KRISTEN AND EURO: THE UNSTOPPABLE DUO

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1 November 2010 In This Issue: Pet Pics with St. Nick Congratulations Graduates Dog Guide Wish List Ask Dr. DAWG A Few Kibbles From New Holiday Recipe Lions Foundation of Canada is committed to providing mobility, safety and independence to Canadians with disabilities. Mailing Address: Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides 152 Wilson Street P.O. Box 907 Oakville, Ontario L6J 5E8 Phone: TTY: Fax: info@dogguides.com KRISTEN AND EURO: THE UNSTOPPABLE DUO In late 2007, at the age of 23, Kristen started suffering from headaches, loss of memory and concentration. After being admitted to the hospital, she slipped into a coma before the doctors realized she was suffering from viral encephalitis; a condition which causes the brain to swell. At that point, the prognosis was dim and Kristen was not expected to live. However, Kristen proved everyone wrong and awoke fully from her coma in March 2008, only without sight. The swelling in her brain had cut off the oxygen to the nerves in her eyes, which resulted in vision loss. Kristen s recovery was an intensive process and her progress impressed everyone, especially the physicians who said she would never walk again, I did enjoy proving them wrong, she says. Her next step towards greater independence, mobility and safety was Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. As a daughter of a Lion s member, Kristen knew what a Dog Guide could offer her. It was almost natural that I immediately thought to look to the Lions again, considering how long my dad had been a part of the group. It certainly paid off, says Kristen. Kristen s plight to regain her ability to walk gave her a thirst for greater independence. After having struggled from a wheelchair to a walker and all the way to the use of a long white cane, I wanted more, she says. Kristen knew that having a Dog Guide to help her navigate Kristen and Euro public transit would be necessary to do things like pursue a career. With my Dog Guide, I have peace of mind knowing that Euro will always be there and we can safely go wherever we please, she says. DIGITAL NEWSLETTER DELIVERY AND DOG GUIDES ONLINE The newsletter is going to begin a gradual transition from post to electronic delivery. If you would like to be added to the list to receive the newsletter please send your request to Natalie Moncur at nmoncur@dogguides.com along with your full name, address, and affiliation with the Foundation; from here you will be taken off of the mailing list and sent the newsletter quarterly via . Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides and the Purina Walk for Dog Guides are now on Facebook and Twitter. Log on to find out the most up-to-date news, events and information! Facebook: Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides AND Purina Walk for Dog Guides; URL is

2 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Each year Dog Guides Canada recognizes the volunteers that have dedicated their time to our cause. The duties that volunteers perform are numerous; cuddling and grooming Dog Guides in training, folding letters and stuffing envelopes, assisting with everyday administrative duties, and helping with the Purina Walk for Dog Guides. As we continue to grow, so does the volunteer base assisting us. In our fiscal year, volunteers contributed more than 3,556 hours of service, a 23% increase of volunteer hours from last year. We would like to sincerely thank everyone who volunteers their time to help keep Dog Guides moving forward. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, please contact Dave Nash at dnash@dogguides.com. The following individuals were our top volunteers (based on hours donated): Natalie Brown 285 Christine Halloway 223 Paddy Townson 199 Pat Mollin 184 Bob Kraft 177 Kathi MacDonald 167 Sue Hicks 166 Anna Hewitt 132 Marsha Bunce 126 Mike Lindgren 119 Marnie Burke 108 Sheila Couling 108 CORPORATE INVOLVEMENT We are very happy and grateful to have a number of corporations and their employees volunteer their time to help out around Dog Guides. From bathing dogs, weeding the courtyard and folding newsletters, their efforts have a large impact. Thank you to the following organizations for all of their help! Deloitte holds an IMPACT Day each year to symbolize their year-round commitment to service. Tens of thousands of Deloitte personnel from across the North America spend IMPACT Day participating in more than 800 projects nationwide including assisting at Dog Guides. KPMG staff are granted one day paid leave per year to work with a charity they are already involved with or a KPMG community partner in the youth, health or environment sectors. We are very lucky to have many people from KPMG help out each year. Unitron is a global innovator of technologically advanced hearing instruments, and works in close partnership with hearing healthcare professionals around the world to meet the needs of their customers. For over a year, Unitron volunteers have been involved with various activities at Dog Guides, including stuffing newsletter envelopes. GLORIA PECKHAM - HEAD TRAINER, SEIZURE RESPONSE DOG GUIDE PROGRAM The holidays are right around the corner and this usually means festive parties and lots of visitors. As dog owners it is our duty to take responsibility for our dogs by setting them up for success in what can be potentially overwhelming situations. Below are a few tips that will help ensure this holiday season is enjoyed by all family members! Instead of having your dog greet your visitors at the door with you, provide them with a designated area to relax and hang back in. This will help ensure your dog does not become overwhelmed by an influx of people in entering your home. Also, allowing your visitors and dog to decide when to meet will ensure it can happen in a more controlled manner, and give you the chance to correct any of your dogs inappropriate behavior, like jumping up. If your dog has had very little exposure to children be sure to mediate the introduction, teaching the child how best to greet all dogs: slowly reach out to the dog, and let your dog approach them. If they do not come forth this is a sign that your dog is not in the mood to be pet. It is important never to allow your dog to be forced into contact if he or she does not choose to.

3 I wanted a Dog Guide because I wanted to have my own independence and I wanted my parents to feel confident and comfortable with me being out and about alone or with friends. Also, having a Dog Guide is a lot more comforting when facing new challenges than a white cane is. - Michelle, Canine Vision Dog Guide Graduate DOG GUIDE WISH LIST The Dog Guide Wish List is a unique way to make a contribution to the Foundation. These gifts assist in many ways and we are very appreciative of your support. If you wish to contribute any items, please contact us at or Blinds and shutters for Hearing Ear client rooms $ 650 Laptop for trainers when travelling $ 900 Harnesses for Special Skills program $1,000 Heating and air conditioning for client rooms $3,000 per area Anesthetic machine and accessories $5,200 Autoclave $5,350 Kongs, large and extra large JAWS upgrade software for CVC clients $6,000 Gift cards to office stores, gas stations, home improvement stores Tickets to theatre, sporting events, etc. for annual auction. Please help the Foundation in its efforts to become more energy efficient Timer control for DHW pump $ 400 Hot water heater fuel economizer $2,600 Fluorescent light replacement $3,000 per area Special thanks to the following for contributing to the Wish List: Cambridge Highland Lions Club Dental scaler and polisher 2011 PURINA WALK FOR DOG GUIDES With the momentum of 25 successful years, the 2011 Purina Walk for Dog Guides is already beckoning. Sunday, May 29 th, 2011 will mark the 26 th annual Walk and we have already begun planning for it. As always, we are looking for the continued support of experienced Walk organizers and those looking to host a Walk for the first time. One of the most important parts of organizing the Walk on a national and local level is the recruitment of sponsorships. Support from different community groups, businesses and organizations ensures that all donations that walkers collect go directly towards the Dog Guide programs. If you or anyone you know is looking for a worthy cause to contribute to please discuss the idea of sponsoring the Purina Walk for Dog Guides with them. If you require any support materials or would like to host an inaugural Walk, please contact the Foundation at or Melissa Eckersley at meckersley@dogguides.com.

4 SPICED HONEY CHEESE TWIRLS By Julie Van Rosendaal Of course, anyone would be happy to receive a package of homemade cookies, but I can t imagine a happier (nor more grateful) recipient of edible gifts than a dog. These honey and cinnamon-spiced twists are simple but festive, and healthy! The cottage cheese delivers a boost of protein and calcium, and the honey, vanilla and hearty dose of cinnamon work like the very best holiday potpourri. Ingredients: 3/4 cup cottage cheese 1/4 canola oil 2 tbsp honey 1 tsp vanilla pinch of salt 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour 2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp baking powder Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. In a medium bowl, stir together the cottage cheese, oil, honey, vanilla and salt. Add the flour, cinnamon and baking powder and stir until the dough comes together. 3. Turn the dough out onto a floured countertop and knead until well blended and smooth. Pinch off walnut-sized pieces of dough, roll them into ropes and shape into a circle, pinching the ends together to seal. 4. Place an inch apart on a baking sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, and bake for minutes, until golden. To make them extra firm, turn off the oven and leave them inside to harden and dry as the oven cools. *Yield: Makes Cookies Pet Pics with St. Nick On Monday, December 6th, 13th and 20th, dog owners are invited to bring their furry friends to Oakville Place Shopping Mall for Pet Pics with St. Nick. The pictures are provided at no cost but donations are encouraged for Dog Guides Canada. If you would like to have your pet s photo taken, please call guest services at and make your reservation! Oakville Place Shopping Mall is located at 240 Leighland Avenue. A Wonderfur Gift Idea Purina is showcasing Dog Guides Canada in their Wonderfur Winter Pack promotion again this year. The holiday gift packs for both cats and dogs are being sold in stores across the country. A portion of each purchase will go towards the customer s choice of charity - either Dog Guides Canada, Therapeutic Paws of Canada, or National Service Dogs. After purchasing the Wonderfur Winter gift pack, customers can go online or text their choice of charity. Each charity will receive a minimum donation of $5,000 from Purina. There is an additional $10,000 which will be donated by Purina to each charity based on the selections by customers. It s a perfect time to buy treats for your dog or cat and help out Dog Guides! Puppy Love at Christmas By donating $100 towards the veterinary expenses of a future Dog Guide puppy, you or the person of your choice, receives a certificate that announces the symbolic adoption of a Dog Guide. The certificate includes a picture of the puppy with the name of the recipient, and you will be issued a receipt for income tax purposes. This certificate makes a wonderful gift for any animal lover, and at the same time assists the Foundation in meeting the ever-growing demand for Dog Guides. Please visit our website at to order or call I felt like we had won the lottery. Having a Dog Guide was something that we thought just wasn t in the cards for us. We were looking into the tens of thousands of dollars, but through this program everything was taken care of. -Marnie, mother to Lauren and her Autism Assistance Dog Guide, Hogan

5 CANINE VISION DOG GUIDES LOCATION SPONSORS Stephen and Keagan Grimsby, ON Bev Jenkins, ON Kerry and Buckley Hamilton, ON Laurie Furness, ON Florence and Fresno Carleton Place, ON Linwood Lions Club, ON Judith and Spexx Arthur, ON Hoya Vision Canada, ON Kristen and Euro Oakville, ON Hamilton Masons District B, ON Almer and Dolly Carlyle, SK Helen Cripps, ON; Eston Lions Club, SK William and Rema St. Davids, ON St. Davids and District Lions Club, ON Harriet and Grady Port-aux-Basques, NL Deer Lake Lions Club, NL; United Towns Lions Club, NL Herman and Otto Toronto, ON Agincourt Lions Club, ON; St. Margarets Bay Lions Club, NS Hans and Nate Mississauga, ON Truro Lions Club, NS; Kingston Lions Club, NS Jackie and Ollie Ridgetown, ON DG John Buchner, ON Norman and Austin Central Butte, SK Moose Jaw Lions Club, SK; Eston Lions Club, SK Lucille and Hedda London, ON London Central Lions Club, ON; New Germany and Area Lions Club, NS Margaret and Cargo King City, ON Woolwich Lions Club, ON; Hubbards Area Lions Club, NS Laura and Watson Orangeville, ON Grantham Lioness Club, ON HEARING EAR DOG GUIDES LOCATION SPONSORS Name Withheld and Dory Dennis and Bert Danielle and Fallon Lindsay and Gaea Oakville, ON Carleton Place, ON Montreal, QC Barrie, ON Deborah and Waffle Yarmouth, NS Dollars for Doggies, NS Shelley and Galen Fredericton, NB Whycocomagh and Area Lions Club, NS Claudet and QT Ottawa, ON SPECIAL SKILLS DOG GUIDES LOCATION SPONSORS Shianne and Navy Mitchell, MB Bowness Lions Club, AB Name Withheld and Brie Ottawa, ON Louise and Alfie London, ON Hyde Park Lions Club, ON Emma and Olivia Rockwood, ON Meranda and Nelson Coleman, AB Lethbridge and District Kennel Club, AB Nigel and Orca Oakville, ON Altruists of Oakville, ON Jeffrey and Petal Scott and Ringo Donelda and Guinness Shawn and Java Markham, ON Omemee, ON Antigonish, NS Cobourg, ON *Graduates since September 2010

6 We are members of the Association of Fundraising Professionals working to ensure your donations are used wisely. You give to charity. We give you accountability. To read the Donor Bill of Rights visit Founding member of: I used to have trouble sleeping because my husband works nights and I was always worried I wouldn t hear something important; but now with my Dog Guide I feel safer and am able to finally relax. ASK DR. DAWG - Lindsay, Hearing Ear Dog Guide Graduate Q: My gums feel funny and I have a strong urge to chew things. What can I do to help this feeling? A: Puppies are born without teeth, but that quickly changes. The first baby teeth appear at three weeks of age. These are replaced starting at four months of age, beginning with the incisors. The two central incisors at the front of the mouth fall out first. As time goes on, the rest of the incisors, the molars, and finally the canine teeth (at five months of age) are replaced. During teething, you can reduce discomfort by providing chew toys. Frozen carrots, or face cloths that are rolled up, soaked and frozen (then taken away once softened), can help numb the gums. Lions Foundation of Canada is an accredited member of the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International. Electronic Version of the Canine Courier The Canine Courier is now available in electronic format. Please nmoncur@dogguides.com if you wish to be added to the list. My life has improved greatly since I have received Murray and that's thanks to all of you at the school. I am so grateful that the school exists because I would be completely lost without Murray. - Kim, Special Skills Dog Guide Graduate Nursery News Dart (Black Lab) had 11 puppies on September 2 nd, sired by Brodie (Yellow Lab) Shiraz (Standard Poodle) had 4 puppies on September 9 th, sired by Wallis (Standard Poodle) Henna (Black Lab) had 9 puppies on September 12 th, sired by Smooch (Yellow Lab) We adhere to the Ethical Fundraising and Financial Accountability Code. (Ethical Code)