Bill wasn't asking Orient to guide him around the block in his quiet suburban neighborhood of Burlington, N.C. or even to walk with him to a nearby grocery store. No, when Bill Irwin goes for a walk he goes all the way. For Irwin, a devout Christian, the trek was a divine calling, one he tried to ignored at first but finally gave in to after seven or eight people independently shared their missions for God with him. As it turned out, hiking the AT was a perfect opportunity for him to share his faith with others, since everybody wanted to know what a blind man and his dog were doing hiking the Trail. The experience was a monumental challenge for both man and beast.
People wonder what their dogs are doing all day while they're at work.
If people would put a timer on their dog they would find out their dog sleeps from 16 to 20 hours a day. Changing that takes a lot of time. All the dogs were Shepherds, as Seeing Eye trainers have found that breed adapts well to a busy and versatile lifestyle like Irwin's. Dogs won't exceed their limits like horses or people will. Dogs just quit.