September is National Guide Dog Month! This is a special time of year to recognize the impact our guide dogs make on people who are blind or visually impaired and shine the spotlight on our amazing community of volunteers and donors who help make these life-changing partnerships possible.
In honor of National Guide Dog Month, you can help create more inclusive communities for guide dog users and people who are blind or visually impaired. Because when everyone is empowered to participate, our communities are stronger. Your donation enables us to raise puppies, equip clients, and serve alumni. Our programs and services are free of charge, and we are funded entirely through private donations and gifts. Click here to donate.
Guide dogs are specially bred and trained to provide mobility assistance to people who are blind or partially sighted. They are a partner in independence, but there needs to be a better understanding about what to do when encountering a guide dog pair.
When a guide dog is working and in harness it makes navigation and maintaining connection much easier if people pretend he is invisible. If the dog gets distracted, he is the one that is reprimanded,
Following 4 simple rules will ensure appropriate social behaviour in the dogs and reduce the risk of dangerous situations for the guide dog pair.
- Harness on means hands off. A guide dog in harness means “Please don’t distract me, I’m working.”
- Don’t feed them. Especially when guide dogs are working in harness. Offering food can result in antisocial behaviour such as begging and scavenging off the ground.
- Contain your excitement. Don’t encourage excitable play. Guide dogs are given access to public places where other dogs are not permitted, so they must stay calm.
- Say “hello” another time. If you’re walking your pet dog and you approach a guide dog pair, take your dog away from the guide dog.
Happy National Guide Dog Month, and happy celebrating!
Source: Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Music credits: “Better together” – Jack Johnson; “I am on your side” – Nathaniel Ratcliffe: “If I should fall behind” – Bruce Springsteen; “On the Sunny side of the street” – Willie Nelson; “When you lead” – Carole King.
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