Simba trains to become a guide dog

WARWICK — It’s graduation time around the Warwick Valley and Simba, an 18-month-old yellow Labrador, is readying for his final exams.

Warwick resident Cheryl DeVine has volunteered her services to Simba and the Guiding Eyes for the Blind program for the past 16 months. She told Warwick Rotarians that if Simba passes the rigid testing, he will attend advanced professional training in Albany to become a companion to a blind person.

Upon successful completion of the Albany program, Simba will join his blind companion for additional instruction and adjustment to the new environment.

Warwick Rotarians expressed their support for the program, which provides free assistance for blind and visually impaired people with trained guide dogs, by presenting a $500 check to Guiding Eyes for the Blind during last Wednesday’s luncheon meeting at the Landmark Inn.