Morris and Buddy: The Story of the First Seeing Eye Dog

This is the sweetest little book about the founding of the seeing eye dog foundation. And, of course, it's the true story of Rin Tin Tin! It's mostly a childrens book, it was published in the nineteen fifties and being the guardian of a German Shepherd Dog the book is very dear to my heart.

Blind and alone, Morris spent his life being shuttled around like luggage and lacking independence - until he hears about the possibility of a `seeing eye' dog who helped veterans cope with blindness after battle. His pursuit of independence would inspire a host of others in this moving story which reads like fiction with all its drama, but holds true facts about the first seeing eye dog.

A beautifully written and illustrated book that details the struggles and victories of Morris Frank a blind pioneer and advocate for the handicapable, who imported and introduced the concept of guide dogs to America. This well researched book tells little side stories in addition to the main drama about Morris Frank that makes the reader think...but never is so presumptuous as to tell the them what to think....such at Morris's first voyage across the Atlantic to meet his mentor, and because he was blind and no one wanted to assume responsibility, he was labeled as "cargo." It makes one wonder who are the truly blind in this society. This book captivated me and had me rooting for Morris Frank and his guide dog Buddy the whole while, until his final victory where I gave them and all those concerned with this book a standing ovation. Bravo.

Long before the term "handicapped access" was invented, Morris Frank, feeling constrained by his recent blindness, set off on a precarious trip across the Atlantic to learn about guide dogs. This book tells of Frank's journey and training as he meets and learns to trust his new friend, Buddy. This well-researched nonfiction book reads like a novel, bringing Frank and Buddy to life as they overcome obstacles, eventually becoming an unstoppable team. I've been fascinated by guide dogs ever since I read James Garfield's "Follow My Leader" as a child. I know I would have enjoyed this book just as much.