The World's Oldest Guide Dog School Turns 90
When a young blind man named Morris Frank read an article about a school in Europe that trained police dogs as guides for blind war veterans, he had an idea: What if a similar system was set up for visually impaired people in America? He wrote to the article's author, Dorothy Harrison Eustis, and she agreed to train a German shepherd for him. After five weeks of working together in Switzerland, Morris Frank and his guide dog Buddy returned to the States to prove that dogs can, in fact, be safe and reliable aids. They became the first traveling spokespeople for people with blindness.
Seeing Eye co-founder Morris Frank with Buddy, the first Seeing Eye dog, crossing a busy street in New York city.
Frank and Eustis co-created The Seeing Eye in 1929. The non-profit is the world's oldest school for breeding, raising, and training guide dogs. Each year, more than 260 people with blindness and visual impairments travel to its campus in Morristown, New Jersey to train with a guide dog. Students range in age from 16 years to senior citizens, and they spend three-and-a-half weeks (two-and-a-half weeks for returning students) learning how to handle and care for their new companions.
Three breeds are used as guide dogs: German shepherds, Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and a cross of the Lab and golden retriever.
Though raising and training each Seeing Eye Dog costs more than $60,000, students have paid the same nominal tuition fee since the 1930s thanks to donations by individuals, corporations, and foundations. Tuition is $150 for the first dog, $50 for each subsequent dog, and $1 for military veterans, and it pays for the dog, travel, room and board, training, and equipment.
To commemorate its 90 year anniversary, The Seeing Eye will host a gala on May 7, 2019, in Peapack, New Jersey.
How to Help
Here's how to lend a hand, even if you're far from The Seeing Eye's campus.
Volunteer
If you live within driving distance of The Seeing Eye in New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania, you can volunteer at the main campus or help raise puppies.
Participate in Their Online Auction
The Seeing Eye is now accepting donations for its online auction, which is open to the public. Want to participate? Mark your calendar: bidding opens on April 8.
Set Up a Fundraiser
In lieu of a birthday gift, why not ask friends to make a donation to a good cause? You can name a Seeing Eye puppy by raising $5,000!
Shop on AmazonSmile
When shopping on AmazonSmile, select The Seeing Eye as a beneficiary (they'll receive .5 percent of the purchase price in the form of a charitable donation).
Get Social
Connect with Seeing Eye on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to help spread the word about the program.
