Sindy Puckett ready for new challenges

June 25, 2012 at 4:50 a.m. | Updated June 25, 2012 at 4:50 a.m.

Sindy Puckett hugs her Labrador leader dog, Eleanor, along the handicap-accessible walking path at Runge Nature Center, a path the two walk often.
Sindy Puckett hugs her Labrador leader dog, Eleanor, along the handicap-accessible walking path at Runge Nature Center, a path the two walk often.

In matching cap and gown, a blond Labrador walked alongside Sindy Puckett as she accepted her master's degree from Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) last month.

That was the last major event for the pair, as Eleanor, now 7, will retire this summer.

"I've worked her really hard; college life is stressful on a dog," Puckett said.

But Eleanor was a source of confidence for Puckett as she was the first legally-blind person to earn a master's degree from SEMO.

In July, Puckett will meet her new service dog through Leader Dogs for the Blind, with help from the Jefferson City Host Lions.

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