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Wallis is a BFF and a helping hand for Vince bonds and we thought that it would take a long time for that bond to develop, but it has happened quicker than we expected." While the bond between Vince and Wallis developed quickly, there were some bumps along the way as they adjusted to one another. "Vince went from being afraid and having to wear a glove to give the dog a treat to now using his bare hand and letting Wallis lick his fingers," said Liska. "He's totally comfortable with Wallis. They are really becoming friends." Similar stories are being told across the country thanks to the work of the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, which is headquartered in Oakville. In early 2009, the foundation began training dogs for assisting individuals with autism and they began placing them by the end of the year. Since then, it is the foundation's fastest growing program. Recently, Dog Guides Canada expanded its application age range from four to 12 to three to 18 years to meet high demand. What further sets Wallis apart from most of his fellow autism dog guides is a trick that can't Continued from page 1 5 · Thursday, May 24, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com be taught. Since Wallis is a poodle, he is hypoallergenic. While poodles are often trained as guide dogs due to their incredible intelligence and the fact they are hypoallergenic, they are not often trained as autism dogs due to their smaller stature. Wallis is one of the first poodles in Canada to become an autism assistance dog. The Liskas are extra thankful for him because husband Peter is allergic to dogs. "It's not the shedding, it's the dander," said Daisy. "My husband has not reacted yet so we're glad to have Wallis." Since Wallis' arrival, Daisy and the rest of the family members' lives have become easier and less stressful. "The dog allows us to feel more secure when we're out in public. So now we can go out more often," said Daisy. "My son is a severe flight risk so if you turn your attention, he'll bolt and run away. When he's with the dog guide he is actually tethered by a belt around his waist to the jacket of the dog. "Simple things that most people take for granted, we are now able to do, like when we're in a store and ready to pay at the cash register. Normally, I couldn't tell you what the cashier looks like because if have to watch my son when I take money out of my purse. Now, I can take the time to pay the salesperson without having to worry about having him bolt." Wallis' comforting presence has also let the family enjoy more quality time together. He allows Daisy and Peter to take their four sons out for a simple fun night of bowling. "We went last week and actually enjoyed it. Normally, taking the family out can get stressful but now we have more security and can actually enjoy ourselves," said Liska. To show their thanks to Dog Guides Canada, the Liskas -- accompanied by Wallis -- will be participating in the Purina Walk for Dog Guides this Sunday, at 11 a.m. All of the funds raised go to support the five dog training programs. The walk is taking place at locations across the country, including here in Oakville where the head office and training facility is located on Wilson Street (at Kerr and Rebecca streets). For more information, to register or donate to the event, visit www.purinawalkfordogguides. com. Visit our new website and facebook page Dr. Phelan takes special satisfaction by helping patients create the smile of their dreams. He believes that the key to creating a great smile is to have clear and open communication between his patients, ceramist and himself. To achieve this he has developed a special treatment communication form that he uses to predictably plan and complete smile makeovers for his patients. The form has been so popular that it is used in a number of dental practices in Toronto and across North America. www.facebook.com/DrStephenPhelan Dr. Stephen Phelan, DDS www.phelandental.com Join our community and enter to win a 64 GB iPad 2! Dr. Stephen Phelan · Call 905.827.1619 to arrange an appointment MARTA IWANEK / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Dental Surgeon. Laser, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. 1500 Heritage Way, Oakville ON L6M 3H4 CREATING SENSATIONAL SMILES IN OAKVILLE FOR 19 YEARS. by the Lion's Foundation of Canada Dog Guides in Oakville, will be walking for Dog Guides Sunday. Walking for dog guides: Vince Liska, 9, and Wallis, a black standard poodle trained www.phelandental.com Thank You for voting for me the last 14 years! MTO APPROVED BEGINNER DRIVER EDUCATION COURSE PROVIDER ISO 9001:2008 Registered