Green Capes Lions Club Logo

June 2026

May 21, 2026

A banner image featuring two photos of yellow Labrador dogs on grass outdoors. On the left, Atticus, an LFCDG Canine Vision dog, rolls playfully on his back. On the right, a foster puppy runs toward the camera with one ear flopped up. A green center panel reads: Time for Summer Fun!

To view this and past newsletters online, click here.

In this issue: wishing a happy retirement to a loved friend, Green Capes proudly sponsors the “Motorcycle Ride for Dog Guides” and much more!

Green Capes wishes a “Very happy retirement” to a loved friend

June 1st marks a bitter sweet day for Green Capes, as one of our well known and loved friends officially retires after a full eight years of faithful service.

Atticus, a Yellow Lab, was born on May 29th, 2016 to his parents Veto(father) and Zorba (mother), and spent the first year of his life in the loving care of his puppy foster Tomas, founding member of the Green Capes Lions Club.  It was during this first year, under Tomas’ caring instruction, and the influences of his half-brother Xavier, that Atticus learned the important skills that served him well in his career, such as basic obedience, 101 things to do with a box, the joy of mud and the comfort of a warm cuddle in the lap of his human.

  At the age of one, Atticus was called to university to learn his forever career.  After starting off in Seizure Response, Atticus’ ability to quickly  learn new skills and attention to work  enabled him to transition to the Canine Vision program, and experienced his first “puppy love” for his instructor.  Eager to learn and be praised for a job well done, Atticus quickly developed into a fully trained adult dog guide, and 4 months shy of his second birthday, graduated from the program with his partner Daniel, who ultimately became a member of the Green Capes Lions Club.

For the next eight years, Atticus served as guide, loved and loving companion and amazing ambassador of the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.  His gentle nature and expressive eyebrows melted the hearts of everyone he met, and, wearing his  summer shoes or winter boots, often attracted people over to visit him and Daniel at their table during fundraising events. 

But Atticus’ skills didn’t end at being an amazing guide dog.  His gentleness and caring expression also helped a woman who had previously been injured by a dog to overcome her subsequent fear of dogs, and not only became a close friend, but also made it possible for her to become the owner of two dogs of her own!

“Atticus has been truly an amazing guide dog.  His attention to his work, concern for my safety and willingness to learn and experience new things was absolutely incredible.  More than once, he stepped in to ensure my safety when out on walks, and never once did he forget how to do a task.  Every Spring, when we were finally able to get out for walks after the long, cold Winter, Atticus would make a point of showing that he remembered everything he was taught, and enjoyed demonstrating his skills.  He was a great ambassador for the Canine Vision program, and won the hearts of everyone he met.  He will be greatly missed.” – Daniel.

Though long, and often quite cold, Atticus enjoyed the down time that Winter brought, and found many ways to pass the time until Spring.  From playing with friends in the snow, to climbing snowbanks and rolling on his back to then slide down the hills head first with all four paws in the air.     

Atticus will be enjoying his retirement with his puppy raiser Tomas, visiting with past friends, going for walks, and eating his fill of the local blueberries and raspberries, which are his favorite summer time treat!

“Though you will be missed by a lot of people who have met you, we wish you all the best in retirement.”

A collage of photos showing Atticus from puppyhood to adulthood.

The images shown above are of Atticus, from puppyhood to current.

Top row:

  • Atticus as a young puppy, all wet and standing in his bowl.
  • Puppy Atticus with big brother Xavier in green Guide Dog vests (this was Atticus’ first time in a vest).
  • Atticus mid-stride running through water, carrying a blue toy in his mouth, water splashing around him.
  • Graduation Day!  Atticus is seated surrounded by his humans.  Daniel (top right) chats with foster Tomas.

Second Row:

  • Atticus lying down in his Canine Vision harness, looking alert and forward.
  • Atticus getting a birthday present from Daniel; Atticus is clearly interested in his new toy.
  • (top) Atticus reunites with foster Tomas and is excited to see him; Atticus is on top of Tomas while both are seated on the ground.  (bottom) Atticus enjoying a roll in the grass.
  • Daniel and Tomas walking with Atticus and a black dog, Atticus is wearing his working dog harness.

Third row:

  • Close portrait of Atticus in front of Christmas decorations and ornaments, wearing a red bone-shaped tag.
  • Atticus sitting on green grass outdoors, full body shot, looking directly at the camera — confident and calm.
  • Atticus sitting in front of a stone fireplace wearing black booties, posing formally.
  •  St. Patrick’s Day photo — Daniel seated wearing sunglasses and a green tie, Atticus beside him also wearing a green tie, in front of a shamrock-decorated green backdrop.

Green Capes proudly sponsors the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides 2026 “Motorcycle Ride for Dog Guides”

An image showing a promotional banner for the "Motorcycle Ride for Dog Guides" event. The banner is divided into several sections, creating a collage of images and text. On the left is a grassy area with a man and a woman, both wearing matching orange t-shirts. The man is wearing a baseball cap and the woman is wearing glasses. They are standing with leashes, and two dogs are partially visible at their feet. To the right of this is a section showing a line of motorcycles, mostly Harley-Davidsons, with riders on them, suggesting the beginning of a motorcycle rally. The next panel features a large black dog sitting and wearing an orange t-shirt identical to the ones worn by the people on the left. It is wearing a baseball cap. Following this is an image of a woman with blonde hair, wearing sunglasses and a blue bandana, holding a small black puppy. She is sitting on a motorcycle. To the far right is a cartoon illustration of a yellow dog wearing a green helmet and scarf, riding a black motorcycle. The dog has goggles on and a wide smile, conveying a sense of fun and adventure. The entire collage is overlaid on a green background. At the bottom of the banner, in large white lettering, is the title "Motorcycle Ride for Dog Guides: June 20, 2026". Below this, on the right side, it says in smaller yellow text "sponsored by Green Capes Lions Club". The overall atmosphere is cheerful, community-oriented, and highlights the involvement of dogs and motorcycles in the event. The colors are vibrant, especially the orange t-shirts and the bright yellow of the cartoon dog, creating an inviting and positive mood.

Green Capes is once again proud to be the sponsor of this year’s Motorcycle Ride for Dog Guides, presented by the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides!

The scenic motorcycle ride takes place on June 20th, starting at the Oakville training school and ending at the Breslau facility (near Guelph).

So far, $30,560 of the $40,000 goal has already been raised, and the funds will help match more life-changing Dog Guides with those who need them most, empowering freedom, confidence, and independence for individuals across the country.

Tickets for the event are $30 per rider/passenger.

To register, please click here.

If you are interested in  hosting a ride,  or have any questions, please reach out to Dog Guides at ev****@*******es.com.

Try a free two-month trial, and join the GCLC Team!

Are you interested in helping Canadians with disabilities receive the gift of independence, safety and happiness a dog guide brings?  Then how about becoming a member of the Green Capes Lions Club, and helping us raise funds in support of the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides!  Not sure if becoming a member is right for you?  No problem – you can join the club for free as a trial member for two months, and see what we are all about!

Did you know that there are fewer than 25 full-time members at Green Capes? Anyone is welcome to join, from anywhere in Canada! Most members are past or present puppy raisers, graduates and supporters, and we all work together to help make today’s puppies tomorrow’s Super Heroes!

Green Capes meets monthly via Zoom and currently conducts events in southern Ontario and northeast British Columbia.  Not only do we help raise funds in support of Dog Guides, we also work to spread knowledge and awareness about dog guides, and the benefits they bring to Canadians.

For a small annual fee of $97 (pro-rated, if applicable), plus a one-time Lion’s International setup fee of $50 for new memberships, full members are able to host and participate in fundraisers, lead or participate in various club committees and enjoy various fun and exciting members-only Club activities.  Full members also have a voice at our monthly and annual member’s meetings, and can vote on various motions that will help guide our future!  Members can even run for a position on the Club Executive, and help be a guiding light for the club and our future goals!

There is no better time to join, and a great opportunity to change the life of a person with a disability.  Join the Green Capes Lions Club today, and help make today’s puppies tomorrow’s Super Heroes!

If you are interested in joining, just reply to this message and our membership coordinator will get back to you as soon as possible.

Send us your requests

We want to make our newsletter as informative as possible, and we would love to hear your comments or requests. Simply reply to this newsletter with your comments or requests, and we will update the newsletter accordingly.

Got a little newsperson buried deep down inside, just howling to be let off-leash? Got a few minutes to show off your writing talents? Join the newsletter team and help us spread the news.

Have a fun and enjoyable summer!

– The GCLC Team