Who’s a superb boy? Meet Marley, Guelph mall’s sponsored information canine

By Antonio D. Vela On Nov 19, 2022

Marley meets Marley in the mirror.

Meet Marley, Stone Road Mall’s sponsored guide dog.

The mall in Guelph has teamed up with the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides to showcase the journey of the mall’s sponsored dog guide, from puppy to adolescence, showcasing his training and more while on his journey of service.

The mission of the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides is to empower Canadians with disabilities to navigate their world with confidence and independence by providing dog guides at no cost to them and supporting each pair in their journey together, states a news release.

The largest school of its kind in Canada, Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides is located in Oakville with a breeding and training facility in Breslau.

Dog guides in seven distinct programs are provided at no cost to eligible Canadians from coast to coast. From breeding to rearing and training with a lifetime of followup services, each dog guide costs $35,000 to train and place, says the release. The foundation relies on donations to provide these special matches and does not receive any government funding.

“Here at Stone Road Mall we are always looking to develop new partnerships and shine a bright spotlight on great organizations doing amazing work right here in our community,” said Christina Magee, the mall’s marketing manager, in the release.

“Over the years, we have welcomed several training dog guides into Stone Road Mall. We recognize how important their service is to those in need within the Guelph and surrounding area.”

Marley will make his online debut across Stone Road Mall’s platforms during the month of September, with a predominate focus on the mall’s Instagram.

“Marley is the face of our partnership and we want to invite the community to join us through watching, liking, and sharing our content on this beautiful journey! Who doesn’t love dog photos and videos?!” Magee said.

The sponsorship started in March 2022 with the mall’s financial commitment in support of the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. The program is based on Marley’s skill level at the time of his specialized training assessment and placement. The online story will document Marley’s early development and will feature notable milestones along the first year of his journey, says the release.