Blind busker helping dog guides

Owen Sound Sun Times Denis Langlois writes:

"Blind busker Paul Stewart often gets lost.

The thing is, he enjoys it. The 55-year-old Torontonian,

who spent yesterday afternoon playing his guitar for spare change on a bench in downtown Owen Sound, is touring cities across Canada to raise money for the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. (sic) [ Note: Paul is actually raising funds for Guidedog.org, not the Lions - gm ]

With nary a map nor directions, Stewart said he and his guide dog Partner frequently get lost as they travel alone on unfamiliar city streets.

'I like getting lost. It's a good way to meet people,' he said in an interview.He said he often relies on friendly townsfolk to point him to the right location, which could be a busy downtown street corner, a bus station or hotel.

Stewart has raised $300 so far on his busking tour, after stops in Newfoundland and Ontario. Half the money is donated to the Guide Dog Foundation.

"I've always maintained what goes around comes around," he said.

The remainder is used to pay his travel expenses.

Stewart said while he likes to hit cities where he has a free place to stay, he sometimes has to sleep in hotels.

While in the Owen Sound area, Stewart is staying with friends Gary and May Murphy of Sauble Beach, who have his former guide dog, Rhodie."