Becky Hall

Morris and Buddy: The Story of the First Seeing Eye Dog does exactly what the title says, it tells the story of the first seeing eye dog. The story starts off giving us background information on how Morris Frank lost his vision and how he lived his life afterwards. I enjoyed this section throughly because it goes into detail about he was determined to "lead a typical life." Afterwards we learned how Dorothy Eustis and Jack Humphery trained Buddy and Morris to be the dynamic duo that gives independence back to blind people in America. The illustrations aid in showing how much of a challenge Morris went through training with Buddy, the happiness he gained once he was independent and the shock of Americans when they realized a seeing eye dog could be as good as a human guide. Morris and Buddy is an inspiring story that can teach people of all ages about stepping out to try something new even if it's something small and how to persevere through a rough transition like having to learn and trust someone else with your life.… (mais)

This story is about a man named Morris who was blind. His dad read an article in the newspaper about a lady in Switzerland who trained German shepherds to guide humans. He travels there, gets his dog, and extensively trains him to be guide around life. I believe this book gives people inspiration when it comes to facing a lifelong battle. The message is to never give up and settle. He was not satisfied to not live a normal life just because of his blindness. It shows readers that even against all odds, anything is possible.… (mais)

I loved this book. I actually learned a lot form reading it. I never really knew how the whole process of getting a seeing eye dog worked but I do now, and let me say it is a lot of work, for both dog and human! Morris is the first blind person to receive a seeing eye dog. He wanted to change the life of blind people and that is exactly what he did. He opened the first school for seeing eye dogs called The Seeing Eye. This school helped blind people receive their dog and learn how to use their dog. It really was such a wonderful book to read.… (mais)

After an unfortunate boxing accident, Morris was left blind. Still, Morris did not give up the fight. He attended college at Vanderbilt University in Nashville and also had a job selling insurance. Morris wanted to live a normal life like everyone else. The only problem was, he had to depend on a human guide to do everything.
Then, one day, when Morris heard about Dorothy Harrison Eustis’s visit to Germany where she had visited a dog training facility for victims who were blinded in World War I, he gained hope. After writing Mrs. Eustis, she invited Morris to Switzerland. There, Morris met Mrs. Eustis and another dog trainer named Jack.
Once Morris was evaluated, Jack paired Morris with a dog named Kiss. Morris did not like this name so he changed the dog’s name to Buddy. Before Morris and Jack were even allowed to start practicing walking with the harness, Morris first had to develop a relationship with Buddy and make her believe he was her owner since she still felt Jack was. Morris fed and walked Buddy every day. He also practiced putting the harness on Buddy.
Finally, Morris was ready to start training with Buddy. Morris was excited at first, but his excitement soon turned to hopelessness. His first day of training had not gone as expected. Morris returned with bumps and bruises. He had not listened well or trusted Buddy the first day either.
After Jack had a talk with Morris, he was once again encouraged. He realized that Buddy was already trained and would help him. They were in it together, and he had to be able to put his full trust into Buddy. She was now his eyes.
Eventually, Morris was able to start doing things on his own, with the help of his dog. He went to the barber, crossed streets, and rode the cable car without anyone else tagging along. When Buddy saved Morris from runaway horses that would have trampled him, Morris was finally able to put his full trust into Buddy.
Once Morris returned to the U.S. he had an even bigger plan. He wanted to start his own guide dog school for the blind. First he had to convince the public that a guide dog was safe. When a reporter challenged Morris to cross Death Street with only the guide of his dog, Morris accepted the challenge and succeeded. The public was astonished by this and Morris was off to a great start to open his school.
Although the book ended with Morris crossing Death Street, the afterword describes Morris’s life and success with his school after his return to America. I felt this was a good way to give the readers insight on Morris’s accomplishments later in life.
The book offers an inspiring message to readers. Morris’s bravery, courage, and determination are admirable traits that remind you to never to give up.… (mais)