Miriam Ascerelli, brings us the real story of how the Seeing Eye Organization was founded in her new book Independent Vision – Dorothy Harrison Eustis and the story of the Seeing Eye. Ascerelli documents Dorothy Harrison, a single Mom in the 1920’s struggling to find her life’s work. Born to a prominent family in Philadelphia, Dorothy had tragically lost her husband after a few short years of marriage. Her two young sons and her love for her German Shepard, Hans occupied her time. Filled with a sense of ennui with the typical socialite pursuits the embryo of an idea was conceived to train dogs to assist blind people in becoming more independent.
By 1927, Dorothy had remarried, this time to a handsome young polo player from North Carolina – Geroge Eustis. To the manor born, George had led a charmed life with plenty of resources to meet his needs. Soon the couple moved to Switzerland, and put down roots. On a large estate dubbed Fortunate Fields they founded a dog training facility. Shortly after, Dorothy made connections with Jack Humphrey an internationally acclaimed dog trainer.
Ascerelli details the journey taken by Dorothy Eusits, Jack Humphreys and the Buddy the first official Seeing Eye dog first dogs to guide a human. The story is brought to life with the vivid backdrop of 1930’s America and Western Europe. You can find Independent Vision on Amazon.com, and at fine book stores everywhere.