Sometimes it underestimates itself the importance of guide dogsbut we must always remember that they are not animals like others, but specimens trained to help the blind to lead a life as normal as possible.
For this reason, on the occasion of World Guide Dog Day, UICI, the Italian Union of the Blind and Visually Impaired, has drawn up a decalogue to follow in case of the presence of this type of dogs.
1. No food and no distractions
Never feed a guide dog or call him while accompanying a disabled person. If you want to caress it is always better first ask the owner’s permissionto avoid dangerous distractions.
2. Dog games
The guide dog is a “worker”, better to avoid leaving your 4-legged friend loose near him. This is not the time to play and dogs must always be checked.
3. Civic sense
Unfortunately, many news cases testify to how much guide dogs are still discriminated against in public places.
Common sense dictates that yes let the animal enter everywhere beside the master and have a comfortable place to stay. Furthermore, you do not have to pay any ticket on public transport or surcharge.
4. Rights and law
The guide dog represents the eyes of his master, so where common sense does not reach, the law arriveswhich prevents the prohibition of access to guide dogs on the premises and on public transport.
The Add n. 37/1974, supplemented and amended by law no. 376/1988 and by law no. 60/2006.
5. Don’t worry
Guide dogs are trained and docile, therefore there is no need to be afraid of it or think that they can transmit diseases.
6. Orange light
Even when there is no signage, a large orange traffic light should always be imagined when driving a car and crossing a guide dog with its owner.
Better to slow down and don’t scare him.
7. Everyone in his place
If a blind person accompanied by his guide dog asks for information, it is good never take by the leash or for the collar the animal. They are freedoms that must not be granted.
8. Clemenza
Obviously it is impossible for the owner of a guide dog to be able to collect the needs of the animal, when this is carried out on the street.
It takes a little bit of leniency and tolerancealso because most of the time these dogs are trained to evacuate to suitable places.
9. Leave the passage free
If you see a guide dog accompanying a disabled person, let them step on the sidewalk.
Furthermore, civic education requires to never occupy a pedestrian crossing, descents of sidewalks and ramps with vehicles or motor vehicles.
10. Identification marks
A guide dog is always recognized, because he wears a handle on his back which reads the word “guide”. From there his master grabs him to follow in his footsteps and be guided.