Kamloops Lions Clubs go bowling for dogs

Nov 27, 2017 | 10:09 AM

KAMLOOPS — On Sunday, dozens of bowlers were knocking down pins for a good cause at Falcon Lanes in Valleyview, as the second annual Lions Club Dog Bowl took place.

The event is hosted by several Lions clubs from the Kamloops area, and this years edition had participants come from as far away as Ashcroft to take part. The Dog Bowl raises funds for the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guide program, which trains service dogs for people with disabilities.

“There [are] about seven types of [service] dogs,” Dog Bowl organizer Dale Brush explained. “You’re looking at anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000 [to train a service dog].”

Last year the event raised over $3500 for the Guide Dogs program. Brush says the event is near and dear to his heart because of the opportunities having a service dog can open up to those who receive them.

“Take an individual who is sight impaired. They have their canes they can use to go out and use in the community, but they’re limited. They really have to listen for traffic. When you get this dog out with them, the dog is their eyes, it’s their ears, it’s their safety net. It allows them to do the things that you and I take for granted,” Brush said.