Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Fidelco News Spring 2017

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

Partners in ExceptionalSM Fidelco.org/donate <#> Enduring Optimism FidelcoNews Spring 2017 There’s nothing more optimistic or hopeful than seeing our clients pick up the harness In this issue handle and enthusiastically conquer the roads ahead with their Fidelco guide dog 1. THE “ART” OF TRAINING partners. Whether first-time 2. THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS clients, or successors, these exceptionally courageous men 4. VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT and women have made a life-changing decision to entrust Fidelco with their safety. 5. SPRING INTO ACTION “Optimism is the faith that leads to 6. A NEW LOOK ON THE ROAD achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” 8. 7TH ANNUAL RIDE FOR INDEPENDENCE Helen Keller Only with the compassionate support of Fidelco’s OPEN HOUSE AND DOG DAYS OF 9. donors – you – are we able to create these enduring SUMMER CHILDREN’S PROGRAM 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.

Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc. Step by step, energetic puppies – encouraged 103 Vision Way with tremendous amounts of love from volunteer Bloomfield, CT 06002 puppy raisers and supported by Fidelco’s talented, 860.243.5200 professional trainers – become incredible guide dog partners. Gradually, our clients’ first, small steps with 27 Cannon Rd. their new guide dog partners become confident Wilton, CT 06897 strides on their journey to improve their lives and the 203.529.8201 world around them.

www.fidelco.org Thank you for supporting uninterrupted hope for our clients. Thank you for being an exceptional partner.

©2017 Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc. Eliot D. Russman President & Chief Executive Officer FidelcoNews Spring 2017 The “Art” of Training Chris 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. Why did you choose to pursue independent travelers and feel For me, however, the most this career? very lucky to have the support difficult part of the job is also I have always been deeply of my co-workers along the my favorite; the unique and fascinated by animals and way. My favorite part of the job challenging situations that animal behavior. I was interested is utilizing problem-solving come with training and placing in adopting a “career change” skills to resolve unique situations German Shepherd guide dogs German Shepherd from Fidelco. presented with training the with our exceptional clients – While adopting my beautiful dogs and teaching a new guide each person and dog is unique dog, “Sadie,” I learned about the dog team. in their own way. Apprentice Guide Dog Trainer What is the most difficult part Program and eagerly applied. about your job? What do you love the most There are challenges that come about your job? with working in extreme weather I love working with both dogs conditions and the significant and people; I enjoy helping time spent away from family and guide dog teams become friends when traveling.

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 [email protected].

Chris works on street crossings with a guide dog in training.

Partners in ExceptionalSM Fidelco.org/donate 1 The Power of Partnerships

Our 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.

“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 Retired U.S. Air Force TSgt Matt Slaydon with Legend. three tours of duty during Operation Iraqi Freedom and of his wife, Annette, Matt slowly the team has been flourishing disarming over 100 IEDs paled began to reclaim what had been ever since. He reflects, “Legend in comparison to the physical lost that fateful October day. was the magnificent tool in my and spiritual adversity Matt Partnering with Legend was the tool box that helped me get faced as he tried to cope with a next step in Matt’s recovery and where I needed to go.” new normal. With the support

2 FidelcoNews Spring 2017 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.

Matt says that the support of his wife, Annette, and partnering with Legend were crucial pieces to his recovery.

2 Partners in ExceptionalSM Fidelco.org/donate 3 Volunteer Spotlight: Heather & Michaela Perry

Heather Perry became a dedicated Fidelco treated like part of the Fidelco family, even though Volunteer Puppy Raiser for precious “Grayson” in I was only there a few hours each month.” the early 90’s. She remembers being blessed with Michaela, Heather’s Grayson’s presence daughter, would for a couple of hear her mother months longer than reminisce about usual since Fidelco her time at Fidelco, was just finishing and as a dog lover construction on the herself, committed new kennel and to becoming a Fidelco needed the space volunteer. Michaela is for this litter of dogs now a valued member to come back for of Fidelco’s volunteer formal guide dog community just like training. She loved her mother. Heather every aspect of says, “[It] makes me working with Fidelco. very proud that “I was a volunteer, she is following in THEN: Heather on the day she but never felt like THEN: Heather walking a dog at my footsteps.” brought Grayson home. an outsider. I was the Fidelco kennel.

Become part of Fidelco’s community of volunteer puppy raisers today! An online application is available at fidelco.org.

4 FidelcoNews Spring 2017 Spring into Action In Memoriam Life-changing gift ideas for every season Donald Hannigan, 12/25/2016 Don, along with his Getting a tax wife, Rita, raised 19 refund? This is the puppies for Fidelco. perfect opportunity In addition, they were for you to make caregivers for a breed that special gift to dog and a retired guide. Fidelco. Many of the Hannigan’s Over age of 70½? pups were named Make an IRA for artists – including Charitable Rollover “Faulkner,” “Chaucer,” gift! Contact your “Rembrandt” and “Wyeth.” IRA Trustee and We are grateful to Don for his many years of ask them to send a volunteer service. gift from your IRA account directly to William “Bill” Mackie, 1/5/2017 Fidelco. Your gift Bill and his wife Jeannie can help satisfy raised six Fidelco pups your Required Minimum Distribution for 2017 and from 2010-2016. will help Fidelco create more life-changing guide They truly enjoyed dog partnerships. socializing the puppies Beneficiary Designations: Did you know you and felt fortunate to see can name Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation as the their pups become guide beneficiary of an IRA, 401(k), or life insurance dogs, doing their job policy? It is easy to do and will provide a wonderful helping clients live more gift to Fidelco in the future. independent lives.

Estate Planning: Wills can become outdated, particularly if there has been a significant change Steven “Steve” Pflederer, 1/29/2017 in your life. When reviewing your documents, Steve and his wife, Susan, consider naming Fidelco as a recipient of a specific raised H-25 puppy “Hero.” or residuary bequest from your estate. Your estate The friendships that planning today means that Fidelco can continue to developed between the deliver its life-changing mission of partnering men H-25 litter’s puppy raisers and women who are blind with its elite German inspire us every day. Shepherd guide dogs. Along with his fellow For more information on these gift options, please puppy raisers, Steve contact Susan Greer, Development Director, at helped organize several 860.243.4043 or [email protected]. very successful “Yappy Hour” Fidelco fundraisers.

Partners in ExceptionalSM Fidelco.org/donate 5 A New Look on the Road

Fidelco is grateful for the commitment of our The Killingworth, New Haven, and Woodbury exceptional partners. Suburban Subaru of Vernon, CT Lions Clubs each raised $10,000 to match CT recently donated two Subaru Outbacks to a $30,000 grant from Lions Club International Fidelco’s fleet. Thank you for “Sharing the Love!” Foundation (LCIF) to purchase two vans for Fidelco.

6 FidelcoNews Spring 2017 Partners in ExceptionalSM Fidelco.org/donate 7 th 7 Annual Motorcycle RIDE FOR INDEPENDENCE Sunday, July 23rd

THANkS TO ALL PATRIOT, GOLD, CHROME, STEEL, AND MEDIA SPONSORS: Aetna iHeartMedia Communities

Black-Eyed Sally’s Neligon’s Auto Care Center

Gengras Harley-Davidson Powerstation Events

Hoffman Auto Group SpaceFitters, LLC

Hartford Courant Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC

Hartford Distributors, Inc. Turnpike Motors Autobody

Hartford Steam Boiler

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8 FidelcoNews Spring 2017 OPEN HOUSE & Lions Club Appreciation Day Saturday, May 13th 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. This fun, family event features: • Guide Dog & K9 Demos • Blindfold Walks • Mother’s Day Plant & Flower Sale • Lions Club Eyeglass Collection • 4-H Book Sale • Face Painting

103 Vision Way, Bloomfield, CT Directions at fidelco.org

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER Children’s Program June 19 - August 11 Weeklong, half-day sessions 8 a.m. - 12 noon or 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.

For dog lovers ages 8-12! Highlights: • .Dog ownership and care • Fidelco guide dogs and how they help men and women who are blind • Special canine visitors

Register at fidelco.org

Partners in ExceptionalSM Fidelco.org/donate 9 Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc. 103 Vision Way Bloomfield, CT 06002 www.fidelco.org

Let’s Start This Puppy Up

2-for-1 • BBQ Registration Special Through May 1st • Live Music • K9 Demos • Raffles

Join Our 7th Annual Motorcycle

RIDE FOR INDEPENDENCE Sunday, July 23rd

CAN’T JOIN US? Register Register today at as a Ghost Rider and support Fidelco’s mission! Fidelco.org