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Volunteers needed to 'foster' puppies for guide dogprogram ust mention the words, 'pup- pies in need of good homes', and watch canine lovers line up y the dozen, But add that all ofthose puppies must be given back after less than a year, and it might be a different story. That's why it's so difficult for the Lion's Foundation of Canada to find worthy volunteers in the Waterloo Region and beyond to help with its Dogguides program. which trains Labrador retrievers and golden retrievers as guides for the blind, the deaf and those living with physical and medical disabili- ties. When the Foundation's puppies are eight weeks old. they go In live in foster homes until they are approximately one year old. The foster families are selected volunteers who provide homes for the puppies, teach them proper house manners and basic obedi- ence, and expose them to situa- tions they might encounter as a guide, such as walking up and down flights of stairs and taking trips to the mall. After the dogs' Frrst year, they are recalled for training and assigned to one of three guide pro- grams. Upon successful comple- tion of the assigned programs. the dogs then become guides for char lenged individuals all over the province. A graduation ceremony is held for the dogs, marking the final time the foster family can see the new guide before it goes to a new home. "It's an incredibly rewarding experience for our volunteers." said Mary Stephens. the Foundation's marketing and com- munications manager. "Especially when the foster families meet the (challenged) person they've dedi- cated the last 10 months to." However, in some cases, the voids the dogs leave behind in the hearts of their foster families are too large to fill. "They are hard to give up, that's for sure," said Penny kawalecki of Kitchener, who is now fostering her second puppy for the Foundation. "That's why a lot of people just can't bring themselves to do it." The sciiorg teacher said she was even skeptical al first. "My sister is the executive dircc By ANDREA Bum caeranrL 1'rp,.rhB3_tE tor of the Foundation so she approached me about it," Kawalecki said "She knew I had two dogs already. so she thought I could easily manage a puppy too. "At firsi I said nd, [mi after thinking about it. it seemed more and more like a good idea." _ The fact that all expenses dur- ing the dog's stay, such as food and veterinary bills, would be covered by the Foundation also helped Kawalecki make her decision. "All of the Foundation's dogs are given unique names that they won't hear on the street," Kawalecki said. "That way if a dog is leading a blind person, they won't be diverted by someone call- ing a common name like Fido." Soon after. she and her family welcomed Faith into their home. “And to everyone's excitement Faith fit in almost immediately. "She was incredible." Kawaleckj said. "She was definitely the smartest dog I've ever seen. both bright and independent." The best pin was she mixed well with Kawalecki's other two pooches,Carmtand Mix. -- _ _ "Max practically trained Faith himself," she said. “I really believe having other dogs around helps the puppies not to be so lonely and demanding." However. Kawalecki had to con- stantly remind herself that having Faith was just a temporary arrangement, and after 10 months she would have to move on. "It wasn't a real problem for me," she said. "I knew going in that it was just for a certain period of time, so I didn't become as com- mitted as I am with my other dogs. "To compensate, I just Iavishied extra love on, my othtr dogs.” But Kawalecid said it was harder for her husband to accept losing what now felt like a part of the fam- "He had the most trouble giving her up," she said. "It took him a few days to feel better, and he said he didn't want to do it again." But when the opportunity to foster another puppy arose a few months later, Kawalecki found her- self once again laying down the newspapers for Eden, the newest addition to the household. "This puppy is not as smart as the first one" she said. "But every dog has its positiyes." - She alsé said Eden is having more dimculty adjusting to outside situations, such as visiting stores. LIFESTYLE "When we tried to take her to the store, she didn't do so well," Kawaleckj said. "She shook and then peed in Zéllers. "shes still a little slow and timid. but she's still young. She has time yet lo adjust.” _ _ _ _ . If Eden is unable to be trained as a guide, Kawalecki said the Foundation would give her family the option of buying Eden for $400, or adopt her out to another family, Either way, it's a happy ending for the dog, as well as the foster family who can rest assured she will be in good hands. Penny Kawalecki of Kitchener is helping the Lions Foundation of Canada by raising Eden until she is ready to be trained as a guide dog. "When you think of the good your dog will do, you have such a sense of contribution and accom- plishment," Kawalecki said. "And when you hear how they are help- ing others, you are as proud as any parent." 2‘II is a irretty large cémmit- ment," she said. "But in the end, we've found it's worth it." - Though Kawalecki said it's not a responsibility to be Pken lightly. To participate in the Foster Puppy program. contact the Lions Foundation of Canada at (905) 842-2891. ANDREA IMEV mom III‘ZVQITII " '10 Askfordetaits wusmoo nonm "teuetf"t"' Oo/o UW hosts conference for Grade 8 girls Grades girls from across Waterloo region will have the opportunity to meet women currently working in the fields of science, technology and mathematics during the A Day with a Difference conference this Saturday at the University ofWarerloo. A joint effort between the university, the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario and the Waterloo Region district school board. the conference is designed to encourage girls to study these fields of learning as they advance through school. From 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p-m., students will partici- pate in hands-on activities and workshops on such topics as forensic identifsca- tion, kinesiology. chemical reactions. and veterinary work. Parents are encouraged to attend a workshop for parents andlor shadow their daughter for the day. For further information on the conference. call Cindy Matthews at 746- 6724. or Brydon Elinesky at 570-0300. ext. 4348. The Waterloo-Wellington chapter of the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Ontario is holding its annual general meeting April 10 at 7 pan. at Sir Edgar Bauer school in Waterloo. The guest speaker, who has yet to be announced. will focus on the topic of education, There is no cost to attend. The school is located at 660 Glen Forest Blvd, For more information or to reserve a seat, call 883- 1996. Local Spina Bifida group to hold annual meeting [3111133133 I. Wanda 746- 1 666