Seeing eye dog reunited with his owner after going missing

WATCH: After a frantic and sleepless night, a blind East Vancouver man has been reunited with his eyes to the world. Linda Aylesworth explains.

VANCOUVER – Patrick York is blind and relies on his seeing eye dog Garcia to be his eyes and help him get around.

When York let Garcia out in the yard to relieve himself Tuesday night, he thought something might be wrong when he didn’t hear a scratch at the door after about 15 minutes.

Turns out, someone had left the gate open and Garcia had gone missing in East Vancouver. He was not wearing a tag or any ID to let people know he is a guide dog.

“It was concerning because I didn’t actually know who to phone at 11 o’clock at night,” said York.

He did call animal control and the police but was not sure what else to do.

Luckily, someone had brought Garcia to the Vancouver Animal Shelter late last night and the duo were reunited Wednesday afternoon.

York is very relieved to get his dog back.

“They’re really priceless,” he said. “I mean guide dogs are priceless because they’re, they help you to make up which direction to go.”

When they are walking, Garcia helps to protect York by stopping and letting his owner know there is something dangerous ahead.

“It kinds of sets you free in a way,” said York of having a guide dog. “You don’t feel as inhibited. Certainly less disabled and it’s more comfortable.”

“They are really close to being human until they run away.”

“They’re alive, they’re your friend, they’re concerned about you,” he added.

More information on how to manage or buy a dog licence in Vancouver.