Few people have the kind of insight to the relationship between humans and guide dogs that Michael Hingson has. A former sales manager for a computer data storage company, he was at work on the 78th floor of the World Trade Center on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001 when his building was struck by an airliner 15 floors above.
"The building started swaying and the air filled with smoke, fire, paper and the smell of kerosene," he said. His guide dog, Roselle, had been asleep under his desk when she was jolted awake. Hingson called his wife then he and Roselle immediately began evacuating the building. "We knew the emergency exit procedures and people did a very good job of following them," he said.
Hingson estimates that the second plane struck the other tower when they were somewhere around the 50th floor. "By the time we reached the bottom it had become very hard to breathe," he said. "We were both very hot and tired. Roselle was panting and wanted to drink the water that was pooled on the floor."
They were about two blocks away from the building when Tower Two collapsed. "It sounded like a metal and concrete waterfall," he said. "We started running for the subway." When they emerged, Tower One fell and showered them with ash and debris. Roselle guided him to the home of a friend in mid-Manhattan where they stayed until the trains were running again. He finally made it home to his wife at 7pm.
"Talking to the firemen as they were coming up the stairs -- that's the part I will always remember the most," Hingson said. "I know that some of them got kisses from Roselle -- probably the last demonstration of love they would ever receive."
Hingson has been working with guide dogs since 1964 and now he is in high-demand on the US speaking circuit. He helps raise funds for Guide Dogs for the Blind. He lectures not just on their experience on the morning of Sept. 11, but on what it's like to work with a guide dog.
"It's an evolutionary relationship," Hingson said in a telephone interview from his home in California. "You have to realize that both partners in the team have a responsibility and a job to do. ? One of the things students have to learn ?is that they must trust the dog.
"If Roselle suddenly jerks one way or another, I have to follow her until I' m satisfied she's doing what she's supposed to. If I find out she's chasing a squirrel, then I'm going to have a talk with her."
Hingson cautions that allowing the dog to do its job is the responsibility not just of its human partner, but of the public, as well.
"Don't interact with the guide dog, especially when they are working. It would be like someone coming up behind you and putting their hands over your eyes while you're trying to cross the street. If you want to pet or play with the dog, ask first."
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