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Get ready to celebrate the amazing bond between humans and their furry, four-legged companions on Seeing-Eye Guide Dog Anniversary on Oct. 6! This day marks the anniversary of the first guide dog training school in the United States, which was founded in 1929 by Dorothy Harrison Eustis. Since then, guide dogs have been helping individuals with visual impairments live more independent and fulfilling lives. These highly trained and intelligent dogs are more than just pets – they are loyal companions and essential helpers for their owners. Let's take a moment to appreciate these incredible animals and all that they do for us!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1927</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Guide Dog School</div><div class='timeline-text'>The world's first guide dog training school, "The Seeing Eye", was established in Germany by Dorothy Harrison Eustis and Morris Frank.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1929</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>The Seeing Eye in America</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first guide dog training school in America, also named "The Seeing Eye", was officially opened by Morris Frank in Nashville, Tennessee.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1934</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>School Relocation</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Seeing Eye moved to its still current location in Morristown, New Jersey to accommodate the increased demand for guide dogs.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1975</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>ADA Compliance</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United States ensured equal access for all guide dog users through the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>School Expansion</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Seeing Eye expanded its campus to accommodate training for even more dogs and handlers each year.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1999</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Children's Services Added</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Seeing Eye began providing services for children and teenagers, further expanding their beneficiary population.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Raise awareness for guide dogs</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use social media or local events to educate others about the importance of guide dogs and how they help individuals with visual impairments navigate the world.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a guide dog organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a reputable organization that trains and provides guide dogs to those in need and make a donation to support their important work.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a guide dog graduation ceremony</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many guide dog training organizations hold graduation ceremonies for their graduating pairs. Attend one of these events to celebrate the incredible bond between guide dogs and their humans.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a guide dog organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend some time giving back by volunteering at a guide dog organization. You can help with tasks like walking and socializing the dogs, or even assist with administrative work.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share your guide dog stories</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you or someone you know has a guide dog, share their story on social media or with friends and family. This can help spread awareness and appreciation for the amazing work that guide dogs do every day.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates the amazing work of guide dogs</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Seeing-Eye Guide Dog Anniversary is a day to recognize and honor the incredible contributions that guide dogs make every day. These highly trained animals help visually impaired individuals navigate the world with confidence and independence - which is truly something to celebrate!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness for guide dog organizations</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International Bacon Day provides the perfect opportunity to get experimental with your favorite pork product. Why not try adding some unique spices to your recipe, or mix it up with different types of cut? The possibilities are endless - so have fun and be bold!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes the bond between humans and animals</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The relationship between a guide dog and their owner is one of trust, love, and companionship. By celebrating Seeing-Eye Guide Dog Anniversary, we are reminded of the special connection between humans and animals - and how these incredible creatures can make a huge difference in our lives.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>The First Guide Dogs Were Trained in Germany after World War I</h3><p class='facts-text'>In an effort to aid blind war veterans, the first guide dog training programs began in Germany during the 1920s.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Seeing Eye was Established as America’s First Guide Dog Organization</h3><p class='facts-text'>Founded on January 29, 1929, The Seeing Eye provides specially trained dogs to assist people who are blind or visually impaired in achieving independence.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Labrador Retrievers are Commonly Used as Guide Dogs</h3><p class='facts-text'>While several breeds can be trained as guide dogs, Labrador Retrievers tend to excel due to their intelligence, temperament, and size.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Guide Dogs take About Two Years to Train</h3><p class='facts-text'>Training begins when the puppies are just a few weeks old and includes basic obedience as well as specialized tasks such as avoiding obstacles and guiding a person across the street.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>There Are Approximately 10,000 Guide Dog Teams in the United States</h3><p class='facts-text'>There are around 10,000 active guide dog teams in the United States, with each dog serving for an average of 7-10 years.</p></div></div>
Seeing-Eye Guide Dog Anniversary is celebrated on January 29 every year. In 2024, it falls on a Monday.
2023
Jan 29
Sunday
2024
Jan 29
Monday
2025
Jan 29
Wednesday
2026
Jan 29
Thursday
2027
Jan 29
Friday
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