Shanxi welcomed its second guide dog to the province on May 8, when a visually impaired resident arrived at Wusu Airport in Taiyuan with his guide dog, Pie.

Pie (left) guides Guo walking down stairs. [Photo/news.sxrb.com]

Pie graduated from Dalian guide dog training base six years ago, one of China's four training bases and the only one approved by the China Disabled Persons' Federation. Pie went through strict selection and training in the base, where over 70 percent of the dogs failed to pass the guide dog program.

Guo, Pie's owner, applied for a guide dog from Dalian guide dog training base six years ago. The application and adoption of a guide dog is free for visually impaired people, but an applicant must go through a comprehensive evaluation involving height, weight, walking habits, family condition and work environment. Tens of thousands of visually impaired people across the country have applied for guide dogs, but there are only about 80 guide dogs working throughout China.

Guo said Pie is his eyes. Guided by Pie, he took a train from Taiyuan to Yuci on May 8, since guide dogs were allowed on trains starting May 1. He expects more public facilities will open to guide dogs.

Shanxi welcomed its first guide dog in 2010.