Pet owners in North Bay are invited to capture adorable memories of their furry friends while supporting a vital cause. On Saturday, March 16, Touch Animal Rehabilitation on Front Street will host a special Easter Bunny photo shoot for pets, with all proceeds from the $15 minimum donation going directly to the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides program.
Melanie Pigeau, representing the Widdifield Lions Club, the organizing service club, emphasized the critical financial support required for the Dog Guides program, which incurs costs totaling $35,000 per dog for raising, training, and placement. This includes expenses for food and veterinary care.
Dog Guides play specialized roles such as assisting with hearing, seizure response, service, autism support, diabetes alert, facility assistance, or canine vision. Pigeau elaborated on the dogs’ training process, starting in foster homes where they experience normal puppy life but also frequent public exposure to buses, malls, and crowds.
Once trained, the dogs are paired with individuals living with disabilities, promoting independence. Some successful matches have been made in North Bay, benefitting those with hearing impairments, visual impairments, and autism.
To enhance the Easter-themed photo shoot experience on March 16, pet owners are encouraged to dress their pets in festive attire, including bunny ears provided on-site. Pigeau assured that alternatives are available for pets uncomfortable around the Easter Bunny.
The event marks the start of a comprehensive fundraising initiative for the Dog Guides program. Subsequent events include the Dog Guide Walk on June 2 and a dog wash on June 3, both aimed at supporting the financial needs of the program.
Pigeau, also the Dog Walk for Dog Guides chair, expressed the goal of surpassing last year’s fundraising achievements, targeting $18,000 this year to increase the number of Dog Guides available for those in need.
Pet owners can secure time slots for the photo shoot by booking in advance, but walk-ins are also welcomed during available intervals. Each session will last 15 minutes, providing ample time to capture delightful moments. Owners are encouraged to be part of the photo, and flexibility is maintained to accommodate pets with specific sensitivities.
Ultimately, the objective is to generate substantial funds for the Dog Guides program, with cash or e-transfer accepted as payment methods during the event.
