Journey to Success
Frank's first challenge, generating a lot of public interest and attention, involved crossing an extremely bustling street, Death Street, on the west side of New York City in front of a group of amazed reporters and newsmen.
Click picture on thumbnails to view. Slideshow is on auto play.
|
"I lost all sense of direction and surrendered myself entirely to the dog... I shall never forget the next three minutes: 10-ton trucks rocketing past, cabs blowing their horns in our ears, drivers shouting at us. When we finally made it to the other side and I realized what an amazing job she had done, I leaned over and gave Buddy a great big hug and told her what a good, good girl she was."
-Morris Frank "You damned fool do you want to get killed?"
-Onlooker on Death Street |
Despite hardships of travel, Morris Frank and Buddy broke the records of dog travel limits, traveling over 50,000 miles! He gave talks and interviews, publicizing the message of the Seeing Eye. Undeterred by the poor showing of audience, his perseverance and methods created enthusiasm and acceptance in the initially reluctant and skeptical society.
"A dog at the end of a string was apt to remind one a little too much of a blind beggar with his tapping stick and shuffling gait."
-Sir Arthur Pearson 1919
-Sir Arthur Pearson 1919
Morris Frank undertook every effort to dispel prevailing prejudices against using guide dogs.