The Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides aims to raise important funds for those with visual impairments.
Laura Joyce, 55, has been fortunate to have five dog guides since she completely lost her vision due to a brain tumour when she was 17.
In March of 2023, Joyce's long-time guide dog, Norma Jean, passed away suddenly, leaving her without K-9 support for six months.
"I was feeling lonely," Joyce explained. "These dogs become a member of the family and I am more complete with them."
With the help of The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides and Orillia Pet Valu owner Erin O'Reilly, Joyce was united with her new dog guide, Polly, this past winter.
"These dogs literally and figuratively save lives," Joyce said. "Not just for people who are blind or visually impaired, but they also help people who are hard of hearing and deaf."
Dog guides can also provide support for people with seizure disorders, those in wheelchairs, people with type one diabetes, and people with autism, she said.
"One of the reasons why we're doing the Pet Valu walk is so that we can get more money out there to get more dogs matched with people who need them," Joyce explained.
Joyce, a graduate of Twin Lakes Secondary School, has been helping to organize the walk for 15 of its 16 years of operation. She says it's her way of giving back to the community.
"Without this event, Pet Valu, and the Lions Foundation, I might still be waiting for a dog," she said. "Being without a dog puts people like me at risk."
Last year, the walk raised over $20,000, putting Orillia among the top fundraising communities of the nationwide event.
"I want us to dig in and show the Orillia spirit again," she said. "I would love to match last year's total. It would show that even though we are a small city, it's full of people who provide amazing support to causes like this."
All funds go to training dogs and their food costs. It costs $35,000 to train each guide dog.
This year's Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides takes place on Sunday, Sept. 29. in Tudhope Park. Registration is at 10 a.m. and the walk takes off at 11 a.m. There is no cost to register. It is open to those with and without a dog, people of all ages, and all fitness levels. To register in advance, click here.
Joyce says by supporting the walk, you could be supporting a friend, family member, or your future self.
"I wasn't born blind," she said. "When I was 17 it was a matter of three weeks from complete sight to complete blindness. It could happen to anyone."
