Blind Man A Humble Hero

This article comes from the Guiding Eyes For The Blind Website.
Monday, June 10, 2002
Walter and Logan
“Walter Cone is quite humble about the role he played in the rescue mission. He gives all of the credit to Logan, and believes that the dog’s presence and demeanor had a calming effect on everyone involved in the evacuation process.”

For Walter and his Guiding Eyes dog Logan, February 28, 2001 started out like any other typical weekday in his hometown of Seattle. Then, without warning, a major earthquake hit the region. Walter, a customer service rep at Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind, was on the phone with a customer when the vibrations began. Seeking shelter with Logan under the desk, Walter waited until it was over before he ventured outside.

The building was in a shambles. Despite the panic, Logan carefully guided Walter around the debris and out the door. It was then that Walter learned of the people still inside. A group of 20 blind and developmentally disabled individuals – who were overwhelmed by fright and confusion in the aftermath of the quake – had taken refuge in various parts of the building.

Without hesitation, Walter and Logan went back into The Lighthouse to help locate them. They guided them outside to safety a few at a time – returning to the building five times until everyone was accounted for.

Walter is quite humble about the role he played in the rescue mission. He gives all of the credit to Logan, and believes that the dog’s presence and demeanor had a calming effect on everyone involved in the evacuation process.

Logan is Walter’s fifth Guiding Eyes dog. Walter received his first dog in 1973.

Article Source
http://www.guidingeyes.org/site/News2?JServSessionIdr001=8ui0kphje2.app14a&abbr=HF&page=NewsArticle&id=5223