Inspiring bond between one man and his dog

Qin Pan pats his guide dog Ribbe. The two are almost inseparable, with Ribbe acting as the “eyes” of sight-impaired Qin.

Ran Tao and Ruben Shen

Qin Pan has been severely sight impaired for many years. But the 66-year-old Taoyuan Community resident in Jiading Town has found his “eyes,” which is what he calls his guide dog, Ribbe.

The two are nearly inseparable.

Ribbe helps Qin when he goes to the hospital, supermarket or wet market.

“Whenever we go to the Century Mart, Ribbe would guide me to the place selling bean products because I often go there,” Qin said.

Qin said he loves Ribbe’s calm demeanor. Qin often goes to the Jiading Disabled Federation for meetings, which can last up to three hours. Ribbe just lies there waiting patiently until the meeting is over. Many are surprised that “such a big dog lies there so peacefully.”

Qin says he feels safe because of Ribbe. On the road, Ribbe will ensure Qin avoids any danger.

On one occasion, a sedan suddenly made a right turn that Qin was not aware of. Ribbe guided Qin to turn left immediately and they successfully avoided the sedan.

“I need to hold his leashes with my left hand so if there is an accident the guide dog will help me from being hurt,” Qin says.

On another occasion, when a young boy riding a bike on Qin’s left side, the cyclist suddenly accelerated the bike and turned right.

Seeing the bike would hurt Qin, Ribbe sprang out and helped Q in avoid being hit. However, Ribbe was injured seriously by the bike.

Back at home, Qin found that Ribbe had a deep scratch on its left leg and dried blood was mixed with its fur.

“Ribbe stayed calm during the accident. He didn’t bark and guided me home silently,” Qin says. “I know he was in pain and I felt so bad for him.”

At the first time when Qin brought the dog into the Century Mart, he was stopped by the security guard. He tried his best to explain that Ribbe is a specially trained guide dog rather than a common dog. He will not bark and never bites. However, the guard still refused to let them in.

Later, to Qin’s big surprise, the store's manager called Qin and said he and Ribbe were welcome any time to the store.

The central government issued a policy in August 2012 that allows guide dogs to enter public venues. Now Qin can take buses and go shopping with his beloved dog freely.