Our next article in the series we launched on the occasion of the International Day of Guide Dogs is
about Misi and Körte’s adventure by the sea. These stories show us what is the special mission that
can be carried out only by these dogs.

Mihály Dombai got his first guide dog from our foundation. In our own breeding programme puppies of  litter with letter „K” were born first , which is especially important for us because Körte and his brothers and sisters have already watched their owners’ steps for eight years. Misi’s feelings towards Körte have been so heated since their first meeting that in his own words „it is like a lifelong love”. 

We asked Misi to tell us a story which is about Körte’s mission. The owner used to take part in paddling races so he brought up a water-side memory.

Dog adventures on the Spanish coast

„We were in a training camp in Spain, we lived  at the seaside so everything was given to partying. At the end of a long day I felt like going into the town, but nobody else did so. I wanted to throw myself into the hustle and bustle so I took some cash and my dog  with me and went out tot he pubs. We enjoyed that streets were crowded with people and started to look for a pub. I sent Körte to the doorway and when we went in he skillfully  found a seat for me. Then I ordered, we drank – of course my dog drank only water   – and I had a good talk with the waiters. I settled the bill, we went on with Körte, and so it went on.

At dawn Körte guided me home among the sand dunes. I felt it like the true freedom : I could go to and fro in an unknown town of a foreign counrty as if I had a good eyesight. It is a true miracle.

Another time he brought me down from a hill on a hiking trail , that according to the maps  is supposed to be used only upwards , no downwards at all. Virtually it was impossible to walk on, but Körte did his best. Naturally we travelled to Venice together, too. My dog also did very well when the vaporetto docked among some big waves, when everybody was staggering and looking for something to hold. I did not have such a problem, he could guide me perfectly after this as well because nothing distract him, he always wathes me. Körte proved several times that I can count on him in all kinds of situatons.

Mornings are more difficult for Misi but his life is much more beautiful with Körte
Life with a guide dog implies a lot of sacrifice, but in exchange you get back much more from him.There are small and some harder things:

„It seems a small thing that the gold dog hair does not look good on your dark clothes. I feel it harder to give up getting up late sometimes because he will wake me up right at six a.m. and lets me know that the day has started. I could go on listing these but I am not going tod o so, because every day is a miracle with him without any sentimental exaggeration. I do think it so. I also think everybody who lives with a guide dog like me think in the same way.”

This year we celebrate our 20th anniversary. Over the past two decades, we have provided 222 assistance dogs free of charge.

Please support their training with 1% of your personal income tax!

Our tax number for 1% donation: 18449149–1–05

Baráthegyi Guide and Assistance Dog School Foundation

If you provide your mailing address, we will also send you our guide dog calendar for next year in the thank you letter.

The easiest way to donate 1% of your personal income tax is through the National Tax and Customs Administration of Hungary (NTCA /NAV) online interface, via the customer portal.