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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, August 7, 2015 | 14 Howe says Angus `saved my life' continued from p.1 "I've reached my goal about walking and now I want to raise money for dogs and spinal chord research." On Wednesday, Howe, who walks with the aid of a walker, received the torch from Montreal's Nathalie Chartrand, a visually-impaired former Paralympic goal ball gold medallist at the Sydney 2000 Paralympics Games, in an exchange at Westwood Park. "I wish I was still competing because the Games are in Canada, but then again, I'm glad I'm not because I don't have to train for 14-20 hours a week," said Chartrand, who walked with her guide dog Garfield, a Standard Poodle. "I did that for many years. You either train or have a life and now I'm having a life." Some 1,600 athletes are competing in the Toronto 2015 Parapan Am Games, which begin today (Friday, Aug. 7) and run until Aug. 15. More than 30 dogs, some training to be guide dogs, others already serving in that role, and their handlers, participated in the local leg of the torch relay in Oakville. Howe and Chartrand each received their dogs from the Oakville training centre following an intensive monthlong training course. "Angus has been a very important part of my rehabilitation in more ways than I can ever express in words," said Howe, who had been a long-haul transport driver for 20 years before his accident. "He saved my life. "Not only has Angus helped me physically, but also emotionally. He really got me out meeting people again. At the Parapan Am Torch relay in Oakville Wednesday, Nathalie Chartrand of Montreal, a visually-impaired former Paralympic athlete, passes the Parapan Am flame to Bill Howe of Toronto, the survivor of an accident that caused a spinal cord injury. | photo by Justin Greaves ­ Oakville Beaver "I was able to get out of my depression. I went back to the gym. I lost 130 pounds. I went back to school and now I'm in my third year studying to be a holistic nutritionist." Howe, who lives in Toronto, was confined to his wheelchair when he first met his Golden Retriever. "If I needed a drink of water I would have to call my neighbour to get it for me, but now Angus gets me my water and helps me do my laundry," he said. "If I say `laundry time,' he goes into my bedroom and grabs the laundry basket and he helps me unload the clothes into the washer and dryer and then takes them from the dryer and puts them back into the laundry basket. When we get back to the apartment, he grabs it piece by piece and helps me fold it." see Parapan on p.17 CONCRETE ExposEd aggrEgatE (pebble) · DRIVEWAYS · FRENCH CURBS · PATIOS · STEPS · WALKWAYS · GARAGE FLOORS uality At Its Best! Call Fernando FREE ESTIMATES 905-844-5518 1-888-944-5518 www.concretetrimmings.com www visit our new location in oakville open year round! 1515 Rebecca St. Corner of Rebecca & 3rd line "Formerly DiversiFieD Financial services" 800-HRBloCk | HRBLOCK.CA we don't miss a thingTM 24 Roses with Accents and Greens in a Vase. Regular $60 value now... 2 4 Beautiful Roses in a Vase 50% Off For a limited time only $30!! Offer valid from August 8 to 16 while supplies last. ® 100% satisfaction guarantee · Open 7 days a week · Same day local delivery Oakville Store: 2387 Trafalgar Rd at Postridge · 905-257-0777 11 Ontario Stores: Burlington Oakville Mississauga London (8) www.forestofflowers.com