Seeing Eye Dog History

Posted by Jeanne on January 5, 2009

No one knows when the concept of using assistance animals for the blind first came into being. It is suggested that dogs have been used in such a capacity in various cultures for a very long time. It is known, however, that there was no formal guide dog program in existence until after World War I.

Why German Shepherds?

Many people have probably wondered why guide dogs and Seeing Eye dogs are so often German Shepherds. The reason is actually twofold. First, the German Shepherd has a strong sense of loyalty to its owner, giving it a natural tendency to be protective. Having a very protective dog as a companion is an obvious asset for someone who may otherwise be easily attacked by less than scrupulous individuals. Second, the first guide dogs for the blind and visually impaired were trained in Germany to provided assistance for those blinded in the war.

After the end of World War I, Germany was devastated by financial depression. Many private businesses failed and the Potsdam, Germany school that trained the guide dogs for the blind was one of them.

The Beginning

An American woman named Dorothy Eustis had heard about the program and decided it was a very worthwhile endeavor. Because she owned a company that was training German Shepherds as working dogs, she decided she might try to train guide dogs for the blind. She did not start this right away, however. In fact, she was still considering the possibilities when she wrote a story for The Saturday Evening Post about the potential for guide dogs for the blind.

Morris Frank, a Nashville man named, had heard the story and decided to write to Ms. Eustis to ask her to train a dog for him. She did and Mr. Frank became known as the first blind person to use a guide dog.

As part of an arrangement he had made with Ms. Eustis, Mr. Frank started training guide dogs in the United States. The foundation that Mr. Frank started was dubbed “The Seeing Eye” and the so-called Seeing Eye dog was effectively born.

Today guide dogs are trained to assist people with many different disabilities. There are Hearing Ear dogs to assist the deaf and other dogs that assist the physically disabled. All the people who have benefited from the use of a guide dog, however, owe their thanks to Morris Frank of Nashville, Tennessee.

Owning a Miniature Poodle

Posted by Jeanne on December 28, 2008

The miniature poodle, contrary to popular belief, is not a delicate or an “effete” animal, In fact, the miniature poodle is a wiry, sturdy, healthy dog, not prone to respiratory diseases or skin ailments.

Keeping them groomed and smart looking takes very little more time than keeping the average long-haired dog in good shape. Also, very important: the miniature poodle DOES NOT SHED and has no doggy odor. However, this does not mean that people who are allergic to dogs will not be allergic to poodles.

They were originally bred for and used as retrievers and water dogs. However, through the centuries their hunting potentialities have not been fully exploited, although in England miniature poodles are used for hunting small game birds.

They can learn anything because of their high intelligence and their spirit of cooperation, This, of course, has been proved by their marvelous records in obedience work as well as in their every day lives. We once had a miniature poodle who would start to dance on his hind feet as soon as we turned the stereo on. He kept dancing until he found my daughter who was three at the time – they would then dance together!

Owning a poodle is an unique experience. Every one I have ever owned has been a complete individual. It is really difficult to fully describe their gaiety, gameness, and their capacity for love and companionship. You have not lived until you have owned a miniature poodle.