May Be First Canine Passengers In EAA History

Tex had never flown before, but he didn't seem nervous at all as he climbed into the single-engine Cessna last week. Sure, the engine start-up startled him, but he took it all in stride. Throughout the flight, he was the perfect gentleman. Upon landing, he sat on the floor and put his head in his companions hands.

Tex, you see, is a short-haired collie. He's one of 20 guide dogs taken up for a local flight by the EAA chapter at Albert Whitted Airport in Clearwater (FL), according to the St. Petersburg Times.

"He did exactly what he was supposed to do. I'm so proud," said Jan DeGraw-Higgins, after she and Tex landed at the end of the ten minute flight.

For the 20 dogs involved, it was a test of sorts, another right of passage. The dogs go through extensive training before they're allowed to serve as guides for the sight-impaired. In this case, the dogs are bred and trained by Southeastern Guide Dogs.

When they're nine-weeks old, the puppies are sent to families that help them become social animals for the next year or two. After that, the dogs are given six months of intensive training on how best to guide someone without fully-functional sight. Since sight-impaired people travel -- sometimes by small plane -- the dogs have to learn to do the same.

Last week's lesson was tagged, "no fright with flight."

"In a small aircraft there might be more noise, turbulence. We’re hoping they’ll be just as relaxed as they are in a car," said Debbie Hietala, one of the guide dog volunteers. She was interviewed by WTSB-TV.

So how did they do? Another volunteer, Florence Barnett, said her charge took it all in stride. "She did just fine. She says no different... car, boat, golf cart, airplane... all the same."

FMI: www.eaa47.org