WHO WE WERE
Founded in 1987, THE GOOD GUYS was a small group of dedicated dog owners who, in addition to participating in many other “doggie” disciplines, took time out to support worthwhile community services / charities by way of fundraising events. These fundraising events helped to show that dogs with responsible and caring owners can be contributing members of a community. The committed members donated their time, talents, travel expenses and equipment (not to mention their trained dogs) to make these successful events happen. The dogs themselves were beloved family members of the volunteer handlers and were treated with the utmost care and respect. Never overworked, the dogs enjoyed carting as it was a fulfilling job for them.
THE GOOD GUYS came in all sizes, all breeds and mixes of breeds. Some of the breeds that participated in our events were Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Leonbergers, Bouviers, Labrador Retrievers, Collies, Border Collies, Rottweilers, Akitas, Bulldogs, Irish Water Spaniels, Papillons, Samoyeds, Beagles, Belgian Tervurens, Australian Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs, Cockapoos, Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, Miniature Schnauzers, Alaskan Malamutes, American Eskimos, Siberian Huskies as well as big and small mixed breeds. Most dogs worked as singles but we also had some teams. For example, a team of Beagles and a team of Cockapoos in addition to some large teams such as Newfoundlands and Bernese Mountain Dogs.
WHAT WE DID
By asking our well trained carting dogs to give cart/sled rides to children at various events and locations throughout the year, we raised funds for the community service / charity selected by the organization inviting us to participate. We charged $2.00 per ride and all funds went to the community service / charity. We also did carting demonstrations that introduced our training methods as well as some of the fun things you could do with a trained carting dog.
HOW WE DID IT
Participating dogs were properly trained to harness by way of draft / carting classes, had excellent temperaments and had to be extremely well socialized. We asked that our dogs had a Canine Good Neighbour Test and/or Therapy Dog certification. Our puppies and our retirees along with new dogs still in their training process took part in our events as “petting dogs”, a very popular part of our events.
COMMUNITY SERVICES / CHARITIES THAT WE SUPPORTED
Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, Camp Quality (a camp for kids with cancer), Childrens' Wish Foundation, Variety Village, the Alliston, Toronto, North York and Oakville Humane Societies, Orangeville Childrens' Festival, Caledon Fire and Emergency Services (Pet Oxygen Masks), United Way, Tiffen Conservation Area, Toronto Department of Heath (Animal Welfare Division), Shepherd’s Cupboard Food Bank (Shelburne), Federated Health Campaign, Don Cherry’s Pet Rescue Foundation and many more.
SOME OF OUR 'SHOWBIZ' EVENTS
We have had a lot of fun over our years of service taking part in the Superdogs shows, the Dina Petty Show, Breakfast TV and the Cable 10 Telethon, “All For The Animals”. We were also known for our exciting carting demonstrations at the “All About Pets Show", the Toronto Sportsmens' Show as well as at various fairs throughout Ontario.
CLASSES
To assure quality draft training, the group's founders offered (the first and only) eight-week training course to share the fun, responsibilities and usefulness of dogs in harness. The classes were held in Schomberg, ON (Hwys 9 & 27) each spring starting towards the end of May. In addition to being long time draft trainer, the instructor was both a Draft Judge for the Canadian Kennel Club as well as for various other draft testing groups. Carting dogs took part in parades (parade organizers loved 'em...) children's parties, hauling the family Christmas trees out of the woods, visiting seniors' homes and hospitals/rehab facilities and - if you and your dog were real “show-offs”- you could prepare for various Draft Tests including the Canadian Kennel Club Draft Dog Test.
