Leader Dog helps Brenda Rush be more self-reliant

Brenda Rush and her Leader Dog, Pooh Bear, a 19-month-old yellow Labrador. [Click to enlarge]

The Senath Lions Club welcomed a special guest Wednesday, July 23, who demonstrates the primary reason for which the organization exists. Brenda Rush, of Senath, spoke to the members of the club about her life with a Leader Dog. The main philanthropy for the Lions Club is to assist those who suffer from eye diseases. This ranges from donating eyeglasses to the needy to sending people who have lost their eyesight to camps and schools to help them live with being blind.

Rush was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmintosa about 15 years ago, which resulted in the loss of her vision. She moved from Rector, Ark. to Mount Ida, Ark. to be with her daughter so that she would not be left to face this disability alone. The local Lions Club there decided to contribute to her well being by purchasing her a Leader Dog that would assist her with direction, but also be a companion to her.

She produced a videotape to demonstrate how fast she could maneuver with her cane prior to receiving the canine. The tape was sent to Rochester, Mich. for review by a national committee who matched her ability with a Leader Dog. After choosing the dog that would assist her the best, Rush traveled to Michigan for a four-week training session in which she was taught how to command her dog. She returned home with a 19-month-old yellow Labrador retriever, which she named Pooh Bear.

Her son, who resides in Cardwell, convinced her to make the move to Missouri to receive a government supplement awarded to blind citizens. Rush came to Senath in March and is very pleased with her new community. As she spoke to audience, she advised them that the one thing she wants to everyone to know, and that is, Pooh Bear is not to be petted at all. "He is working at all times. If anyone pets him, it is a misdemeanor crime and could result in a fine of $25," said Rush.

Rush also recalled how appreciative she is to the Lions Club organization as a whole.

"If it wasn't for the Lions Club in Mount Ida, I would never have had the chance to receive the dog. He has been a remarkable companion and friend to me and without Lions Club I wouldn't have him," Rush said of her canine companion. Although she now has Pooh Bear to direct her path, she will continue to attend a week-long camp for the blind, to which she has been almost every year. Camp Yorktown Bay is located just outside of Hot Springs, Ark. and it enhances the emotional and physical stability required to live with this disability.

There is no question that she touched the Lions Club members as she spoke. Afterward, president Paul Stout commented that the club would support her with her needs.

"When it comes time to go to the camp, I believe that this Lions Club chapter will be more than happy to support you," Stout said.

The Senath Lions Club meets the first four Wednesdays of every month at Kampus Korner Restaurant at 12 p.m.