then I follow up with them after some time has passed, and they tell me excitedly, ‘Guess what my child did!’” she says. “It’s a great feeling.”
Sarah’s journey with Dog Guides began with a high school co-op placement when she was just 17 years old. “I went to an Open House [at the training centre] where I spoke to one of the trainers, and asked a ton of questions,” she says. “I was very focused.” That focus paid off, and after her co-op stint ended, Sarah landed a job working in the kennels, and later, with the Foster Puppy Program.
Those stepping stones developed her professionalism, and paved the way for a career working as a trainer in the Hearing Ear program, which followed the completion of a three-year apprenticeship with Dog Guides. Then in 2009, with the launch of the Autism Assistance program, exciting new opportunities beckoned.”
Ongoing learning is a big part of the job. “I’m always making myself more aware,” she says. “I’ll attend conferences, health fairs, and read everything I can to learn more about autism and how it affects families.”
One of the biggest lessons learned? “Patience is so important, and not just when you’re working with dogs,” she says. “When helping parents learn to work with their Dog Guides, you’re helping them be strong leaders, and we don’t get it overnight. Every day is something new.”
To learn more about the Autism Assistance program, visit here. If you’d like to support the training of Autism Assistance Dog Guides, you can specify that you’d like your funds directed to the program when making a donation.
Growing up, Sarah was sure of two things: she wanted to be a mother, and she wanted to work with animals. Today, she’s accomplished that and more, with a young family and an established career training dogs to help other families.
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Lions Foundation Barking News
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Students and Dogs Learn Valuable Lessons
The University of Guelph’s publication The Ontarion has taken notice of all the adorable pups in green jackets on campus, and recently featured an interview with Kristina Seidel, a student, puppy raiser, and president of the University of Guelph Campus Lions Club.
Check out the full feature here.
Dog Guide Helps Surrey Boy Face Life with Autism
A Surrey, B.C. family received an amazing gift last year, just in time for the holidays. Read about Zane and his Autism Assistance Dog Guide, Indy, and hear about how life has changed for the whole family, thanks to Indy.
The interview in Vancouver Metro features insights from Zane’s mom, Karolyn.
Tiny Township Takes the Plunge
Once again, the Tiny Township Lions Club braved the icy waters of Georgian Bay to raise funds for LFC. The New Year’s Day plunge is becoming an annual event that raises funds and awareness for the work of the foundation.
If you can brave the chill see all the photos here.
Maclean’s Cool Job Series
Maclean’s magazine runs a regular feature called Cool Jobs, which features a Q-and-A with people across Canada who have – you guessed it – cool jobs! Last November, LFC’s own Angela Bentivegna, who trains Hearing Ear Dog Guides, was featured. Check out the interview and video here.
“ Kiwi is an extension of my arms and legs - she’s my
canine personal support worker!
Kiwi picks up items for me, opens doors, gives money to
store clerks if I can’t reach the counter, and even helps with
the laundry.
Because of the Purina ® Walk for Dog Guides
and the generosity of Canadians, I have Kiwi as a teammate,
and a constant companion.” – Graduate Tammy,
with Service Dog Guide Kiwi
Your participation in the Walk will support more wonderful partnerships. Help ensure Canadians can benefit from a new leash on life, and can be matched with life-changing Dog Guides like Kiwi.
The weather outside may be frightful, but spring is right around the corner, and that means Walk season is upon us. (Hurrah!) Now’s the time for Walk organizers to register their details online, and start spreading the word in their communities. For Walk participants, we hope you’ll get a jump-start on your fundraising efforts by signing up early and encouraging friends, family, coworkers and neighbours to get in on the fun and support the Walk, too.
This year, we all share in the ambitious goal of surpassing last year’s fundraising record, and are motivated to support Lions Foundation’s mission of giving Canadians a new leash on life. That’s the Walk’s tagline, and this year’s promotional materials feature a team that embodies its message: Brampton, Ont.’s Tammy with her Service Dog Guide, Kiwi. (That’s them pictured here.)
Be sure to follow Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides on Facebook for updates, inspiration, and materials you’re welcome to share with your own networks.
Visit the recently-revamped Walk website for more information or to register, and – as always – you can get in touch with Walk Manager Merilyn Lethbridge for further details: www.purinawalkfordogguides.com
1 (800) 768-3030 Ext. 231 or [email protected]
Get Ready for the
2016
Your participation in the Walk will support more wonderful partnerships. Help ensure Canadians can benefit from a new leash on life, and can be matched with life-changing Dog Guides like Kiwi.
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Volunteer ProfileLinda, puppy raiserPuppy Love and a Cross-Canada Connection
Raising future Dog Guides is hard work, and perhaps the toughest aspect is knowing you will eventually say goodbye. Puppy raisers are able to look past the sadness, however, and see that they are actually contributing something wonderful to a future partnership.
Linda is someone who knows this very well. After retiring from a career as a special education teacher in 2010, she knew she still had a lot to give. In 2013, she found “the most incredible volunteer work imaginable.” That year, she fostered her first puppy. This year, she is raising her fourth.
“I’ve often said to my husband, Bill, that I’ve come to realize the power of a puppy,” Linda says. “You never know what that stranger you meet in the mall or grocery store may be dealing with, but when they set eyes on the puppy in its Future Dog Guide jacket, they inevitably smile.”
Linda and her family open their home to these playful future Dog Guides, reinforcing basic training, providing opportunities for socialization, and ensuring the pups meet several milestones on their paths to becoming working dogs.
Recently, Linda had the chance to see her hard work come full circle. Her second puppy, Yoshi, a female Labrador retriever,
graduated in the Hearing Ear program, and was matched with Catherine, a resident of Victoria, B.C.
Yoshi is now living and working across the country, but the distance didn’t prevent Linda and Catherine from forming a unique bond; after all, Linda had raised the puppy who is now a fully trained Dog Guide, and Catherine’s link to the world of sound. Thanks to social media, Linda was able to share Yoshi’s early life with Catherine; and Catherine, in turn, could send updates on the progress she was making with Yoshi.
“The outstanding pride and joy I feel, having been a part of this fabulous team coming together fills my heart,” says Linda.
“Seeing Catherine with Yoshi … is what keeps me going, and reminds me that this truly is the most incredible volunteer work I could ever do!”
For Catherine, the feeling is mutual. “I have learned just how much love, devotion, commitment and caring these foster families and all those involved [in a future Dog Guide’s upbringing and training] have contributed,” she says. “This has truly touched me, and through Yoshi, my life has been made easier.”
Yoshi with Catherine Linda says goodbye to Yoshi
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Is my dog fit... or fat?
Obesity is an escalating global problem in humans.
Although some medical conditions such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease can cause obesity, the vast majority of dogs are overweight because they simply get fed too much. All the extra calories that are not needed by the body are stored as fat.
Unfortunately, society has ingrained the fact that fat dogs are normal. There are even overweight dogs used in television commercials. Society has been trained to see a heavy dog as healthy. But overweight dogs are anything but healthy. Obesity can predispose a dog to many health problems such as heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and cancer.
When you want to determine if your dog’s weight is within the normal range, it is important to consider the dog’s body structure. The emphasis should be placed on the body conditions score, rather than a certain number on the scales. An ideal body condition score will be the following: the individual ribs can be felt easily with one finger while sliding down the dog’s body. The ribs should be covered by a thin layer of fat. If you can see the ribs, the dog is too skinny, but if you have difficulty feeling the ribs, your dog is overweight.
The other indicator is a dog’s waistline, or lack thereof. The waist should be thinner than the chest and the dog should have an hourglass shape when you look down from above.
The easiest way to help your pet lose weight is to initially reduce food intake by about 10 to 20 per cent. If your dog is receiving a lot of treats or table scraps, you should stop this. Try setting aside some of your dog’s regular food and use this as treats instead. For most overweight dogs, it is safe to lose about 1 to 2 per cent of their body weight per week. Another option is to use a special weight-loss diet food.
The weight loss diets contain less calories so you can feed a slightly larger amount of food when compared to the regular diet.
Of course, it is very important to increase the exercise level as well and take your dog for extra walks to increase his metabolism and build muscle. Being lean can add years to a dog’s life, but being obese can cause lots of health problems and joint pain. Our dogs can’t join a gym or eat better on their own. It is our responsibility to make healthy choices on their behalf.
The Dr. Dawg column is written by Lions Foundation of Canada
Dog Guides’ resident veterinarian, Dr. Michelle van Lienden.Dr. DawgAsk
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For Dog Guides in training• Crates $2,000• Haltis $1,900• Harnesses for AAD $1,500• Harnesses for DAD $600• Martingales, medium and large $500• Wet dry vacuum for kennel $150• Treat pouches $100• Set of clippers and blades $100• Grooming blades (each blade) $50• Stainless steel dog bowls, large $15• Bleach • Dishwasher machine detergent • Dish soap • Liquid laundry detergent • Dog shampoo - aloe & oatmeal • Mops and squeegees • Dog toys:
� Kongs – mainly large and xlarge � Kong Goodie Bones (Xtreme) � Kong Xtreme Balls � Kong Wubba
• Dog treats: � Nylabones – Super Chew � Nylabones – Durable Chew � Antlers
For clients in training• Flights from any location in Canada $700ea• 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 Dog rooms $6,000• Gift cards to grocery stores for meals for clients• Gift cards to gas stations• Canadian Tire Money• Rewards points
For the officePrinting of one set of brochures $1,000Photocopy paper, 8½” x 11”Gift cards to office supply stores For the buildingsWasher and dryer (new) for both kennels $1,500Paw safe ice melter for both locations
Nursery NewsNovember 2016 - February 2016
Sweet dreams: six-week old poodles sleep soundly last December
Pippi and Roblin welcomed 8 standard poodle puppies on Nov. 5th Mettie and Ripken welcomed 4 Labrador retriever puppies on Dec. 8th Nayla and Poncho had 9 Labrador retriever puppies on Dec. 9th Sarabi and Ripken welcomed 6 Labrador retriever puppies on Dec. 13th Wavey and Petro had 8 standard poodle pups on Jan. 3rd (New Year’s Puppies!) Iris and Indie welcomed 10 Labrador-golden-retriever cross puppies on Jan. 15th Waffle and Prince had 10 Labrador retriever pups on Jan. 16th Diva and Holden welcomed 9 Labrador retriever puppies on Jan. 21st Haiku and Ripken welcomed 7 Labrador retriever puppies on Feb. 4th
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AAD Graduates Location SponsorsAiden & Sniffles Port Alberni, BC Nathan Severin, FLAlexandre & Carter St.Alberts AB Anthony & Coral Winnipeg, MB Cyrus & Iroko Riverview, NB Dane & Scaler Kamloops BC Hayden & Uxley Fort St. John BC Jack & Garson Hamilton, ON Jack & Jenson Kitchener, ON Kitchener & Galt Cambridge Lions ClubJade & Geo Calgary, AB Jakob & Birch Kamloops, BC Karli & Zimba Cornwall ON Keagan & Emmett New Glasgow, NS Liam & Arran Kitchener, ON Maitlyn & Yeager Milton ON Marco & Kleo Calgary, AB Mason & Bernie Abbotsford, BC Matthew & Kermit Douglas, NB Max & Garmin Caledonia, ON Navin & T.O. Milton ON MDA LionsNoah & Dixie Calgary AB Olivia & Jovi Courtenay, BC Sofia & Goldie London, ON Sophia & Calla Langley, BC Sylas & Ibsen Oshawa, ON Terry & Badge Markham, ON
Fall & Winter 2015
CongratulationsGraduates
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CVC Graduates Location SponsorsBlythe & Nixie Caledon, ON New Hamburg Lions Club, ONCathy & Reena Charlottetown, PE North Rustico Lions Club, PEI; Louise Spicer, ONColin & Roger Hamilton, ON Long Point Lions (ON) / Josiane Decloet-Baelen (ON)David & Doyle Lethbridge, AB Lethbridge Kennel (AB) / Leduc Lions Club (AB)Donald & Griff Owen Sound, ON Valerie Jean Griffiths, ONFrank & Larkin Charlottetown, PE Gail & Merry Vernon, BC Deb Cserhalmi ON, Pet Valu ON; Gary & Quester Brandon, MB Theresa Perrier (MB) / Pet Valu (four locations) (MB)Jean & Urban Kitchener, ON Kitchener Lions Club (ON) / Bernace Davies (ON)Jennifer & Potter Stratford, PE Pet Valu, ON, Kingston Lions Club, NSLaura & Anouk Cobourg, ON Shannon & Neva Victoria, BC Tom Moreau and Diane Brockman, ON; Mayne Island Lions Club, BCSteve & Norway Brighton, ON Jim and Nancy Moore, ONWayne & Crumpet St. Stephen, NB Riverview Lioness Club (NB) / Susan & John McCracken (NB)William & Couper Lethbridge, AB Lethbridge Kennel (AB) / Marilyn Couperthwaite (ON)
DAD Graduates Location SponsorsBob & Cleo Surrey, BC Pet ValuCéline & Daisy Saint-Philippe, QC Parkdale-Sherwood Lions ClubHailey & Quatchi Humbolt, SK Richmound Lions (SK)Mary & Yolanda Etobicoke, ON Stamford Lioness (ON)Megan & Juno Campbell River, BC Humphrey Law (ON)Michael & Nico Burnaby, BC Pet ValuPatrick & Charm Toronto, ON Karen Feikema (ON)Rebeca & Hana Windsor, ON Pet ValuSally & York Lestock, SK MDA Lions
Special thanks to Pet Valu and Bosley’s for supporting a record 9 graduates during the fall and winter.
Fall & Winter 2015
CongratulationsGraduates
Canine Courier • 19
HED Graduates Location SponsorsCari & Yona Armstrong, BC Nanoose Bay Lions (BC)Carolyn & Flame Oakville, ON Pet ValuCassie & Ursa Niagara Falls, ON Bernace Davies (ON)Catherine & Yoshi Victoria, BC Kelowna Okanagan Mission Lions (BC)Cindy & Jem Ile Des Chenes, MB Melita & Area Lions (MB)Elmer & Gordie Victoria, BC Vancouver Champlain Heights (BC) / Goulds Leo Club (BC)Genevieve & Paddy Acton, ON Courtice Lions Club (ON) Jennifer & Kesha Rossendale, MB East St. Paul Lions (MB) / Pet ValuJerry & Ultra Winnipeg, MB Leduc Lions Club (AB) / Pet Valu (four locations MB),Karen & Irie Seaforth, ON Seafourth Lions (ON), Diane Parker (ON)Ken & Yuki Sannichton, BC Salt Spring Island Lons (BC)Owen & Ortiz Davidson, SK Dodsland Lions (SK) & Regina Central Lions (SK)Rick & Yasmine St. Catharines, ON Blackcreek Stevensville Lions (ON) & Pet Valu
SD Graduates Location SponsorsAlastair & Ghillie Erin, ON Carol Ann & Shamus Kitchener, ON Chloée & Denise London, ON Hyde Park Lions Club (ON)Christine & Hara Hamilton, ON Rockton Lions Club (ON)Sean & Ufton Mississauga, ON Fenwick Lions Club (ON)Tina & Yumi Newmarket, ON
SRD Graduates Location SponsorsAndrew & Neptune Strathroy, ON Wayne and Isabel Fox, ONCourtney & Upton Toronto, ON Debbie & Nation Edmonton, AB Pet ValuDebbie & Kamila Guelph, ON Pet ValuK.P. & Ursula Beeton, ON Olivia & Chimo Wroxeter, ON Ann Graham, ONTessa & Merlot Victoria, BC Cedar Lions Club, BC
Fall & Winter 2015
CongratulationsGraduates
Canine Courier • 20
Gift ShopSee what else we have in store
www.dogguides.com/giftshop $7
cobalt blue ceramic mug
Taxes Included
White Poodle Golden Retriever
$4 $6
Plush 6.5 inch Webkinz Plush 8.5 inch Webkinz
SizesS - XXL
Red, Navy, Black
$28 $13
Black ToqueFull Zip Fleece
Canine Courier • 21
www.dogguides.com 1 (800) 768-3030 / (905) 842-2891
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
In 2011, Mrs. Bernace Davies, from Port Colborne, Ont. visited Lions Foundation for a tour and demonstration. She reported back that she was “so captivated with the level of service and professionalism your organization provides to your clients.” As a retired registered nurse, helping others was second nature to her. Determined that she would like to become involved in the Lions Foundation’s mission and support it in reaching its goals, she became a passionate financial supporter. Mrs. Davies chose to do this in an important and lasting way. She made an initial gift of $10,000 for the Canine Vision and Hearing Ear programs. She then established a private charitable foundation at Mackenzie Charitable Giving Fund through which she has been making donations each year since 2012 to sponsor a Canine Vision and Hearing Ear team. Now age 97, Mrs. Davies has had some recent health setbacks, but her niece Nancy wrote recently to say how much joy her aunt received from hearing updates about the Dog Guide teams her support made possible. Mrs. Davies’ legacy gift will most certainly leave the world a better place; the impact of her gift will mean more Canadians can receive the life-changing assistance a Dog Guide brings, and the spirit of her support will live on in the independence, safety and increased mobility the recipients of Dog Guides are able to experience for many years as a result.Mrs. Davies’ support continues to change lives
A LIFE SPENT HELPING OTHERS, A LEGACY THAT DOES THE SAME
February 2016
The Legacy Leader highlights contributions to Lions Foundation of Canada’s Dog Guide Legacy Program. It also features the many ways to give to this program through your will or by creating your own Dog Guide Legacy. We welcome your questions.
Phone: (905) 842-2891 1 (800) 768-3030
TTY: (905) 842-1585 Fax: (905) 582-1204
Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides152 Wilson Street
Oakville, Ontario L6K 0G6Charitible Tax # 13024 5129 RR0001
Please contact: Anastasia Jorge, Fundraising Coordinator Phone: (905) 842-2891 Ext. 238or email [email protected]
Planned Giving With a growing population and an increasing number of people with disabilities, the need for Dog Guides continues to rise. As a non-government funded charity, Lions Foundation of Canada relies entirely on the generosity of many. Without you, we wouldn’t be able to meet the need. You have the power to improve the lives of hundreds of Canadians with a medical or physical disability by supporting the training of a Dog Guide. Planned giving allows you to make a charitable donation to the Lions Foundation, while meeting your current personal and financial commitments. Planned giving provides you more options to leave your legacy for future generations.In the coming months, we will walk you through the various ways you can leave a legacy gift. This four-part series will outline the most common and cost-effective ways to leave your legacy.
For more information about leaving a legacy gift, please contact Anastasia at 905.842.2891 Ext. 238 or [email protected]
Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) and Registered Retired Income Funds (RRIFs) are a tax-smart way to transform assets into support for the Lions Foundation. RRSPs and RRIFs are among the most heavily taxed assets we own. However, when a charity is designated as a beneficiary, the taxes are offset by a charitable tax receipt for the full amount transferred. The gift is easy to make, and avoids complicated legal documents. Simply notify the selected institution holding your retirement accounts and change the beneficiary information on the plan document. By planning today, you will have an immense impact on the lives of Canadians with a medical or physical disability by helping them foster independence, strengthen connections to the people and places around them, and providing safety through the security of a specially trained Dog Guide.
Benefits to planned giving include:
• Making a significant contribution, often larger than thought possible
• Enjoying the satisfaction of helping Lions Foundation of Canada continue its work in years to come.
• Reducing or avoiding capital gains taxes
• Saving on estate taxes
• Providing inheritance at a reduced tax cost
Other benefits of gifts by RRSPs/RRIFs include:
• A charitable tax receipt
• No legal documents or complicated arrangements necessary
• Offset estate taxes
