Furry Helpers Get Special Recognition
By John McDevitt
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A non-profit organization in Center City that helps those who are blind and visually impaired is celebrating some special friends today.
Patti Lariccia is blind and her 7-year-old Golden Retriever/Labrador mix "Finigan" has been assisting her to get around for more than 4 years.
"I put my life in his paws every day and I appreciate the feeling of safety that I get from him."
Laricca lives in the suburbs and the duo travels to Center City 5 days a week to Associated Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired or ASB, where Patti has been working for the past 26 years. She says one of the biggest obstacles downtown is all the construction work, "because each day I don't know what's going to be blocked off.
But manages, she says, with the help of Finigan. The dog is ASB's unofficial mascot and the nonprofit is putting him in the spotlight this year for its 19th Annual Guide Dog Appreciation Day. He gets a toy and treats.
