Tail-wagging event for the blind

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by GEORGE MADDUX

When it comes to sightseeing dogs, many are called and--of the hounds that come when summoned--few are chosen. Indeed, nine of 10 pooches trained to accompany the blind flunk their final exams. Because of this disappointing doggy drop-out rate, packs of canines must be trained to yield a single seeing-eye dog. This, along with a month-long owner-pet acclimatization session in Manotic, Ontario, raises the financial burden of a single guide dog to an exorbitant $30,000.

It's a total that Joy Cyr of Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind says is not government subsidized. That's the bind leading the blind to hold a doggie walkathon Sunday, September 17, at 9:30 a.m. at the Morgan Arboreteum on the Macdonald College campus in Ste-Anne de Bellevue. It's the fifth annual event and 300 pooper-scooper-packing fundraisers are expected to help raise up to $10,000 during a relaxed three-kilometre stroll ending at noon. All are invited and there will be blindfolded walks, a training display and the ever-present kiddy face painting.

Cyr's organization has set up visually impaired Montrealers with 10 guide dogs, usually Labrador retrievers that retire at age nine. She has owned a helpful hound for a year and figures the six-legged strolls beat the cane. "It's wonderful, it's much easier, more comfortable and safer. It expands your horizons and allows you to be far more independent and comfortable when travelling." To donate massive heaps of cash or otherwise help the cause call 484-5061.

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