Hello everyone!
In this issue: Highlights from the April 6 LFCDG Spring Open House Event, initial orders for 2025 calendars, Stevey goes to University, meet our latest Superheroes, update on the new training school and more!
Lions Foundation of Canada Spring Open House a Huge success!
On April 6th, Green Capes participated in the Lions Foundation Of Canada Dog guides Spring Open House event.
With beautifully warm, sunny weather, we sold a total of $743 in merchandise at our outdoor booth, created interest in a few new Lions clubs to order calendars and reconnected with lots of foster friends.
“It was so much fun. I got to meet tons of Lions club visitors, especially the ones from Markham and West London. Plus visitors from previous years events, with some engaging in volunteering opportunities. A very positive experience.” – GC Member Angela
A huge “Thank you!” to everyone who attended the event, and to the members who represented Green Capes at our booth and throughout the event! Great work everyone!
Pre-orders for 2025 calendars have started coming in!
Green Capes is excited to announce that as a result of the event on April 6th, we have already received the first Lions Club pre-order for the upcoming 2025 Dog Guide Puppy Calendar!
With pre-orders already starting to come in, and the increasing interest from schools from across Canada, this year is shaping up to be an excellent year for calendar sales!
Stay tuned for the grand unveiling later this Summer, and be sure to get your calendar early!
Stevey goes to University
Stevey, part of the litter sponsored by the Calendar program and named by the top-selling Lions district with the Lions Sales Program is off to University to begin formal dog guide training, trading in his green jacket for a red one!
“We’ve had just shy of a year of cuddles, silly kisses, and the goofiest moments. We sure are going to miss you!
It’s crazy how quick this year went.
Go get ’em Stevey – Love this journey for you! ” – Stevey’s Foster.
Meet our latest Superheroes
Superhero “Doug the Dog” – graduated April 24, 2024
“Since Barry was facing health issues at the time, we were unsure whether we should even get another foster pup at all, but the fact that Doug was our 11th foster pup (Gala’s son) and that he was born on the day that our beloved pet dog Gypsy passed away quickly convinced us that it was meant to be. Mindful of Barry’s health, we decided on the co-fostering route to make sure that Doug’s socialization would not suffer and found the best fostering partner in our good friend Sam, who works at Dog Guides and is a member of the Halton K9 Lions Club. Mostly switching on a weekly basis, Doug quickly settled into both our homes. His handsome looks and photographer Serena’s skills secured him a spot on the cover of the 2024 Green Capes Puppy Calendar and as an honorary member in two Lions Clubs, he helped at many fundraising events, attended the Walk for Dog Guides in two different locations, and during the Christmas break from “university”, he even ended up selling “his” Green Capes Calendars.
Doug was quite the character as a puppy, quickly earning him the name “Doug the Dog”, and loved to play with his dog friends, but was also a master at settling quietly in a crate during his humans’ workdays or when attending lengthy medical appointments.
He was recalled to “university” in late September 2023 and recently graduated as an Autism Assistance Dog for Stephen, a 17-year-old young man who will soon be attending university himself. Stephen’s mother Laurie told us that Doug and Stephen bonded instantly, something we could witness first-hand during the Meet & Greet where we got to know Stephen and Laurie. In the two months since they left the Oakville training facility, Doug’s and Stephen’s relationship has gone from strength to strength and they have become inseparable.” – from Doug’s fosters, GC members Andrea and Barry.
Superhero Riley – graduated April 24, 2024
“Riley started her foster puppy life as the sixth four-legged member of Conestoga College’s OLC team. I knew she was destined for either autism or facility support, as from a young age, Riley would settle wherever she was and sleep through whatever activity was going on around her. Sister Pekoe showed Riley the ropes before her recall, giving this little girl a firm foundation as a future Dog Guide. Riley became famous as Miss June in the 2023 Green Capes Dog Guides calendar with brother Roman and as a Pet Valu fall collection model on Toronto’s Breakfast Television. I am so proud of Riley for graduating and starting her life as a best fur friend for her little boy. I wish Riley and Oliver many years of wonderful adventures and close friendship.” – from Riley’s foster, GC Assoc. Member Cheryl.
* All photos used with permission
Work progresses on the new Dog Guides training school site
The work to prepare the site for the new Dog Guides training school continues to progress. Crews have almost completed the removal of the dirt to make way for the underground parking area, and pouring of the concrete foundation and the 17 supports for the ground level is scheduled to begin in early May, with an expected completion before Winter. The south end will be two stories high, with access to green space, and the north end one story.
Here are some photos from the work site, taken by Green Capes Member Angela.
Up-coming events:
June 1st and 2nd – Harmony Meadows Alpaca Farm Shearing Open House.
From 10am-4pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Anyone who would like to come out and help sell merchandise, accept donations, do some barbequing or just have a weekend of fun can send a message to Sara at snovak@greencapes.com. There will be a lunch time BBQ, opportunity to interact with the various farm animals, and general good times!
A portion of the proceeds raised from the event will be donated to Dog Guides, so come out and have some fun!
Send us your requests
We want to make our newsletter as informative as possible, and we would love to get any comments or requests you may have! 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? Come join the newsletter team, and help us spread the news!
Come join the club:
Are you looking for a great new year’s resolution? How about joining the Green Capes Lions Club, and helping to bring the independence, safety and joy a Superhero brings to a person with a disability!
EVEN A SUPERHERO NEEDS A HELPING PAW
If you have ever considered becoming a member, now is a great time! What an amazing way to start off the new year!
We need new people, new ideas and new energy. As a full member you would be able to participate in meetings and committees, lead events and guide our future!
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 give Canadians living with disabilities the joy, safety and independence a Dog Guide brings.
Green Capes meets monthly via Zoom, and currently conducts events in southern Ontario and northeast British Columbia.
If you are interested in joining, just reply to this message and our membership coordinator will get back to you asap.
Members pay an annual membership fee of $95 (pro-rated, if applicable), plus a one-time Lions International setup fee of $50.
Come join the fun, and help us make today’s puppies tomorrow’s Superheroes!
– The GCLC Team
