Guide dogs for blind people can make such a profound difference in the lives of those who are visually impaired, helping people navigate walkways, avoid obstacles and provide companionship and promote social inclusion. That’s why it’s absolutely fantastic that a guide dog named Miss Ingrid accompanied her owner, ‘All The Light We Cannot See’ star Aria Mia Loberti on last night’s Golden Globes red carpet.
Loberti is legally blind and she was quoted as saying, “This is the first time there’s been an actual guide dog for the blind on the carpet.”
“This is the first time in history we’ve had authentic representation for a character in a film of this size,for ‘All The Light We Cannot See,” Loberti said. “It was my honor to represent my community and my culture. It’s never been done before, and that’s a really big responsibility.”
It can cost up to $50,000 annually to train and care for a guide dog throughout its working lifetime with a person who is blind.
More than 3 million people in the United States are blind or visually impaired, the Centers for Disease Control reports. About 2%, or 60,000, of them have guide dogs.
It’s so important that people who need guide dogs are shown at such a visible event because it teaches the general public the importance of dogs that can assist people lead fuller lives, and hopefully encourages people to donate to organizations that assist people in getting guide dogs.
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How To Interact With A Guide Dog
Before petting a guide or service dog, you should always ask their owner or handler. Even if you see a guide dog not wearing their service harness, you should always ask for permission before interacting with the dog, so that the handler can maintain control.
Always give guide and service dogs the right of way. Practice good etiquette by moving to the side and allowing the handler and dog to pass. Never attempt to grab or steer the person while the dog is guiding or attempt to hold the dog’s harness. You should ask if the handler needs your assistance and, if so, offer your left arm.
Never feed a guide or service dog without their owner’s permission.
Speak to the handler, not the dog, and never give their service dog commands.
Under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), people with disabilities are allowed to be accompanied by their guide or service dog in all places the public is permitted. Here’s hoping seeing Miss Ingrid at The Golden Globes is just the first of many sightings to come.
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