The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides is a national organization that trains Dog Guides to assist Canadians with disabilities.

The Foundation has been training Dog Guides to serve the needs of Canadians with visual, hearing, medical or physical disabilities since 1983. While the cost of placing and training a Dog Guide is approximately $20,000, each eligible candidate is provided a Dog Guide, including all required training, travel and accommodation at no charge. To date, more than 1,200 Canadians, ranging in age from eight to 84, have received a Dog Guide.

These specially trained Dog Guides provide a tremendous gift, giving their handlers newfound independence, freedom and safety. The Lions Foundation's three programs; Canine Vision Canada, Hearing Ear Dogs of Canada and Special Skills Dogs of Canada, continue to expand and provide Dog Guides to a growing number of people.

Lions Foundation of Canada does not receive any government funding, so it must rely solely on fund-raising activities, corporate sponsorships and private donations to support the Dog Guide training programs.

For more information, visit www.dogguides.com.