The Carlyle and District Lions welcomed a group of motorcycle riders raising money for the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. The ride has been happening in Saskatchewan for the past six years, but Darrell Deck – a rider from Bethune – says it's the first year they've ventured into southern Saskatchewan. This year they did a couple of rides around Saskatoon and into the north, and took part in this southern venture.
"The motorcycle ride raises awareness – both public and amongst the clubs – and our purpose is to make this a provincial project," Deck explained. "The service dog program that the Lions support trains dogs for vision, hearing, special needs, autism, and diabetic dogs. They take a year to a year and a half to train, plus there's training with the dog and individual in Toronto for two to six weeks."
"There was a girl, she was 14 or 15, and had been at a school conference. There was a lady with a diabetic trained dog. Out of 100 kids there the dog left the woman's side and put its chin on this girl's lap. The lady went over and asked if the girl had diabetes and suggested she check her blood sugar. She did and she was low."
"It's amazing to see them in action."
Each dog, however, costs approximately $20,000 to train and once the Lion's Foundation chooses an individual to give a dog to, the Lions also pay for veterinary costs and will replace dogs as needed.
"For example, a vision dog may only be able to work for 7 to 10 years depending on the breed of dog and other factors," Deck stated. "If the dog's hips go, which happens in larger dogs, then it can no longer be a vision dog because you're relying on this animal to get you across a street, but if it stumbles because of hip problems that puts you both in danger. So, the dog may still be a good pet, but it is no longer a good service animal."
The riders who came through Carlyle were Gary Jopko from Rhein, Tom Armstrong from Saskatoon, Darrell Deck and Cindy Stirling from Bethune, and Ron Elkin and Kelly Clay from Lumsden. Joining them from Stoughton on Saturday, June 24, was local motorcycle enthusiast Larry Brady.
Armstrong explained, "This is the only Lions ride in Western Canada, the other rides take place in Ontario and out east, but six years ago we decided to do this. People get tired selling tickets and holding raffles, and it can be difficult to figure out ways to fundraise; but, this is something that's easy for us to do. We pay our own way and we have Lions Clubs across the province who will host us. It's really just getting friends together and going for a spin, and taking a pledge sheet with you."
"There's not a lot of Lions that necessarily ride, but it's a project that brings everyone in the province together – Lions and non-Lions alike."
The Carlyle and District Lions Club hosted a BBQ dinner in the evening and were taking donations. With the support of the community the Carlyle Club was able to donate $400 to the riders.
