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Home > Bibliographies > Minibibliographies > Guide Dogs and Service Dogs
Content last modified September 2012
An old adage says a dog is man's best friend, but for members of a guide-dog team the situation is mutual. Guide-dog schools take great care to match a dog with a compatible human because dog and handler will navigate Kthe world with each relying on the other.
Guide dogs were first trained in Germany to assist World War I veterans. In 1928 Dorothy Harrison Eustis, an American dog breeder living in Switzerland, published a piece titled "The Seeing Eye" in the Saturday Evening Post describing this new phenomenon. Inspired by her article, Morris Frank, a blind man living in Tennessee, wrote to Eustis about the need for a school to train guide dogs in the United States. She invited him to Switzerland where during a five-week visit she trained him with Buddy, one of her German shepherds. After Morris Frank went home with Buddy and their partnership proved successful, Dorothy Eustis returned to the United States. In 1929 Eustis and Frank collaborated to found the Seeing Eye, the first guide-dog school in this country.
Training usually begins when the dog is a puppy, with the dog raiser working under the supervision of a trainer from a guide-dog school. The program includes socialization, basic commands, and good manners. Later the dogs receive more rigorous training in how to guide. They are taught to navigate obstacles, whether on the ground or hanging above; locate specific places, such as restrooms or exits; and practice intelligent disobedience in the presence of a threat that their owner does not detect.
Not every canine is up to the job. Guide dogs have to be large enough to work in a guide harness but small enough to fit in confined spaces, as well as calm, confident, and not easily frightened. They also need to have sufficient intelligence to assess a situation and a personality amenable to working as part of a team. The most commonly used breeds are Labrador retrievers and golden retrievers.
Since the 1970s dogs have been trained to help people in other ways. Service dogs can alert deaf people to important sounds, recognize the beginning of an epileptic seizure, and assist people with post-traumatic stress disorder. Therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort for people in schools, hospitals, and nursing homes.
This minibibliography lists titles about guide dogs available in braille and/or analog and digital audiobook formats. The first section lists books about the training process and the history of the guide-dog movement. The second section consists of memoirs by guide-dog owners. The third section highlights books about service dogs and therapy dogs. The fourth section lists children's books on the subject. Some titles appear in more than one section. More information about dogs can be found in the minibibliography Dogs: Care and Feeding.
Recorded titles are available on cassette, on digital cartridge, and/or on the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD), https://nlsbard.loc.gov, which allows registered patrons to download digital talking books and audio magazines. Some digital titles may be available only for download. Braille titles are available to registered patrons on NLS Web-Braille at www.loc.gov/nls/braille.
Independent Vision: Dorothy Harrison Eustis and the Story of the Seeing Eye
by Miriam Ascarelli
Biography of Dorothy Harrison Eustis (1886–1946), founder of the Seeing Eye, the first guide-dog school in America. Chronicles her childhood in upper-class Philadelphia, two marriages, and vacations in Switzerland, where she was introduced to dogs assisting blinded German veterans. Describes the 1929 establishment of Eustis's school in New Jersey. 2010.
Every Step Forward: Personal Accounts of the Unique Partnerships between Blind People and Their Seeing Eye Dogs
by Rosemary Carroll
Twenty-four graduates of the Seeing Eye in Morristown, New Jersey, present individual perspectives on their experiences at the school and on being blind. They describe the process of learning to properly use guide dogs and attest to the increased mobility and independence they achieved through the training facility. 2004.
Working like Dogs: The Service Dog Guidebook
by Marcie Davis
Guide to service dogs trained to assist people with mobility limitations. Describes the process of obtaining a service dog, caring for it, and retiring dogs that can no longer work. Includes assistance dog standards, a list of resources, and training programs. 2007.
RC 65497
Partners in Independence: A Success Story of Dogs and the Disabled
by Edwin Eames and Toni Eames
Accounts of disabled people whose lives have been enhanced by specially trained guide, hearing, and service dogs. Documents heroism as well as everyday deeds. The authors, who are visually impaired, also describe their own experiences with canine partners and chronicle the 1990s assistance dog movement. Revision of 1997 edition. 2004.
RC 58508
First Lady of the Seeing Eye
by Morris Frank and Thomas Blake Clark
Describes the author's relationship with Buddy, the guide dog who rescued him from dependence and self-pity. Also gives a history of the founding of the New Jersey training center, the Seeing Eye. 1957.
BR 1320
Leader Dogs for the Blind: "For Whither Thou Goest"
by Margaret Gibbs
Presents a complete picture of guide dogs for the blind, from their history to the arduous selection and training of everyone involved. This includes the dogs, students, breeders, foster families for puppies, and trainers themselves. 1982.
RC 23462
BR 6315
Tom and Bear: The Training of a Guide Dog Team
by Richard B. McPhee
Twenty-six days in the lives of Tom, a blind college student, and Bear, his new golden retriever guide dog. A diary of the daily regimen describes both the frustrations and the successes of Tom and Bear as they adjust to each other and to the newness of their working relationship. For junior and senior high and adult readers. 1981.
RC 20007
BR 5296
Keep Your Head Up, Mr. Putnam!
by Peter Putnam
Blinded in a shooting accident while a student at Princeton, the author recounts with humor his experiences at the Seeing Eye school in Morristown, New Jersey. During the strenuous training, he and the other students learned to have the courage of their guide dogs' convictions. 1952.
RC 19280
Love in the Lead: The Fifty-Year Miracle of the Seeing Eye Dog
by Peter Putnam
Account of the early years in the development of the Seeing Eye that emphasizes the bond of love forged between man and dog. The author owned seven Seeing Eye dogs and was active in the program from 1941 until his death in 1998. 1979.
RC 60083
My Eyes Have a Cold Nose
by Hector Chevigny
Los Angeles radio script writer recounts what he calls his "initiation into the blind world" after he lost his sight from retinal detachment. Describes failed surgical procedures, his physical and emotional adjustment, and a return to work and society with the help of his guide dog, Wizard. 1946.
RC 62786
Partners in Independence: A Success Story of Dogs and the Disabled
by Edwin Eames and Toni Eames
Accounts of disabled people whose lives have been enhanced by specially trained guide, hearing, and service dogs. Documents heroism as well as everyday deeds. The authors, who are visually impaired, also describe their own experiences with canine partners and chronicle the 1990s assistance dog movement. Revision of 1997 edition. 2004.
RC 58508
First Lady of the Seeing Eye
by Morris Frank and Thomas Blake Clark
Describes the author's relationship with Buddy, the guide dog who rescued him from dependence and self pity. Also gives a history of the founding of the New Jersey training center, the Seeing Eye. 1957.
BR 1320
Eyes at My Feet
by Jessie Hickford
Portrays a friendship between a blind woman and her dog. Describes Hickford's life before and after she acquired Prudence, a golden retriever and a trained guide dog. 1973.
RC 8700
I Never Walked Alone
by Jessie Hickford
A blind English author and lecturer continues her adventures with her golden retriever guide dog Prudence, who made "living without seeing" possible and interesting for her. 1977.
RC 10786
Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero
by Michael Hingson and Susy Flory
Michael Hingson, an executive who worked in the North Tower of the World Trade Center, recounts his escape after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Hingson, blind since birth, describes what he and his guide dog Roselle experienced as she led him down seventy-eight flights of stairs to safety. 2011.
This three-book series should be read in the following order:
Emma and I
by Sheila Hocken
The author, who was blind for twenty-eight years, discusses what she calls her three miracles. The first was Emma, a lovable guide dog that provided more than eyes; the second was Don, the man she married; and the third was an operation that restored her sight. 1978.
RC 11904
BR 6045
Emma V.I.P.
by Sheila Hocken
A young woman, who was blind for twenty-eight years, describes the moment following surgery when she opened her eyes and saw the blue of a nurse's uniform. Discusses the joys, surprises, challenges, and problems that accompanied being able to see for the first time. 1980.
RC 22361
BR 6016
Emma and Co.
by Sheila Hocken
Author's tribute to Emma, her devoted guide dog, companion, and friend. Shares anecdotes of delightful and sometimes disastrous episodes with Emma, the Hocken family, and their other pets. Describes how she traded roles with Emma, becoming the dog's protector, after Emma's retirement. 1983.
RC 22362
BR 6017
Traveling Blind: Adventures in Vision with a Guide Dog by My Side
by Susan Krieger
Stanford professor Krieger describes adapting to life with progressively limited vision caused by birdshot retinochoroidopathy. She writes of embarking upon local and long-distance trips and exploring the southwest desert with her guide dog Teela and her lover Hannah. 2010.
Two Plus Four Equals One: Celebrating the Partnership of People with Disabilities and Their Assistance Dogs
by Kathy Nimmer
A collection of stories, essays, and poems about beloved canine partners from individuals who have disabilities and others. Describes the challenges and rewards of training guide dogs, the first days with a new service animal, and daily life. Shares moments of humor—and of loss. 2010.
Two Puppies
by Jane Stern and Michael Stern
The married authors describe a hellish two years with a puppy very unlike other bullmastiffs they owned. In contrast, they discuss the early years of a well-behaved dog bred and trained to be a guide dog. They also include tips on selecting, training, and caring for puppies. Some strong language. 1998.
The Leading Lady: Dinah's Story
by Betty White and Tom Sullivan
Tom Sullivan, musician, actor, lecturer, and author, has been blind since birth. Dinah was his guide dog for nine years, but the dog's failing sight eventually forced her retirement. Instead of enjoying her golden years, Dinah became withdrawn and jealous of her replacement—until Tom's friend, actress and animal-rights spokesperson Betty White, adopted her. 1991.
RC 33746
Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Help Others
by Kathy Diamond Davis
Provides guidelines for selecting, socializing, and training dogs to do therapy work as part of a group and by themselves for people with special needs. Offers practical instructions for owners on handling a dog as part of a human-dog team. 2002.
RC 63582
Working like Dogs: The Service Dog Guidebook
by Marcie Davis
Guide to service dogs trained to assist people with mobility limitations. Describes the process of obtaining a service dog, caring for it, and retiring dogs that can no longer work. Includes assistance dog standards, a list of resources, and training programs. 2007.
RC 65497
Where the Trail Grows Faint: A Year in the Life of a Therapy Dog Team
by Lynne Hugo
Writer recounts nursing home visits with her therapy dog Hannah, a Labrador retriever. Describes the ways Hannah soothed patients and elicited their personal accounts of life, love, and the challenges of growing older. Interweaves patients' experiences with those of her own family and meditations on aging. 2005.
To the Rescue: Found Dogs with a Mission
by Elise Lufkin
Animal-adoption advocate profiles fifty-two dogs and one cat that were rescued from abuse or abandonment and trained as therapy and service animals. Offers firsthand accounts of individuals who benefited from their companionship. Includes questions to consider before adopting a dog. For senior high and older readers. 2009.
Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him
by Luis Carlos Montalván with Bret Witter
Former army captain recalls returning stateside with numerous physical injuries—including traumatic brain injury—and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after two tours in Iraq. Describes acquiring a service dog named Tuesday and ways the canine helped him recover. 2011.
Sounds like Skipper: The Story of Kerena Marchant and Her Hearing Dog Skipper
by Kerena Marchant
Kerena Marchant was five years old before her hearing loss was discovered. With a determination to overcome challenges, she graduated from a regular school and university. But when she landed a job with the BBC, living on her own created some unique problems. Skipper's arrival in Kerena's life made her life and work much easier. 1987.
Chelsea: The Story of a Signal Dog
by Paul Ogden
Ogden, a deaf professor, discusses the loving working relationship he and his wife have with Chelsea, the professional signal dog they received from Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). Impressed by CCI's integrity and training methods, Ogden describes the initial two-week orientation, the tasks signal dogs are trained to perform, and the unique quirks that developed as the couple's relationship with Chelsea grew. 1992.
Paws and Effect: The Healing Power of Dogs
by Sharon R. Sakson
American Kennel Club dog-show judge reflects on the emotional and spiritual support dogs provide to their human companions in times of ill health and other crises. Recounts instances of dogs calming autistic children, evoking memories for Alzheimer's patients, assisting in physical therapy, and alerting people with epilepsy to impending seizures. 2007.
RC 66954
Sound Friendships: The Story of Willa and Her Hearing Ear Dog
by Elizabeth Yates
The Hearing Ear Dog program was begun in 1975 to assist deaf and severely hearing impaired persons. Dogs are trained to recognize ordinary household sounds (smoke alarms, doorbells) and more specific individual needs (owner's name, crying baby). The success of the program is shown in this story of Willa and her dog Honey. For junior and senior high and older readers. 1987.
Mom's Best Friend
by Sally Hobart Alexander
Leslie, her dad, and her brother lose a great family pet when Marit dies. But her mom Sally, who is blind, loses her favorite mode of travel. Finding cane travel difficult, and "going sighted guide" confining, Sally returns to Seeing Eye for another guide dog. Leslie tells of her mother's hard work in training Ursula at Seeing Eye, the family's adjustment while she is away, and the continuing training when she returns. For grades 2-4. 1992.
RC 39251
Maggie by My Side
by Beverly Butler
When the author's beloved guide dog Una dies, she decides to get another, her fifth since losing her sight at the age of fourteen. Describes her experiences at Pilot Dogs, a facility in Ohio where she trained with her new dog, Maggie. For grades 4-7. 1987.
RC 31732
Greff, the Story of a Guide Dog
by Patricia Curtis
The life of a yellow Labrador retriever from the night of his birth through his training at the Guide Dog Foundation, where he is introduced to the young blind man whose guide dog he will be. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1982.
RC 22731
Hanni and Beth: Safe and Sound
by Beth Finke
Seeing Eye dog Hanni describes her routine duties to guide and protect her partner Beth, a woman who is blind. Both Hanni and Beth provide personal notes about their background. For grades K-3. ASPCA award. 2007.
RC 67181
BR 18022 (PRINT/BRAILLE)
Morris and Buddy: The Story of the First Seeing Eye Dog
by Becky Hall
Account of twenty-year-old Morris Frank, who was blinded in a boxing accident. Describes his trip from Tennessee to Switzerland in 1928 to become the first American owner of a seeing-eye dog, whom he named Buddy. Discusses training processes and Morris's mission to bring canine guides to the United States. For grades 3-6. 2007.
Seizure-Alert Dogs
by Margaret Fetty
Describes situations in which a dog can sense the beginning of its owner's seizure and then warn and protect the person until the episode ends. Discusses service-animal training and the special bond that develops within canine/owner pairs. For grades 3-6. 2010.
Animal Helpers for the Disabled
by Deborah Kent
Traces the history of guide and assistance dogs as well as other service animals such as horses and monkeys. Describes the training that enables them to help persons with physical disabilities. For grades 4-7. 2003.
RC 57627
Helping Paws: Dogs That Serve
by Melinda Luke
Explains why dogs are useful to people such as ranchers, policemen, and rescue teams. Discusses service dogs—guide dogs for the blind, alert dogs for the deaf, and therapy dogs for disabled people, among others. For grades 2-4. 2001.
Buddy, the First Seeing Eye Dog
by Eva Moore
Morris Frank, a blind man, traveled to Switzerland in the 1920s to train with his first guide dog, Buddy, a German shepherd. After learning to work together, Morris and Buddy went to the United States to teach other blind people about Seeing Eye dogs. For grades 2-4. 1996.
Meet My Girls: Eightieth Anniversary of the Seeing Eye, Inc., 1929–2009
by Grace D. Napier
Napier, an educator who has been blind since birth, explains the purpose of the Seeing Eye, Inc., dog-guide school in New Jersey. Shares her experiences with the ten dogs she has had over the years and describes their training. For grades 4-7 and older readers. 2010.
More than Man's Best Friend: The Story of Working Dogs
by Robyn O'Sullivan
Explains the jobs that some dogs are trained to do to help people. Covers guide, service, customs, herding, and search-and-rescue dogs. Includes a glossary and list of resources. For grades 2-4. 2006.
RC 64323
The Right Dog for the Job: Ira's Path from Service Dog to Guide Dog
by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent
Account of a golden retriever puppy named Ira, raised by a sixth-grade teacher whose students helped train Ira as a service dog for people with disabilities. Also traces Ira's later education at a special school where he learned to assist people who are blind. For grades 2-4. 2004.
RC 58712
The Triumph of the Seeing Eye
by Peter Putnam and Walter Lord
Chronicles the founding of Morris Frank's special dog-training center, the Seeing Eye, in New Jersey. Describes the breeding and training of the dogs, as well as the training of blind people in the use of the dogs. For grades 6-9. 1963.
RC 34518
BR 1321
Banner, Forward! The Pictorial Biography of a Guide Dog
by Eva Rappaport
The author, an animal trainer and breeder, follows a specially bred golden retriever through her training as a seeing-eye dog. For grades 4-7. 1969.
BR 1843
A Guide Dog Goes to School: The Story of a Dog Trained to Lead the Blind
by Elizabeth Simpson Smith
Guide dogs for persons who are blind go through a long period of training before they assume their lives' work. This true story follows Cinderella, a golden retriever, through the stages of her training to become a guide dog. For grades 2-4. 1987.
RC 32373
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Posted on 2012-12-12