The Dogs of Deer Lodge Lottery Calendar is on sale now!

Deer Lodge has gone to the dogs with its 2019 lottery calendar, which celebrates the faithful, friendly animal volunteers who bring joy to the Centre’s residents and patients.

Featured in the calendar are photos of nine of the many special dogs who have earned a spot in Deer Lodge’s Pet Visitors program. In healthcare, companion animals often participate in animal-assisted therapy or interventions. Some make regular visits to liven the spirits of patients and residents.

“The animals have a natural way of lifting the atmosphere around them,” says Joy Tanchuk, volunteer supervisor at Deer Lodge. “They can help distract from worries and pains. They’re entertaining company. They reduce stress, boost feelings of comfort and caring.”

Produced as a fundraising initiative of the Deer Lodge Centre Foundation, this year’s calendar also features three winners of the Dogs of Deer Lodge photo contest, which invited members of the Deer Lodge community to nominate their pet.

Judges had such a hard time choosing winners that the calendar’s designers decided to include photos of all dogs submitted within the calendar pages, says Gordon Fardoe, the Foundation’s executive director.

“Dogs are incredibly intuitive and perceptive animals,” he says. “We’ve all experienced the kind of love a dog can provide as companion animals and pets. Volunteer therapy dogs, in particular, are a special bunch. The relationship between our therapy dogs and the people who call Deer Lodge Centre home is beautiful and inspiring.”

The Foundation aims to raise funds in support of residents and patients—including important projects such as the Chronic Care Unit Enhancement Project. Fardoe says, “Calendar sales will have a direct impact on our residents by providing new bathing facilities that improve accessibility, and—more importantly—offer more privacy and dignity.”

If that’s not enough reason to buy a calendar, consider the $15,975 in cash prizes being given away to lucky winners at the Foundation’s monthly draws. Two big prizes of $1,500 will be drawn on January 1 and December 31.

That, plus $25 daily prizes from Monday to Saturday each week, and a $100 prize every Sunday, adds up to a whole lot of chances for anyone who buys a calendar to win something – especially when you factor in that only 2,500 calendars are being printed.

To purchase your Deer Lodge Centre Foundation lottery calendar, call 204-272-8911.