Seeing Eye Dogs

Seeing eye dogs may just be one of the most important canine jobs in our current society. Their service is invaluable to those in need. With the faithful guidance of these dogs, blind people are able to achieve the dignity and respect they deserve.

How did seeing eye dogs start? The term "seeing eye dogs" began during World War I when Germany began opening seeing eye dog training schools to veterans who were blinded in the war. A woman from Pennsylvania who was living in Switzerland at the time, Dorothy Harrison Eustis, became aware of these schools. She later wrote an article titled, "The Seeing Eye" that appeared in the November 5, 1927 Saturday Evening Post issue. A blind man in Tennessee, Morris Frank, was made aware of the said article, and wrote Mrs. Eustis asking for help. Finally, in Nashville, Tennessee, 1929, Seeing Eye Inc. was born. It later moved to its current location, Morristown, New Jersey, in 1931. The term "seeing eye dog" later became a common name to call dogs who act as eyes for the blind. The term has stuck.

What breeds of dogs are generally seeing eye dogs? Seeing eye dogs are chosen and bred for specific qualities. Some of these traits include intelligence, gentleness, fine health, moderate in size, loving, and a strong desire to please. Because golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, and German shepherds usually possess these qualities, they tend to make excellent companions for the blind.

These dogs must undergo vigorous training, because the lives of their owners, as well as their own may be at stake. They taught to obey the commands of their owner; common directional terms used are "go right," "go left," and "go forward." These dogs are also taught something called "intelligent disobedience." This mainly applies only to situations where harm would befall the owner or the dog if they obeyed the command. Most training eye dog institutions require a training period for the owners so that they can learn the commands the dog knows, as well as simply getting used to having a daily helping hand.

Though dogs are not usually allowed in places such as supermarkets, restaurants, or shopping malls, persons with a seeing eye dog are always allowed to enter by law. It would be downright discriminatory to not allow those with seeing eye dogs on the premises of any locale. People must be aware that when they see a person with a seeing eye dog, they must always ask permission before touching or patting the dog. Also, never assume the owner needs help, but feel free to ask if they need assistance if you feel the need.

Seeing eye dogs have one of the most important jobs in society today. They afford people with a blind disability the chance to be mobile and live out somewhat regular lives. They are kind, diligent, loyal, and extremely loving. They provide care for those who may desire a gentle companion to aide them in their everyday routine. Seeing eye dogs make a difference in people's lives throughout the world today.

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