It is almost time again for the Purina walk for Dog Guides - the event sponsored by the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides is a little over a month away and pledge forms are ready to be picked up.

The Portage la Prairie walk will take place on May 27 and is sponsored by Portage and Oakville Lions Clubs and the La Prairie Lioness Club. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. at the Portage Lions Den on Island Park, and the event begins at 10:00 a.m.

Natalie Moncur, communications manager for the Lions Foundation of Canada/Dog Guides Canada, said funds from the walk go to the Lions Foundation of Canada to help train and raise guide dogs. It costs approximately $20,000 to train and raise these dogs. The Lions Foundation of Canada Guide Dogs relies entirely on fundraising events in order to do this.

"We're unique in that we are one of the only schools that actually does not require our clients to fundraise to receive their dog guide. All of our dogs are provided at no cost and the $20,000 really encompasses the raising, training, and placing of the dog guide," said Moncur.

To get involved visit www.purinawalkforguidedogs.com to register for a walk or make a donation. Pledge forms are available from local veterinarians, pet food stores, and groomers.

For the full story see Tuesday's edition of the Portage Daily Graphic.