ORION TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The Corvette is the dream car for many car enthusiasts.
On a sun-filled Saturday morning, the sleek sportscar was not the main attraction at Canterbury Village.
“This has been my third year as president -- our club -- we’re nothing without the people who come to the show,” said Pres. Greg Blaszczyk of GMC Corvette Set.
Maze, the leader dog, is not just an adorable pet for William Miller. For the owner, he means a lot.
“He’s my eyes. I don’t trip. He takes me wherever I go,” Miller said.
The dog has improved Miller’s way of living.
Leader Dogs for the Blind helps those who are either blind or visually impaired move in ways most abled-bodied people take for granted.
“He gives me all kinds of independence to travel,” he said. “I used to count on people to take me places. Now, it’s kind of like we walk wherever we go. We’re known as the walkers for Leader Dog.”
Miller lost his vision in 2015. He dreaded using a white can which led to slips and falls.
In 2021, the Rochester Hills nonprofit paired him with Mase.
The breeding, training, and care for each dog costs about $70,000, according to the organization. Miller didn’t pay a dime.
“We’ve been partnering with Leader Dog since 1982 and we’ve contributed nearly $375,000 to Leader Dog,” Blaszczyk said.
As one owner said, if you can drive a Corvette then you can support a cause.
In the case of Miller, it’s given him a fresh outlook on life.