In the long history of dog and human companionship, there’s a special category of heroes—the seeing eye dog. Among them, there stands Buddy, a pioneer, an icon of loyalty and service.
Buddy, a German shepherd, was a trailblazer in the world of seeing eye dogs. Born in the early 20th century, this remarkable canine wasn’t just a pet; he was a beacon of hope for those in need.
In 1929, Morris Frank co-founded The Seeing Eye, the first guide-dog school in the United States. He was inspired by the work of Dorothy Harrison Eustis. She moved from the U.S. to Switzerland to set up a breeding and training facility for German shepherds.
On November 5, 1927, her article titled “The Seeing Eye” was published in the American magazine The Saturday Evening Post. She chronicled the use of German shepherds as guide dogs for German soldiers impaired during World War I.
Then 19, Morris wrote a letter to Dorothy inquiring about the practice. He was inspired by the notion that maybe a guide dog could help him live a normal life.
In his letter to Eustis, Morris Frank expressed his eagerness to have a guide dog, stating, “I do not want to be an object of pity. I want to be a person who is living a full life. A dog could give me that chance.”
Seeing Eye Dogs: It All Started with a “Kiss”
While Dorothy didn’t train guide dogs herself, she decided to help him. So on February 9, 1928, Eustis called Morris and asked if he would come to Fortunate Fields, her dog-training school in Switzerland, to be paired with a guide dog. Frank replied emphatically, “Mrs. Eustis, to get my independence back, I’d go to hell.”
In April 1928, Morris met Kiss, his first guide dog. He would soon change her name to Buddy, the first in a line of six Buddys in Frank’s life.
But our tale is about the original Buddy, whose training was nothing short of extraordinary. He underwent rigorous exercises, learning to assess dangers, navigate busy streets, and provide a steady paw to lean on. The bond between Buddy and Morris was forged in the crucible of mutual trust and dependence.
On January 29, 1929, Eustis and Frank established The Seeing Eye in Frank’s hometown of Nashville.
Frank traveled across the United States to spread the word about The Seeing Eye, apparently logging 50,000 miles on his quest. He and Buddy were received by presidents Coolidge and Hoover and The White House.
In the words of Morris Frank, Buddy’s human companion, “With Buddy leading the way, I found a newfound sense of independence. He wasn’t just my eyes; he was my confidant, my partner in navigating the world.”
Buddy passed away in May 1938. She was hailed as a national heroine. By 1938, The Seeing Eye had trained 350 dogs to provide services for the blind in the United States.
On the day after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, The Seeing Eye’s board of trustees resolved that seeing eye dogs would be supplied, free of charge, to members of the armed forces who lose their sight in the line of duty.
Morris Frank and Buddy II took part in this effort, touring Army, Navy and Veterans Administration hospitals.
Buddy’s Lasting Legacy
The impact of Buddy’s pioneering work rippled through society, opening doors for the visually impaired to venture into the world with newfound confidence. Buddy wasn’t just a guide; he was a symbol of possibilities and breaking barriers.
As the duo faced challenges together, they became an inspiration to many. Buddy’s legacy lived on not only through his immediate impact but also in the establishment of guide dog training schools. These institutions, inspired by Buddy’s success, aimed to empower others with visual impairments, offering them the chance to experience life in a way that was once deemed impossible.
Buddy’s story resonates to this day, reminding us that heroes come in all forms—even with fur and a wagging tail. His pioneering spirit paved the way for countless seeing eye dogs, each one a testament to the extraordinary bond between humans and their four-legged guides.
As we reflect on Buddy, let us appreciate the profound impact he had on the lives of those he touched. In the tapestry of history, Buddy’s paw prints remain indelibly etched, guiding the way for a more inclusive and compassionate world.
Here’s a short video about Morris Frank, in his own words:
You can learn more about The Seeing Eye at their website.
