A guide dog sponsored by the Ed Smith Mineola Lions Club recently graduated from the training program run by the Guide Dog Foundation.

At the request of the Club, the guide dog was named Senator, which is the nickname of Nassau County Legislator and Presiding Officer Rich Nicolello, the first vice president of the

club.

The guide dogs undergo

extensive training, and once their training is complete, provide people with visual and other impairments the means to retain their mobility and independence. Dogs that do not graduate from the guide dog program are re-assigned as service dogs for individuals with various needs.

Senator has found a home with Pamela Bilyeu, a hearing impaired woman from Wisconsin.