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WedJan 29

Seeing-Eye Guide Dog Anniversary – January 29, 2025

The Seeing-Eye Guide Dog Anniversary is on January 29. It is an appreciation for all of the dogs who act as their owners’ eyes and ears. The devotion and taught abilities of these particular canines keep them safe and enable them to operate as fully functional persons. The day is meant to recognize the school that educates them. Seeing-eye dogs go through extensive training to be able to safely traverse the environment and all of its hazards for their person. That is why they are so worthy of this recognition.

History of Seeing-Eye Guide Dog Anniversary

Since World War II, guide dogs have been utilized worldwide. With the goal of counseling war-affected troops, Morris Frank is credited with being the first recipient of a sighted dog in the U.S., a dog called Buddy. Dorothy Harrison Eustis, an American dog breeder residing in Switzerland, wrote about a guide dog display in Potsdam, Germany, in 1927, and the essay was featured in “The Saturday Evening Post.” This article was about dogs being taught to be ears and eyes for German World War I veterans.

Frank sent a letter to Eustis as soon as he read the story, imploring her to train a dog for him. Eustis agreed to Frank’s urgent plea and welcomed him to Switzerland. After a time of training with two dogs, Eustis and Frank picked the best dog for the job, which Frank called Buddy. In 1928, Frank arrived in New York City, U.S., where he and Buddy were met by a swarm of media. And Buddy was fantastic at navigating Frank through the congested streets of traffic and people. When Frank arrived home safely, he wrote a success message to Eustis to express his happiness.

The See-Eye was started on January 29, 1929, with Frank and Eustis as co-founders. To this day, the See-Eye is the world’s most sustainable guide dog training school. The Seeing-Eye Guide Dog Anniversary celebrates the See-Eye’s inception date as the year’s anniversary. Many people’s lives are becoming more stable due to guide dogs, and many governmental policies for people who need guide dogs and for guide dogs are improving due to their eyesight.

Seeing-Eye Guide Dog Anniversary timeline

1788
Josef Riesinger Trains a Spitz

Riesinger, a blind sieve craftsman from Vienna, trains a Spitz so effectively that people question his blindness.

1847
Jakob Birrer Writes on his Experiences

Birrer writes about his experiences being directed by a dog he had trained for five years.

1927
Dorothy Eustis Writes about Guide Dog Show

D. H. Eustis, an American dog breeder residing in Switzerland, writes about a guide dog display in Potsdam, Germany, and the piece is featured in "The Saturday Evening Post."

1929
Seeing-Eye Guide Dog Anniversary Starts

The Seeing-Eye Guide Dog Anniversary starts with Frank and Eustis as co-founders.

Seeing-Eye Guide Dog Anniversary FAQs

What breed of dog is used as a guide dog?

The most frequent breeds utilized by guide dogs are Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers.

What does a guide dog do?

These service animals have been meticulously trained to guide their owners’ past obstacles. Individuals with visual loss use guide dogs to travel securely and freely to and from home, workplace, school, and a variety of other locations across the globe.

How do you tell if a dog is a guide dog?

Fluorescent strips are wrapped around the white harness of guide dogs.

Seeing-Eye Guide Dog Anniversary Activities

  1. Give a donation

    You can celebrate this day by donating to the Seeing-Eye. Giving towards such an organization is bound to benefit so many people.

  2. Train your dog

    Watch dog training videos and put what you've learned into practice with your dog. It may take a while to see some results but do not give up, keep at it.

  3. Share on social media

    Share messages and photos on social media about this anniversary. Use the hashtags #seeingeyes #helptheblind #assistantdogs

5 Facts About Guide Dogs

  1. They have heightened overhead perception

    Many guide dogs are capable of detecting overhead impediments for their owners.

  2. Guide Dogs are permitted practically everywhere

    Despite various prohibitions and guidelines restricting animals in cafes and other public areas, guide dogs are permitted practically everywhere with their owners in many nations.

  3. They have a retirement age

    Guide dogs often retire from employment at the age of 10 or 11.

  4. Guide dogs can disobey

    Guide dogs are taught to exhibit Intelligent Disobedience, which means they will refuse to follow dangerous instructions from their owners if they see a risk that their owners may have overlooked, such as a vehicle that ran a red light.

  5. Not all guide dogs complete their training

    Only the most competent will finish the tough training — some schools anticipate that 75% will complete it.

Why We Love Seeing-Eye Guide Dog Anniversary

  1. Guide dogs support independence

    Having a loyal and trustworthy dog at your side may provide you with the freedom of movement that canes can't provide. They make the most perfect companions.

  2. A guide dog is the best partner

    A guide dog will not steal your food, destroy your home, or bring a slew of crazy buddies over to spend the night. They remain loyal and will always be on the lookout for your best interest.

  3. Guide dogs also provide security

    Apart from guiding their owners, guide dogs also provide security. This is a real bonus that brings peace of mind.

Seeing-Eye Guide Dog Anniversary dates

YearDateDay
2025January 29Wednesday
2026January 29Thursday
2027January 29Friday
2028January 29Saturday
2029January 29Monday

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