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Orlando, Guiding Eyes Dog, Receives Praise For His Dedication To Owner

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, N.Y. -- Guiding Eyes dog Orlando is receiving widespread praise for his dedication to blind handler Cecil Williams, who lost consciousness and fell onto a Manhattan subway track on Tuesday, Dec. 17.

Cecil and Guiding Eyes dog Orlando.

Cecil and Guiding Eyes dog Orlando.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Cecil and Orlando miraculously escaped the incident without serious injury. Cecil was already making arrangements to retire his dog in early 2014 and return to Yorktown-based Guiding Eyes for a successor guide. While he initially planned to return Orlando to the volunteers who raised him, he's now considering keeping him as his pet after an overwhelming public response to cover the costs of the dog’s care. No matter the choice, Orlando will end up in a safe and loving home.

“While his actions on Tuesday morning are receiving attention from around the world, Orlando has safely guided Cecil around New York City for the last eight years – a truly remarkable feat,” said Michelle Brier, Guiding Eyes’ director of marketing and communications. “We’re so glad that Cecil and Orlando are both okay, and we’re incredibly proud of this team.”

While contributions are no longer needed to assist Orlando, those who have offered donations are encouraged to consider supporting the ongoing mission of Guiding Eyes and their 1,000 active guide dog teams.

For more information or to donate online, visit guidingeyes.org/donate-now.

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