The Lions Club welcomed Carrol Spruell and Guide dog Newton with a rendition of “Happy Birthday,” celebrating her 64th birthday.
Spruell, along with Newton, spoke to the Lions Club Thursday and reminisced about her time at a Lion’s Club Camp in Leesville as a child.
Despite the visual impairment she was born with and worried camp supervisors, Spruell enjoyed visiting and riding horses kept at the camp. She rode them well enough that she managed to earn a Cowgirl Award. Her impaired vision also didn’t stop her from being awarded for her skill at arts and crafts, as well as housekeeping.
Though her vision is now completely gone, it has not stopped her from cooking and cleaning. She spoke on the various tools and tricks she uses daily, such as speaking timers and using her thumb to tell when a measuring cup is full.
At her side rested Newton, a docile and well behaved labrador who Spruell says has been “a life savior and great companion.” Newton comes from Seeing Eye, an organization dedicated to training guide dogs and matching them with suitable owners.
“We learn to live day by day, just like everyone else,” Spruell said, driving home the inspirational message that even without sight, life is manageable and enjoyable.
The Minden Lion’s Club meets at noon for lunch every Thursday at the American Legion Hall.