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Dr. Lloyd's blog has now been retired. We appreciate all the wisdom and support Dr. Lloyd has brought to the WebMD community throughout the years. Continue to get the latest information about vision by visiting the Eye Health Center. Talk with others about vision on the Eye & Vision Health: Member Discussion message board.

Thursday, January 26, 2006

Guide Dogs: Adorable, but Do Not Pet!
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Much of the writing I contribute to WebMD concerns prevention of vision loss and innovative ways to restore lost eyesight. Unfortunately, for some folks with serious eye conditions, permanent blindness occurs despite everyone's best efforts. Given these tragic circumstances, the story does not need to have an unhappy ending.

Guide Dogs provide a valuable service to blind individuals. They offer independence, continued mobility, and physical protection to the legally blind. You've likely encountered Guide Dogs in the mall or at the airport. I've never seen an unattractive or unhappy Guide Dog.

Do you know the four common breeds that are the best candidates for training?

= Labrador Retrievers

= Golden Retrievers

= Lab/Golden Retriever crosses

= German Shepherds

These animals are always so beautiful and docile. You just want to run up to the Guide Dog and pet the animal! Trainers will tell you that is a bad idea; not because the dog will bite but because the distraction will interfere with the Guide Dog's primary function. Both the Guide Dog and its partner require extensive training in order to become a reliable team.

Want to learn more? Click here for interesting stories about Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Related Topics: Animal-Assisted Therapy , Health Benefits of Having a Pet

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Posted by: Dr. Lloyd at 8:06 PM

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