Published: September 04, 2008 09:03 pm         

Leader dog ‘Lanie’ ready to help Terre Haute woman

TERRE HAUTE — A Terre Haute woman has completed a 26-day training program for the visually impaired to accustom herself to a leader dog.

Henrietta Kirby returned home from Rochester, Mich., with the professionally-trained dog, “Lanie.”

Kirby has completed the program at Leader Dogs for the Blind in Rochester, Mich. The not-for-profit school trains adult dogs to bring increased safety and independent mobility to blind and visually impaired individuals from all over the world. Leader Dog instructors go to great lengths to match students with dogs that fit their personality, needs and lifestyle.

“Both Henrietta and Lanie have been taught to work together through verbal commands, hand signals and a special harness. Henrietta should experience an added level of independence and safety as she continues to enjoy every day activities, such as boarding a bus, shopping in a mall or crossing the street,” said Keith McGregor, director of training at Leader Dogs for the Blind.

“Lanie will give me more confidence and make me more independent. I don’t have to worry about getting around,” said Kirby.

Those who see Kirby and Lanie traveling around town should remember not to pet Lanie without first getting permission. Lanie’s job is to keep Kirby safe and has been trained to focus only on Kirby while wearing the harness. Petting a leader dog is distracting for the team and could lead to unfortunate obedience and behavior problems for the dog.

Leader dogs are provided free to qualified individuals, including travel and 26 days of room and board at the Leader Dog facility. The estimated value is $38,000. Leader Dogs for the Blind is funded by donations from Lions and Lioness Club members, individuals, foundations and corporations dedicated to community service.

For more information or to make a donation, call Leader Dogs for the Blind at (888) 777-5332 or visit www.leaderdog.org.