She worried about getting a new dog. At 51, she thought the dog would be fine, but maybe she was too old to learn new tricks. Her fears eased when she met a woman coming back for her sixth dog. She was 82. Leader Dogs for the Blind is a project of the Lions Club.
Students receive the specially trained dogs as well as their own training free of charge.
Baird said she is grateful for the local Lions Clubs which contributed to Leader Dog as well as helping to pay her transportation costs and some expenses of the Michigan trip. She and Lily are a good match, Baird said. We're both stubborn. With the harness off, Lily lies close to Baird, their backs touching. Having the dog makes a huge difference in independence, Baird said.