The Unstoppable Journey of Frank Morris and His Guide Dog Buddy – A RAINBOW OF ROLE MODELS {WEDNESDAY SERIES}
I celebrate ACHIEVEMENT EVERY DAY! When I discover role models, I do not see skin color, age, religion, sex, attractiveness (ok, I like beautiful ladies), or other nonessentials. I love learning from inspirational people who inspire me to drop MY EXCUSES and DO IT! Role models who stretch my ambitions and make me reach for the impossible.
There is dignity in achievement and success—becoming a great factor in civilization.” Carter G. Woodson.
I hope you will share these short articles; perhaps a few people will be curious to learn more.
Disclaimer: Good Day, Readers. WealthBuildingPowers blog is a financial literacy/competency blog and does not provide specific investment recommendations.
Today’s Role Model: Frank Morris and “Buddy”- A RAINBOW OF ROLE MODELS {WEDNESDAY SERIES}
Frank Morris, born in Nashville, Tennessee, 1908, is synonymous with independence and perseverance. His journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the profound impact of determination.
Early Life and Challenges
Frank’s life took a dramatic turn at a young age. At just six years old, a horseback riding accident resulted in the loss of his right eye. A decade later, a boxing match left him utterly blind after he lost his left eye. For many, these events would have marked the end of independence. For Frank, however, it was the beginning of an incredible journey.
Inspiration and Determination
In November 1927, a pivotal moment came when Frank’s father read him an article by Dorothy Eustis, an American philanthropist in Switzerland. Eustis operated a school that trained dogs for the police and the Red Cross, and the article highlighted guide dogs trained for WWI veterans blinded by mustard gas. Inspired, Frank took action, writing to Eustis, expressing his desperation for independence and his willingness to be a pioneer in bringing guide dogs to the United States.
“Is what you say really true? If so, I want one of those dogs! And I am not alone. Thousands of blind like me abhor being dependent on others. Help me and I will help them. Train me and I will bring back my dog and show people here how a blind man can be absolutely on his own. We can then set up an instruction center in this country to give all those here who want it a chance at a new life.”
Training and Triumph
Eustis was moved by Frank’s letter and agreed to help. Frank traveled to Switzerland, where he trained with a German shepherd named Kiss, whom he renamed “Buddy“. The training was rigorous, but within weeks, Frank and Buddy navigated the Swiss village independently.
In June 1928, Frank returned to the U.S. with Buddy in New York City. He notified the media and demonstrated Buddy’s abilities, placing his life in her eyes, ears, and paws by crossing a busy New York street. Morris said, “She [Buddy] moved forward into the ear-splitting clangor, stopped, backed up, and started again. 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 got to the other side, and I realized what a really magnificent 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 sent a one-word telegram to Eustis: “SUCCESS!” This public display was a groundbreaking moment, showcasing the potential of guide dogs to the American public.
Founding The Seeing Eye
Frank’s success with Buddy led to co-founding The Seeing Eye with Dorothy Eustis in January 1929. Initially based in Nashville, the organization moved to New Jersey to accommodate the dogs’ training needs. Frank dedicated his life to advocating for the rights of blind individuals, traveling across the United States to promote The Seeing Eye and push for equal access laws.
Legacy
By 1956, thanks to Frank’s relentless advocacy, every state in the U.S. had passed laws allowing blind individuals with guide dogs access to public spaces. Frank’s bond with Buddy and his subsequent guide dogs, all named Buddy in honor of his first, left an indelible mark on the world.
Buddy, Frank’s first guide dog, passed away on May 23, 1938, but her legacy lived on through the countless guide dogs trained by The Seeing Eye. Frank Morris’s contribution to the blind community is immortalized in a sculpture titled “The Way to Independence,” unveiled in Morristown, New Jersey, on April 29, 2005.
Morris named Buddy’s replacement Buddy, as he would all his subsequent seeing-eye dogs.
Conclusion
Frank Morris’s story is about courage, innovation, and unwavering dedication. His pioneering efforts to gain his independence transformed his own life and paved the way for thousands of blind individuals to gain independence and confidence. Frank Morris is not just a role model for the blind community; he is a hero whose legacy inspires and empowers people worldwide.
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St Jude Hospital: The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion, or a family’s ability to pay.https://www.stjude.org/
Wounded Warrior Project: An American charity and veterans service organization that offers a variety of programs, services, and events for wounded veterans of the military https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org
Folds of Honor: Providing life-changing scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military. And now, our mission expands to the families of America’s first responders. On our watch, those who protect our freedoms and our families will know they are not forgotten. https://foldsofhonor.org
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Tunnel To Towers: Since 9/11, we have been helping America’s heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially-adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. We are also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America to Never Forget September 11, 2001. https://dogood.t2t.org/give/320847/#!/donation/checkout
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I am a proud nerd (as my beautiful wife and daughter have told me) investment and finance blogger with an N.C. State, Chemical Engineering, University Rutgers, MBA and Harvard University, Advanced Management education.
I left a corporate career because I desired to make a difference as a speaker and writer. I was blessed to be coached and mentored by strong women and men in my family and professional life. It is my time to serve and give back.
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I started my first business at ~13 years of age (a small but brilliantly created plant nursery). I am a successful investor in stocks, options, and real estate and am happy to share my finance and investment lessons. I am NOT a licensed financial advisor. Please do not construe my suggestions on this blog as recommendations for your situation. As an investor, you must establish your risk/loss tolerance. Investment in any asset involves risk, including complete loss.
Please seek your licensed CPA or fiduciary financial advisors for individual financial advice.
I write this weekly blog to make an impact by reaching an audience and demonstrating the need for financial literacy. I will help you get there.
