By Kerry J Newstead
HAGERSVILLE/CALEDONIA—The last weekend of May went to the dogs!
The Hagersville and Caledonia Lions were among about 200 groups participating in the 41st annual Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides.
While the walk in Hagersville on May 30, 2026 had fewer participants than other years, their hearts were as big as ever.
Hagersville Lions President Mark Dennis was happy with the turnout, noting how dog guides are a life changer for people who have special needs.
The Lions Foundation dog guide program trains dogs for various supports, including visual or hearing needs, autism, diabetes, seizure response, general service, and facility support. Training averages $32,000 over a two-year period per dog, with pups first fostered to be socialized and begin learning to ignore distractions while working.
Chris Gloyd attended with her foster dog Zuko, a black lab who is currently undergoing that training through the Fisherville Lions Club. Gloyd said that she enjoys being part of the program.
The length of the walk was up to each participant, with some just walking around the park and others around the town of Hagersville.
HAGERSVILLE—Among the attendees of the Hagersville Lions walk were Cathy Evans with her dog Britt, Hagersville Lions Bruce Roulston, Mark Dennis, and Valerie Harnett, dog guide foster Chris Gloyd with Zuko, and Jarvis Lion Wayne Lindsay. 
HAGERSVILLE—Joining Chris Gloyd and Zuko in Hagersville were Lynda Mac Vicar with her pup Lake and Kathy Evans with her pup Britt. They all said they were happy to participate in raising money for this worthy cause. 
HAGERSVILLE—And off they go! Kathy Evans, Britt, Jarvis Lion Wayne Lindsay, Chris Gloyd, and Zuko start their walk around Sgt. Andrew Harnett Memorial Park. 
CALEDONIA—Committee members for the Caledonia Lions event included (l-r) Ron Kelly, Ralph Krueger, Erene da Silva, Al Pearlman, Terry Cooper, (sitting) Jenn Kerr, and Chris Cooper. They were ready and waiting for the participants to arrive at Caledonia’s 19th walk. 
CALEDONIA—Trevor Messina and 6-month-old Knox registered with Erene da Silva (sitting) and Terry Cooper (not shown). 
CALEDONIA—Ready, set, go! The canines took the lead in the Caledonia Walk for Dog Guides. —Haldimand Press photos by Kerry J Newstead.
Dennis said the total amount raised was not yet available, but he expects it will be around $5,000.
Over in Caledonia on May 31, the walk offered two routes: one for small pooches of about a 1km and a fuller route of 5km. Both routes offered participants a goodie bag and a chance to win prizes. All attendees gathered at the end of the walk to enjoy a very apropos lunch of hot dogs.
Attendee Kelly Potter has fostered two standard bred poodles for the dog guide program, with one trained as a diabetic alert dog and the other being trained to assist the hearing impaired.
Lion Ralph Krueger said these walks are supporting a growing program, noting the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides is moving from its current location in Oakville to a larger facility in Mississauga.
The Caledonia Lions announced on Facebook that they raised $2,400 toward the effort this year.
Both Lions clubs are looking forward to next year’s walk and hope that it will be bigger and better than ever.
To learn more about Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, visit dogguides.com.
