Taiwan Quick Take: Dog now an ambassador

Officials from the Taiwan Guide Dog Association said yesterday they had chosen a sheepdog as a "goodwill ambassador" to help promote the rights of guide dogs. Association officials said there were around 50,000 visually impaired people in Taiwan, but only 11 guide dogs. Although the law clearly states that guide dogs or young guide dogs being trained can move freely around public transport and businesses, many places still deny access to guide dogs. The association has therefore focused on a "no denial of access" concept in its campaign activities this year, the officials said, adding that Alpha, a lively seven-month-old sheepdog featured in a TV program, would appear in a series of campaign ads.