This Sunday afternoon Petals & Paws will host a walk along the Farmington River Trail for a relatively young guide dog organization.
The walk, set for 3 p.m. Sunday, is designed to raise both funds and awareness for Independence Guide Dogs, a Seattle-based organization that works with residents on the east coast to train dogs to assist the visually impaired. Walk participants will also be able to learn about raising a guide dog or utilizing the service. There will also be a chance to "meet" some of the dogs in the program, which started in late 2011.
"We're doing the walk for awareness and support," said Sandy McCollough, store manager at Petals & Paws.
Christine Buhler, a volunteer with Independence Guide Dogs, said the organization works directly with those that raise and need dogs and keeps its overhead low by foregoing office or kennel space. The arrangement works well for the animals as well since they spend more time with the family raising them, she said.
Walkers can meet in the Town Hall Parking Lot Sunday, Oct. 14. The walk starts at 3 p.m. and store is requesting a minimum donation of $5. The walk will take place along the Farmington River but there is no set distance or duration, McCollough said. People can join as long as they'd like.
Participants will also receive a coupon for a free ice cream cone at Petals & Paws. Dogs are welcome.
Learn more about Independence Guide Dogs at its Web site or facebook page.
