Guide dogs provide opportunities for social interaction and greater independence for legally blind adults. International Guide Dog Day pays tribute to the dogs who do this impressive work.
Guide dogs help the visually impaired make their way through the world while offer love and comfort in so many ways.
References to guide dogs date back to at least the 16th century, so for the hundreds of years of service that these faithful companions have provided, we say thank you on April 27 (the last Wednesday in April).
Nursery rhyme “A is an Archer” includes the line “B was a Blind-man/Led by a dog.”
1920s
Dogs and veterans
Guide dogs helped German soldiers following World War I.
1929
First U.S. guide dog training school opened
Dorothy Harrison Eustis and Morris Frank started The Seeing Eye in Tennessee.
2010
Americans with Disabilities Act regulations published
The ADA established legal protections for those using dogs as service animals.
HOW TO OBSERVE INTERNATIONAL GUIDE DOG DAY
Learn about training
For one thing, guide dogs recognize whether or not a command would put their handler in danger and learn to disobey such instructions. That’s not an easy thing to teach!
Show support
Several organizations throughout the world train guide dogs and match them with people. Like other nonprofits, they could benefit from your time and/or donations.
Adopt a “career change” dog
Not all dogs who begin training for this task make it all the way. Those who don’t — require a forever home. Note: There’s a long waiting list for these dogs, so prepare your application early.
WHY INTERNATIONAL GUIDE DOG DAY IS IMPORTANT
They change lives
More than 140 million people in the United States alone are blind or suffer from some sort of vision impairment. Properly trained guide dogs keep them remain safe and independent by helping them navigate everyday obstacles.
Trainers deserve credit
Guide dog training can be an expensive and time-consuming process. It can take up to two years and $25,000 to fully train a single service dog. In addition to giving folks an opportunity to recognize the work of guide dogs themselves, International Guide Dog Day lets us also offer a tip of the cap to the dedicated men and women who train them.
Another reason to love dogs
Dogs are called “man’s best friend for a reason. People all over the world cherish their beloved canine companions, whether they are specially trained as service animals or not.
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