Blind Dog Has Personal Service Dog To Guide Him Around

Sep 26, 2018

Video footage of a blind Cavalier King Charles Spaniel being guided down a flight of stairs by his own guide dog has gone viral and warmed thousands of hearts around the world.

There's no question whether canines have feelings like we do, and this video is just further proof that dogs can be just as compassionate and loving as humans. The dogs were captured on video leaving a hotel in Quezon City in the Philippines. 

The duo take the exit one step at a time with the Golden Retriever, Ginger, carefully and patiently guiding her blind companion, Kimchi.

The video may be short, but it powerfully demonstrates the patience and loving bond shared between the pooches.

Ginger and Kimchi are used to attention; both dogs are certified emotional therapy animals and often visit patients at hospitals, stressed students on school campuses and overworked employees at offices. 

Ginger, who is now 13 years old, lived with her human parents, Eric and Thea, for years before Kimchi came along. While the family had wanted to add another furry sibling to the mix for a while, Ginger had rejected every other dog they introduced her to.

When she met Kimchi, however, they immediately developed a special bond. Eric and Thea described how Ginger immediately took to Kimchi when they saw her at the animal shelter.

Originally, Kimchi was leashed to Ginger so she wouldn't wander off and get hurt, but Erica and Thea were amazed to discover that Ginger naturally took the lead and enjoyed guiding her best friend around. 

You can see Ginger and Kimchi in action in the video as well as keep up with them on Instagram by following @ginger.and.kimchi.

Service dogs like Ginger and Kimchi provide crucial emotional support to patients. Emotional therapy dogs visit hospitals, special needs facilities, nursing homes, schools, and similar places to comfort people and brighten their days.

Currently, there are many canine volunteers and their handlers visiting displaced victims of Hurricane Florence in North Carolina. The soothing presence of the dogs helps people cope with their own turbulent emotions; each dog serves as a comforting anchor that allows people to focus their energy on something positive and brings them peace despite their troubling circumstances. 

You can check out some adorable service dogs enjoying a field trip to Disneyland here, courtesy of Canine Companions for Independence.

If you have a touching story about how your dog has helped you, tell us in the comments. Pass this wonderful article on to your friends and family!