One of the essential tasks a dog can take on is becoming a guide for children with visual impairment. However, this kind of undertaking requires rigorous training, and not all dogs who enter the program are guaranteed to be successful.
Even with this reality, those dogs who underwent the training and eventually did not make the cut can still be helpful to blind people. This is what Buddy Dogs is doing right now. The program becomes a bridge for dogs to be eyes to struggling children.
Based on statistics, only half of the population of those who enter the program make it to graduation. Other dogs get dropped from the program due to minor health and behavioral problems. This includes having allergies and showing signs of anxiety.
Although rejected, these dogs still become eyes to blind individuals. However, this time they work with children. Through the program that Buddy Dogs introduced, the dogs are now helping visually-impaired kids in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Since they are called buddy dogs, they provide acquaintance and friendship with the kids they are assigned. While the dogs may be considered rejects, Buddy Dogs said that these rejects are now making positive changes in the lives of their buddies.
Grace, a young girl diagnosed with Leber Congenital Amaurosis, is one of the many children that Buddy Dogs is helping. The girl was partnered with Molly, a jolly dog, who changed her views on life.
According to Amanda, Grace’s mother, when Molly arrived in her daughter’s life, Grace became happier and more confident. Amanda attributes this improvement to the presence of the dog.
The mother shared that her child would often visit the seaside with the dog. Even though it is dangerous, Amanda is at peace that Molly will guide and take good care of Grace.
Credits to Hiho Kids.