Guide dogs getting a second look, finally

The Straits Times, Thursday, 30 March 2006

FINALLY, guide dogs are going to have a second look, and be allowed here in Singapore! I feel very touched and encouraged by Mr Kua Cheng Hock who has been lobbying for more than 20 years for guide dogs to be allowed here. As there are many rules such that guide dogs are not allowed in hospitals and clinics because they might alarm patients, the government rejected the idea. From my point of view, this is a natural phenomenon. As most dogs salivate, bark or bite, the society find it hard to accept dogs in public areas. Especially, as there are people who are afraid or dislike dogs, would strongly disagree such guide dogs. However, i am very glad that Mr Kua's efforts did not go down to waste. In Dec 31 last year, the government permitted guide dogs. I believe that without these dogs, it will bring more loss to the blind people than the benefit we gain without them. I feel that we need to look on the bright side that if you dislike the dog, just ignore it and it would do the same. Since it is they are trained dogs, they are meant to be harmless and just only of help to the handler. Indeed, i agree that we Singaporeans need to be used to seeing such guide dogs around in the public in future. I also feel that we should do our little part by raising money to help these blind people who are interested in having guide dogs to having training in America.