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Wednesday, September 30, 2009 Orono Weekly Times - 9 DOGS Continued from page 8 may register and then bring along a friend or a few family members. Most people walk with their dogs, but a dog is not necessary to participate, says Graham. "Most walk their dogs, but I say you can walk anything you like as long as you keep it under control and clean up after it. We have had some surprises over the years but, we are there to raise money and have fun," she says. Walkers come from Newcastle, Bowmanville, Oshawa, Whitby, Cobourg, Port Hope, Orono and Millbrook, according to Graham. And one family makes the annual trip from Scarborough. "One of the foster puppies didn't make the [dog guide training] program and was adopted by a family in Scarborough. They have been attending every year and bringing Blizzard with them for nine years," she says. Graham notes that the Newcastle Fall Festival also takes place on Saturday, which gives people even more reason to come out and enjoy themselves. And not only are the proceeds of the bar at Saturday evening's ABBAMANIA going to the Walk for Dog Guides, but also the money raised by the Running Maniacs on Saturday morning. "The Running Maniacs host a race in Newcastle the same morning and donate their profits to the walk," says Graham. "They donated $3,000 to our walk last year, so I would like to say a special thankyou to their organizers." She is hoping for another successful year, but says that the weather and the economy can affect the walk. "Last year was a great year," she notes. "But times are a little tighter this year. Only a few people register in advance. I never know how many will come out - it all depends on the weather. If on Wednesday they say the weather will be nice on Saturday, people will start to make plans and collect pledges. Then there are the regulars that come every year rain or shine." This year at the walk, the Grahams will be bringing Argo, the dog guide puppy they are fostering. Argo is the 16th puppy the couple has fostered since they first heard about the Lions Club program almost 20 years ago. "I enjoy fostering," says Jean Graham. "This way I can play with the puppies and make a difference." The Grahams have been active in the Lions Club for quite some time now. Jean is an 11-year Lions Club member, and her husband Terry, who served for three years as the International Director for Lions Club International, is an 18-year member. Just last week, the couple travelled to Memphis, Tennessee to attend the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum. Because they took a plane to Memphis, it was one trip where Argo had to remain at home. But Graham says she and Argo are looking forward to participating in the Walk for Dog Guides, which will be a good experience for the puppy. "It's a great way to socialize your dog and raise a little money," she says. "Bring your best friend and help raise money 'For Some One That Needs One.'" Registration opens at 8 a.m., and the walk starts at 9 a.m., this Saturday, October 3 at the Newcastle Town Hall. To register in advance, to make a donation online, or to learn more about the Foster Puppy Program, go to www.dogguides.com. You may also give a gift by phone at 1-800-768-3030 or by mail to Lions Foundation of Canada's Purina Walk for Dog Guides, PO Box 907, Oakville, ON L6J 5E8. Please make cheques payable to Lions Foundation of Canada. photo supplied Argo is a puppy being fostered by Jean and Terry Graham of Newcastle as part of the Lions Foundation's Foster Puppy Program to raise and train Dog Guides. Argo will be participating in the Newcastle Walk for Dog Guides with Jean this Saturday morning.