Three visually impaired people from different walks of life have now received guide dogs at the same time: an unusual handover took place in Miskolc, where they prepared for life together with their new companions at the same time. Pál Csillag experienced for the first time what it feels like to travel with a dog, Kata Kundra can go to work with a four-legged helper again after twenty years, while Barnabás Kiss, an experienced dog handler, began training with his young companion, Tango, alongside Gyömbér, who is preparing to retire. Trainer Emese Királyné Barkóczi started the journey of three pairs at the same time. During the four days, they not only practiced the basics of transportation, but also experienced the first, intimate moments of bonding.

Pál became rich with a miracle dog

Pál Csillag lost his sight six years ago, and although he learned to walk with a stick, he often felt helpless. When he was able to hold Dollar’s harness for the first time, he had a special experience. “When I held the harness and the dog started walking, it was a very strange feeling, because I could feel the rhythm of his steps and his attention. I tried to completely entrust myself to him.” During the four days, Pál gained a lot of experience: “The first day, as we entered the center in Miskolc, I immediately noticed that everything around us was about us and the dogs. It was constructive, the way everyone treated us here: with patience, and there was no such thing as being demeaning when a person did not do something well, we always received help.” And Dollar’s personality fits him perfectly: “Dollar is a true wonder dog. From the very first moment I was captivated by his gentle aura, and then during Wednesday’s practice he showed me how wild he could be and firmly led me towards the goal. In the evenings he lay down next to my bed, as if he knew exactly: he is someone, I am someone, and we can be in harmony next to each other. I feel that in a few days a close bond began to form between us, and we are on the right track.”

I will be brave with him 

Kata Kundra has been blind since birth and has previously had a guide dog. When she found out that she would have the opportunity to have a four-legged companion again, she was full of excitement: “I was very excited that we would soon be able to go to work together, but I know that we need to practice the route thoroughly first.” During their work together, she quickly experienced the security that Dioda’s presence provides. “One of the most defining experiences for me was when we avoided a puddle in the forest, and Dioda was my eyes. I am afraid of standing water and I didn’t know how big the puddle was, but together we managed it beautifully,” she recalled. Not every route was easy: “Yesterday we were walking on a bumpy road, under high branches and twigs, and I was honestly scared, I was worried that something bad might happen. Before the route, everyone could sing a song, which was played for us. I chose the song EDDA Győzni zogunk, because deep down I knew that this would be the case.” However, these moments strengthened the bond, because – as Kata said – “The bond is formed with Dioda, he is the right dog for me. I already know that I will be brave with him.”

Barna is learning how to tango

Barnabás Kiss is an experienced guide dog owner, and with Gyömbér by his side he has overcome all obstacles, but his faithful companion is already over ten years old and is approaching retirement, so he decided to continue his journey with young Tango. In the coming weeks, Gyömbér will still be driving – who will spend his retirement years with his owner – but Barna has already started “tangoing” in the meantime to make the transition smooth. “We spent three days together in Miskolc during the handover. Tango is motivated, wants to prove himself, works well, shows the curbs, the bus stop and the seat nicely. Even before I tell him, he is already under the chair, as he learned. He thinks ahead, I feel like he knows my thoughts. We are still at the beginning of the bonding process, we will try to reduce his speed a little, because he is over-motivated in this. I also told him that if he keeps up this pulling intensity, I will have shoulders like a miracle until the exam.” The pair performed the finding task well in the Bükk, he skillfully led Barnabás past the puddles, but on one occasion they ran over the middle, and the owner admitted that he was the one who was unsure then, not the dog’s mistake – but that’s okay, they will still have time to work together until the traffic exam. Tangó has not yet met his future owner, but he will soon, and they will travel home together to Tornyosnémeti on the border.

Ginger previously had to undergo surgery twice due to a dog attack, you can read about it here.

A new chapter begins 

Dollar, Diode and Tango not only make transportation safer, but also give their owners strength, confidence and new hope. Their story is only just beginning.