Fidelcows ne · puppy raisers and supported by Fidelco’s talented, professional trainers –...
Transcript of Fidelcows ne · puppy raisers and supported by Fidelco’s talented, professional trainers –...
Partners in ExceptionalSM Fidelco.org/donate <#>
in this issue
the power of partnerships
the “art” of training
7th annual ride for independence
open house
dog days of suMMer children’s prograM
Fidelconewsfidelco guide dog foundation
spring 2017
There’s nothing more optimistic
or hopeful than seeing our
clients pick up the harness
handle and enthusiastically
conquer the roads ahead
with their Fidelco guide dog
partners. Whether first-time
clients, or successors, these
exceptionally courageous men
and women have made a life-changing decision to
entrust Fidelco with their safety.
Only with the compassionate support of Fidelco’s
donors – you – are we able to create these enduring
partnerships that overcome many obstacles and
challenges in a world that presumes everyone has
the gift of sight. We are grateful and humbled by
your trust.
This issue of FidelcoNews embraces the theme of
optimism and progress we see every day. It also
shares the deliberate and persevering work that’s
required to transforms lives.
Step by step, energetic puppies – encouraged
with tremendous amounts of love from volunteer
puppy raisers and supported by Fidelco’s talented,
professional trainers – become incredible guide dog
partners. Gradually, our clients’ first, small steps with
their new guide dog partners become confident
strides on their journey to improve their lives and the
world around them.
Thank you for supporting uninterrupted hope for our
clients. Thank you for being an exceptional partner.
FidelcoNews Spring 2017
1. THE “ART” OF TRAINING
2. THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS
4. VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
5. SPRING INTO ACTION
6. A NEW LOOK ON THE ROAD
8. 7TH ANNUAL RIDE FOR INDEPENDENCE
9. OPEN HOUSE AND DOG DAYS OF SUMMER CHILDREN’S PROGRAM
Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc.
Eliot D. RussmanPresident & Chief Executive Officer
www.fidelco.org
FidelcoNews Spring 2017
In this issue
103 Vision WayBloomfield, CT 06002860.243.5200
27 Cannon Rd.Wilton, CT 06897203.529.8201
Enduring Optimism
©2017 Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc.
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”
Helen Keller
Why did you choose to pursue
this career?
I have always been deeply
fascinated by animals and
animal behavior. I was interested
in adopting a “career change”
German Shepherd from Fidelco.
While adopting my beautiful
dog, “Sadie,” I learned about the
Apprentice Guide Dog Trainer
Program and eagerly applied.
What do you love the most
about your job?
I love working with both dogs
and people; I enjoy helping
guide dog teams become
independent travelers and feel
very lucky to have the support
of my co-workers along the
way. My favorite part of the job
is utilizing problem-solving
skills to resolve unique situations
presented with training the
dogs and teaching a new guide
dog team.
What is the most difficult part
about your job?
There are challenges that come
with working in extreme weather
conditions and the significant
time spent away from family and
friends when traveling.
For me, however, the most
difficult part of the job is also
my favorite; the unique and
challenging situations that
come with training and placing
German Shepherd guide dogs
with our exceptional clients –
each person and dog is unique
in their own way.
Partners in ExceptionalSM Fidelco.org/donate 1
The “Art” of TrainingChris Eastwood, Trainer/Instructor
Fidelco’s three-year, Apprentice Guide Dog Trainer Education Program is based on criteria established by the International Guide Dog Federation. Apprentices receive the essential tools to create life-saving working relationships between our exceptional clients and our elite German Shepherd guide dogs.
Chris works on street crossings with a guide dog in training.
Chris is also a
talented artist and
paints the colorful
murals on Fidelco’s
kennel walls.
To sponsor a
custom-designed
mural, contact
Susan Greer at
860.243.4043 or
“My guide dog, ‘Legend,’ is a
godsend. He has changed my
life in more ways than I ever
thought he would. He’s happy
and he loves me and gives me
something to care for. On top of
all that, he helps me walk down
the street,” shares Retired Air
Force TSgt and Fidelco client
Matt Slaydon. This sense of joy
– this hope for the future – that
has been inspired by Legend
is not something Matt takes for
granted for a single moment.
Nearly 10 years ago, while
serving as the point person for
an Explosive Ordinance Disposal
Team (EOD) in Kirkuk, Iraq, Matt
was severely injured by an
improvised explosive device
(IED) that detonated two feet
away from his face, throwing him
almost 30 feet from the blast
site. His arm required immediate
amputation, his face was
shattered, and he was suddenly
and completely blind.
The next chapter was
exceedingly difficult. Completing
three tours of duty during
Operation Iraqi Freedom and
disarming over 100 IEDs paled
in comparison to the physical
and spiritual adversity Matt
faced as he tried to cope with a
new normal. With the support
of his wife, Annette, Matt slowly
began to reclaim what had been
lost that fateful October day.
Partnering with Legend was the
next step in Matt’s recovery and
the team has been flourishing
ever since. He reflects, “Legend
was the magnificent tool in my
tool box that helped me get
where I needed to go.”
2 FidelcoNews Spring 2017
The Power of PartnershipsOur clients share a common goal—to experience life to the fullest. Their partnerships with our exceptional guide dogs make independence, safe travel, and social connection an enduring reality.
Retired U.S. Air Force TSgt Matt Slaydon with Legend.
Meet and thank Matt personally
on Sunday, July 23rd at
Fidelco’s 7th Annual Ride for
Independence motorcycle
fundraiser where he will serve
as a grand marshal.
Partners in ExceptionalSM Fidelco.org/donate 32
Matt says that the support of his wife, Annette, and partnering with Legend were crucial pieces to his recovery.
4 FidelcoNews Spring 2017
Volunteer Spotlight: Heather & Michaela PerryHeather Perry became a dedicated Fidelco
Volunteer Puppy Raiser for precious “Grayson” in
the early 90’s. She remembers being blessed with
Grayson’s presence
for a couple of
months longer than
usual since Fidelco
was just finishing
construction on the
new kennel and
needed the space
for this litter of dogs
to come back for
formal guide dog
training. She loved
every aspect of
working with Fidelco.
“I was a volunteer,
but never felt like
an outsider. I was
treated like part of the Fidelco family, even though
I was only there a few hours each month.”
Michaela, Heather’s
daughter, would
hear her mother
reminisce about
her time at Fidelco,
and as a dog lover
herself, committed
to becoming a Fidelco
volunteer. Michaela is
now a valued member
of Fidelco’s volunteer
community just like
her mother. Heather
says, “[It] makes me
very proud that
she is following in
my footsteps.”THEN: Heather on the day she brought Grayson home.
THEN: Heather walking a dog at the Fidelco kennel.
Become part of Fidelco’s community of volunteer puppy raisers today! An online application is available at fidelco.org.
Donald Hannigan, 12/25/2016
Don, along with his
wife, Rita, raised 19
puppies for Fidelco.
In addition, they were
caregivers for a breed
dog and a retired guide.
Many of the Hannigan’s
pups were named
for artists – including
“Faulkner,” “Chaucer,”
“Rembrandt” and “Wyeth.”
We are grateful to Don for his many years of
volunteer service.
William “Bill” Mackie, 1/5/2017
Bill and his wife Jeannie
raised six Fidelco pups
from 2010-2016.
They truly enjoyed
socializing the puppies
and felt fortunate to see
their pups become guide
dogs, doing their job
helping clients live more
independent lives.
Steven “Steve” Pflederer, 1/29/2017
Steve and his wife, Susan,
raised H-25 puppy “Hero.”
The friendships that
developed between the
H-25 litter’s puppy raisers
inspire us every day.
Along with his fellow
puppy raisers, Steve
helped organize several
very successful “Yappy
Hour” Fidelco fundraisers.
Partners in ExceptionalSM Fidelco.org/donate 5
In MemoriamLife-changing gift ideas for every season
Getting a tax
refund? This is the
perfect opportunity
for you to make
that special gift to
Fidelco.
Over age of 70½?
Make an IRA
Charitable Rollover
gift! Contact your
IRA Trustee and
ask them to send a
gift from your IRA
account directly to
Fidelco. Your gift
can help satisfy
your Required Minimum Distribution for 2017 and
will help Fidelco create more life-changing guide
dog partnerships.
Beneficiary Designations: Did you know you
can name Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation as the
beneficiary of an IRA, 401(k), or life insurance
policy? It is easy to do and will provide a wonderful
gift to Fidelco in the future.
Estate Planning: Wills can become outdated,
particularly if there has been a significant change
in your life. When reviewing your documents,
consider naming Fidelco as a recipient of a specific
or residuary bequest from your estate. Your estate
planning today means that Fidelco can continue to
deliver its life-changing mission of partnering men
and women who are blind with its elite German
Shepherd guide dogs.
For more information on these gift options, please
contact Susan Greer, Development Director, at
860.243.4043 or [email protected].
Spring into Action
6 FidelcoNews Spring 2017
A New Look on the RoadFidelco is grateful for the commitment of our
exceptional partners. Suburban Subaru of Vernon,
CT recently donated two Subaru Outbacks to
Fidelco’s fleet. Thank you for “Sharing the Love!”
The Killingworth, New Haven, and Woodbury
CT Lions Clubs each raised $10,000 to match
a $30,000 grant from Lions Club International
Foundation (LCIF) to purchase two vans for Fidelco.
Partners in ExceptionalSM Fidelco.org/donate 7
FOR ALL OF YOUR EYE CARE NEEDS
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Comprehensive eye exams • Cataract Surgery • Glaucoma • Lasik • Dry Eye • Macular Degeneration •
Cosmetic Services • Optical Shop
400 Saybrook Road, St 100 Middletown, CT 06457 860.347.7466
4 Grove Beach Road, North, St B Westbrook, CT 06498 860.669.5305
8 FidelcoNews Spring 2017
7th Annual Motorcycle RIDE FOR INDEPENDENCESunday, July 23rd
Aetna
Black-Eyed Sally’s
Gengras Harley-Davidson
Hoffman Auto Group
Hartford Courant
Hartford Distributors, Inc.
Hartford Steam Boiler
iHeartMedia Communities
Neligon’s Auto Care Center
Powerstation Events
SpaceFitters, LLC
Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC
Turnpike Motors Autobody
THANkS TO ALL PATRIOT, GOLD, CHROME, STEEL, AND MEDIA SPONSORS:
Partners in ExceptionalSM Fidelco.org/donate 9
OPEN HOUSE& Lions Club Appreciation Day
103 Vision Way, Bloomfield, CT Directions at fidelco.org
Saturday, May 13th
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Guide Dog & K9 Demos
• Blindfold Walks
• Mother’s Day Plant & Flower Sale
• Lions Club Eyeglass Collection
• 4-H Book Sale
• Face Painting
This fun, family event features:
Register at fidelco.org
DOG DAYS OF SUMMERChildren’s Program
June 19 - August 11Weeklong, half-day sessions8 a.m. - 12 noon or 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.
• Dog ownership and care• Fidelco guide dogs and how they help
men and women who are blind• Special canine visitors
Highlights:
For dog lovers ages 8-12!
Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc.103 Vision Way Bloomfield, CT 06002
www.fidelco.org
Let’s Start This Puppy Up
Join Our 7th Annual Motorcycle RIDE FOR INDEPENDENCE
Sunday, July 23rd
• BBQ • Live Music • K9 Demos • Raffles
2-for-1 Registration Special
Through May 1st
CAN’T JOIN US? Register as a Ghost Rider and support Fidelco’s mission!
Register today at Fidelco.org