Over $10,000 raised!

 

Our December Fundraising Campaigns were a huge success thanks to Pet Guardians throughout the Lower Mainland!

 

 

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Thank you for supporting Pet Pictures with Santa!

 

Santa will return again in December 2012

 

Article published: November 12, 2011

Article updated: November 12, 2011

Who says your dog or cat can’t get their picture taken with Santa? Dress your furry friend up in their holiday best and come down to your local Pet Food ‘N More location for our annual “Pet Pictures with Santa” fundraiser in support of the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind.  All monies raised will go directly towards program costs, which include the raising and training of guide dogs (700 to date). It costs approximately $35,000 to raise and train one single guide dog with the lifelong benefits to the receiver being priceless.

A retired Paralympic athlete, Tim McIsaac, achieved "a greater sense of freedom, safety and security from [his] guide dog."  He recalls being able to "walk at 'real time speed' like everyone else, without bumping into, or tripping over, things."  Having a guide dog provided him with a renewed sense of independence and the comfort to tackle previously stressful activities like crossing the street.  "My biggest fear [was] not getting across a street or missing a light, but my dogs [allowed] me to follow a straight line to avoid traffic."

A national non-profit, registered and charitable organization, Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind (CGDB) was founded in 1984 by Jane and Bill Thornton “to assist visually-impaired Canadians with their mobility by providing and training them in the use of professionally trained Guide Dogs.” The organization is funded by donations received from individuals, corporations, services clubs, foundations and fundraising events like ours.

The CGDB accepts applications from Canadian citizens or residents of Canada who are visually impaired, are over the age of 16, are in good general health, and whose lifestyle would be positively impacted by having a Guide Dog. Each applicant undergoes an in-home interview with a Guide Dog Mobility instructor who evaluates their physical condition, mobility, degree of blindness and general ability to care for and work with a Guide Dog. Accepted applicants are expected to undergo a 4 week residential training class at the National Training Centre in Ottawa to learn how to successfully work and handle their dog. All travel, meals, and accommodation are included.

The Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind also assists those living with a mobility related disability throughout their Assistance Dogs division. The dogs are trained to do everything from picking up items accidentally dropped (i.e. keys) to assisting with pulling off socks, sleeves, or doing up zippers. Mobility assistance dogs are provided free of charge to accepted applications on a lease only basis.

Founded in 1988, Pet Food ‘N More is not your traditional pet store. We will always put your pet’s needs first and work to foster the unique relationship that exists between you and your companion. Our customer service is exceptional and honest and we will help you find the right answers for your best friend’s needs. With five retail locations available to serve you, you can always be sure to receive “more” at Pet Food ‘N More.