Residents Learn About Fidelco Guide Dogs

Residents at Virginia Connolly Residence were treated to a special visit from two Fidelco dogs Thursday afternoon. 

Cheryl Cook, a Simsbury Housing Authority commissioner and Volunteer Puppy Raiser brought her latest charge, Bryn, and Susan Greer, Fidelco's Associate Director of Development came with Datsun, the organization's public relations dog. 

Greer told the residents about the organization, from its beginnings when Charlie and Robbie Kaman's started it as a breeding organization for German Shepherds to its vast work providing the legally blind with guide dogs.  

It takes two years, 15,000 hands-on hours and $45,000 to produce and maintain one Fidelco Guide Dog, and Fidelco provides them at no cost to the clients they serve. To carry out this mission, Fidelco relies on the generosity of its individual and corporate donors and more than 350 volunteers. 

She also shared inspiring stories, including how one guide dog refused a command for its owner in order to avoid a live wire. 

"These dogs do change lives but they also save lives," Greer said. 

Cook shared her experiences in taking dogs at about 8 weeks old and then relinquishing them approximately a year later so professionals can further train them. 

She's done so since 2009 and acknowledged it's hard to say goodbye but said it's important to remember how much they help others. 

"I'm doing something for someone else," she said. 

Cook said she's also witnessed some great moments from dogs she's trained, sometimes witnessing heroic acts at a distance. 

Nancy Britton, residential services coordinator for the 40-unit congregate and assisted-living community said it's always great for residents to see the dogs. 
"It was wonderful," she said. "People love dogs when they're young and love them when they're older too." 

Fidelco is also promoting its Share the Vision® Fundraising Dog Walk and Family Fun Day on Sunday, Sept. 29. This family-friendly event features vendors, food, K9 demos, a microchip clinic and a concert performance by Little House. Treat your pooch to a professional photo shoot by Carla McElroy Photography for just $5. Proceeds support Fidelco's mission of promoting increased independence to men and women who are blind by providing them with the highest quality German Shepherd Guide Dogs. 

Walkers are encouraged to pre-register and set up a personal fundraising page by following the registration link at http://www.fidelco.kintera.org/SimsburyWalk2013.

All dog breeds are welcome at this outdoor event as long as they are leashed.
The Share the Vision® Fundraising Dog Walk and Family Fun Day is held at the Simsbury Performing Arts Center at 22 Iron Horse Boulevard from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sponsorship and vendor opportunities are available; contact info@fidelco.org for more information.