National Guide Dog Day

The last Wednesday in April is set aside for National Guide Dog Day.  The day is to acknowledge the unbelievably important place guide dogs have in people’s lives.  It’s a way to say thank you to the faithful guide dog.

Guide dogs are a lifeline for the visually impaired.  After very specific training, guide dogs provide ways for those visually impaired to live fulfilling and productive lives.  Not only do the dogs provide assistance to move about, they also provide great comfort.  A very strong bond grows between the guide dog and its owner.

Tennessee hails the home of the first US guide dog school back in 1929 and in 2010 the American Disabilities Act included legal protections to those using dogs as service animals.

The Top 5 Guide Dogs according to worlddogfinder,com:

Golden Retriever – goldens are very dedicated to their jobs, they obey rules well and they are devoted and affectionate.

Border Collie – these collies are very intelligent and their mission is to herd.  These dogs are very energetic so they need to be paired with a person with an active lifestyle.

Boxer – these devoted and loyal dogs have strong bonds with their owners.  They need consistent training because they can be playful and stubborn.

Labrador Retriever – Labs are the most popular of the guide dogs.  They are natural leaders who love to take charge.  Their temperament is friendly, calm and loveable.

German Shepherd – these intelligent, strong and energetic dogs need an owner with an active lifestyle.  They work hard and are very devoted to their owners.