Video: There’s a New ‘Dog’ at MSU

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STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Mississippi State fans adore the bulldog mascot but now there’s another dog on campus. Mississippi State student Sandra Bullins hasn’t let being visually impaired stop her from getting a college education. She’s working on a graduate degree and having a guide dog is making it a lot easier.

“Before, I was tapping legs and book bags and things like that. He weaves me in and out,” says Bullins.

Bullins lost her sight 13 years ago after having complications during a surgery. She’s had a guide dog since June of last year and Title 3 of the American Disability Act allows Bullins to have the service animal with her at all times.

“He is helping with mobility and navigation and travel. So he can go anywhere I can go in the public,” says Bullins.

The black Labrador is the only service dog on Mississippi State’s campus but Bullins says everyone seems to be accepting of the guide dog.

“I’d say a majority of the people that we have encountered have been really open and responsive. Just really respectful,” says Bullins.

To keep the guide dog focused when working, the public is asked not to pat the animal, grab it’s leash or harness and to make sure other pet dogs are on a leash when around a guide dog.

Bullins also says she keeps the dog’s name private so that he isn’t called and distracted while in service.