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CN taf wid ops sav vO wero" way 8 - PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, October 23, 2001 SCCCCCCCCCCCCACCECCA EE HAMMMHMMM MMMM "Scugog"s Community Newspaper of Choice" Foster parents to youngsters of the four- By Heather McCrae Port Perry Star Now that Connie Lyons' family has grown up she has become a foster parent -- to a youngster of the four-legged variety. Mrs. Lyons and her husband, Al, recently became foster par- ents to Factor, a cuddly, clumsy and loveable registered and microchipped puppy that loves to play and romp about the house and yard. Foster families are very important in the early develop- ment and training of Dog Guides, a program sponsored by the Lions Foundation of Canada. Selected volunteer families provide homes for pups where they learn proper house man- ners and are socialized to as many people, places and situa- tions as possible at a young age. Foster families help establish - the dog's personality and atti- tude, and increase its chances of becoming a good guide dog. The idea of fostering a pup for the Lions Foundation of Canada surfaced four years ago when the Mrs. Lyons read a story in a Toronto newspaper about the need for foster parents to take prospective guide dogs. It was- n't a good time then to accept a pup into their life because of an ailing dog at home. But this past spring Mrs. Lyons became curious about the program and began surfing the net. When she logged on to www.dogguides.com she received all the information she needed and more. + After making contact with the Lions Foundation the couple was asked to attend a seminar in Oakville. At this outing they were given a tour of the training facility and were told what was expected of them. The Lions Foundation spon- sors Canine Vision, Special Skills and Hearing Ear Dogs of Canada. Canine Vision Canada is dedi- cated to training Dog Guides for blind or visually impaired Canadians so they might achieve a higher level of independence. Hearing Ear Dogs of Canada trains dogs to make physical contact and lead the deaf or hard of hearing to a sound. And, the Special Skills Dogs of Canada enhance the lives of physically and medically dis- abled Canadians. The three most popular breeds used as guide dogs are Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and Standard Poodles. The Lyons also had to give two character references, includ- ing one from their veterinarian. "We were given a choice of breed and we spoke for a Golden Retriever or a Black Labrador," Mrs. Lyons says. On Sept. 9 the couple went to Guelph to pick up Factor. The Lions Foundation had supplied the family with three other names they could choose from -- Fenwick, Fargo and Fowler. "When we picked up Factor in Guelph it was love at first sight," Mrs. Lyons said. "He was so healthy and friendly, | just want- ed to pick him up and hug him." The pup has already been to the Taunton Road Animal Hospital where he's had his sec- ond set of shots and is booked for his third set in November. Dr. Tom Hogg of the veterinary clinic works closely with the Lions Foundation and offers free vac- cines and consultations to pup- pies fostered out within the Durham Region. Twice a year the Lyons will take Factor back to the training centre in Oakville where he will be assessed for which program he will be best suited for. "Their priority is for us to teach Factor good house man- ners and to learn to socialize with people. The more we can get him to experience, the better guide dog he will be," explained Mrs. Lyons. The pup has wormed his way into the family's hearts and romps about with their two other dogs, Casey, a black poodle, and Chelsea. This is strictly a volunteer effort on the Lyons' part. "I love dogs and this is my way of giving back to the community," she says. While the Lions Foundation pays for the veterinary bills and food, the family has to supply the collar, leash and any toys. When Factor is out in public he wears his Future Dog Guide coat which labels him as a dog in learning. "I've had him in the IGA, Reid's Independent and the Sunnyside Market in Caesarea where the responses have been very favourable," she says. "People just love him and want to learn more about the foster program when they see him." The couple's two sons, Jason, 23, and 21-year-old Don, devote a lot of their time playing with Factor too. Even though there are count- less foster homes that are taking these dogs, there is a need for more. Call the Oakville centre at 905-842-2891 or 1-800-768-3030 legged variety Connie Lyons is joined here by Factor, a foster puppy with the Guide Dogs program. for more information. Factor will remain with the Lyons until he is a year or so old. At that time he will attend the training facility for six to eight months, followed by several days of client training, depend- ing on the program. "When the time comes | know it will be hard to let him go," Mrs. Lyons says. "But | know Factor is going to be doing someone a good turn, someday. Someone who needs him more than I do." SAFEGUARDING ONTARIO'S ELECTRICITY EUTURE Questions about Ontario's new electricity market? CALL 1-888-668-4636 To receive your free information brochure which explains: » Why our electricity system Is changing How the new system will work » What competition will mean for consumers or visit our website at www.est.gov.on.ca Ontario ® PIZZA, SUBS © &WINGS 80 Wetter St, [Port [Pe 905-9 WE DELIVER TO THESE AREAS - 5. lo) (a 10K 'Kk. Nestieton vit Pp ( (OF: [ERT 1022 BRYEE: To £3 USB © 17eTalal 0: Tal 0 W {Tafe BY of 0X: Jaa Yel Ve Lalo MSIL 1ALY, i MES, >. hE ~ TW Co 00s]! CS J . Kher a 28 piece pizza with 1 item : 11b. wings & garlic bread