Blind Styrian

Laura and “Zuri” train for the Way of St. James

Laura Spies and "Zuri" train for the Way of St. James in their neighborhood in Hartberg.(Bild: Juergen Fuchs)

20-year-old Laura Spies and her assistance dog "Zuri" are currently preparing for a special adventure: In September, they are walking the Way of St. James to Santiago de Compostela. The young woman from Hartberg masters her everyday life independently despite her blindness - even if obstacles are repeatedly placed in her way.

Laura Spies laces up her walking boots, shoulders her rucksack, takes the treats and her white stick in one hand and "Zuri's" harness in the other. "She always needs a bit of motivation," says the young Styrian, half talking about and half to her black flat-coated retriever. Her mom Elisabeth quickly brings her a kapperl, then it's time to go.