2012 Spring Newsletter PDF - Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation

Spring 2012
member
w w w. f i d e l c o. o r g
In this Issue
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Spring 2012
Cover Story: A Match Made in Heaven
Upcoming Events
Watch Me Grow/Dog Days of Summer
Ask Dr. B
Fidelco Estates Wine
K-9 Heroes–Now and Then
In Memory
The Latest Scoop
Puppies!
FidelcoNews is the newsletter of the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc.
Graphic Designer: Kristine Fletcher
Contributing Writer: Chris Gregor
Contributing Photographer: Susan DeMaio
Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc.
103 Vision Way
Bloomfield, CT 06002
(860) 243-5200
© 2012 All rights reserved. Reproduction or other use, in whole or in
part, without written permission is prohibited.
Photo by Red Cottage Photography
FidelcoNews Spring 2012
Fidelco is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization
based in Bloomfield, CT, that breeds, trains and
places its own, unique “breed within a breed”
German Shepherd Guide Dogs with people who
have visual disabilities.
Each Fidelco Guide Dog costs $45,000 and takes
two years to raise and train, and they are given
at no cost to men and women who are blind.
Fidelco relies solely on the financial support
and generosity of individuals, foundations,
corporations and civic organizations to help
Share the Vision®.
Fidelco has placed over 1,300 German Shepherd
Guide Dogs in 41 states and five Canadian
provinces. It pioneered “In-community
Placement” in the United States — a process
that allows guide dog users to be trained in
the communities where they live and work. For
more information, please visit www.fidelco.org.
Donations to Fidelco are deductible as charitable
contributions on a donor’s federal income tax return.
Please consult your tax advisor for specific details.
Do you know someone with visual disabilities
who is interested in requesting a guide dog?
Contact Fidelco at 860-243-5200 or admissions@
fidelco.org to request informational materials about
our guide dog application process.
Donate securely at www.fidelco.org
H appe n
to
T h i ngs ...
Successful delivery of Fidelco’s
Mission is based on establishing
a relationship of trust, support
and team work between the
human handler and guide dog.
This perspective informs Fidelco’s
view and shapes our beliefs and
values. And it starts long before
a guide dog placement begins.
F
ully engaged in our sixth
decade, Fidelco stands tall
and proud of its many significant
accomplishments in service to
our Mission of providing increased
independence and mobility to
our clients who are blind.
Amongst Fidelco’s most notable
achievements are the pioneering
and exclusive use of In-Community
Placement in the United States to
directly benefit our clients’ training
and to accommodate their families’
busy schedules; the placement of
over 1,300 German Shepherd Guide
Dogs across North America in
41 states and five Canadian provinces;
and our unwavering commitment
to, and exclusive use of, the German
Shepherd Dog as the very best
working dog breed to take on the
leadership responsibility for our
clients’ safety.
“… people of accomplishment
rarely sat back and let things
happen to them.They went out
and happened to things.
”
Leonardo daVinci
To Fidelco’s co-founders, Charlie
and Robbie Kaman, we owe much
gratitude for their foresight, passion
and dedication to improving the
quality of life for men and women
who are blind. They were partners
in life and partners in Fidelco.
Together, they went out and
happened to things. Together they
laid Fidelco’s foundation and shared
their vision with others.
Today, with this same spirit of
optimism and enthusiasm, it is our
time to nurture Fidelco into the future.
It is our time to go out together, in
partnership, to happen to things in
order to improve and grow Fidelco.
Fidelco asks you to become a lifechanger. There are many ways to
do this, to be sure. Donate. Volunteer.
Introduce and share the magic of
Fidelco with others. In the words
of Leonardo da Vinci, go out and
happen to things in order to build
a greater Fidelco.
Charles H. Kaman 1919 – 2011
Roberta C. Kaman 1935 – 2010
Donations are the lifeblood of
all nonprofit organizations. And
passionate volunteers are the
heartbeat. Your generosity today
will help Fidelco support Jamie’s
new litter of ten beautiful puppies,
born on January 30, as they begin
their two-year journey to become
Fidelco Guide Dogs.
Working alongside Fidelco’s small
and dedicated staff, there are many
ways to volunteer. Raise a guide dog
puppy. Create a fundraising event to
share Fidelco with your friends
or co-workers. Attend a Fidelco
event (schedule reminder that
Fidelco’s Annual Open House is
Saturday, April 21st). Link to Fidelco
on Facebook and other social media
to help spread the word.
The demand for Fidelco Guide Dogs
increases annually and we stand ready.
The only way that Fidelco will be able
to meet this need, however, is with
your help – today and tomorrow.
In advance of your support during
2012, thank you for happening to
Fidelco.
Thank you for Sharing the Vision.
Eliot D. Russman
CEO and Executive Director
“...Faye is a GREAT dog....a lot more frisky
than Colt...a real trickster attitude and
is always doing something silly...like
jumping in my wife’s fish pond with all
four legs spread out to make the biggest
splash. You never know what she is going
to do next and she keeps me in stitches
laughing!
She works very hard to please me and is
always trying to figure what it is I want
so she can do it early. I love her and have
received a lot of compliments on her. We
flew up north last month and she traveled
like a trooper.
Have a great new year. Thank you for what
you do.”
Email from Fidelco client Ed B.
2
COVER STORY
A Match Made In Heaven
“W
hat the hell!” yelled the angry jogger dependent!’ I struggled to face the reality.
That day as I walked and prayed for a sign
as she collided with Bill DeMaio.
about whether to apply for a guide dog—
He was walking near his home in Newington,
God gave me an answer loud and clear
CT, distracted about coming to terms with
when that lady jogger whacked me with
his deteriorating eyesight. “I had been using
her shoulder. I looked up to the sky and
a cane on and off and investigating Fidelco,
said, ‘OK, I get it, time to make the move.’”
but a cane or a guide dog felt like a big
It was Bill’s “ah-ha” moment.
billboard announcing ‘I’m blind and
FidelcoNews Spring 2012
Donate securely at www.fidelco.org
Bill, 53, has Retinitis Pigmentosa,
a degenerative genetic disease,
and his big change in life was at
age 30 when he gave up his driver’s
license – a huge decision. While Bill
has some functional vision, he has
lived most of his life with the gradual
loss. “I tried to ‘fake it’ to fit in and not
be discriminated against, but as the
eyesight got worse I couldn’t do it
anymore,” he says.
With the jogger incident as the
impetus, Izaac, a calm, focused
male Fidelco Guide Dog, came
into Bill’s life October 24th, 2011
(also Bill and his wife Susan’s
30th wedding anniversary).
Interestingly, one of the DeMaio’s
two daughters, Laura (Danielle
is the other), is the Fidelco
Apprentice Trainer who trained
Izaac. “Izaac was always very
serious and professional about
working. When he got into the
harness he was all business, out
of the harness he was about
having fun. He was a quick
learner, too. Early on, I saw Izaac’s
personality reflected Dad’s, who
had the same work ethic while
being very engaged in having fun
when off the clock,” says Laura.
I had worked to achieve and I
realized how fortunate I was to
combine my two great passions
in my work,” Laura added.
Changing What It Means
To Be Blind
Izaac embodied Bill’s second big
life change. “Getting Izaac opened
up the world of people that I had
gradually distanced myself from.
Izaac is a social magnet, people
flock to him and me by association—
“I was always very physically active;
an avid wind surfer, I loved sports.
If it had a ball, I played it,” Bill recalls.
And Izaac helps Bill reconnect with
that physically active lifestyle he
loves. “We take long walks every day;
my friends say they have never seen
me so confident in my walking. The
liberation and freedom that Izaac has
given me is unexplainable. Izaac’s
“ T he liberation and freedom that
Izaac has given me is unexplainable.”
puppy raisers tell me he loves to
swim, which is perfect because
I’m an enthusiastic swimmer and
kayaker. This summer on the lake,
maybe he’ll be right there with me;
just one of the many ways that Izaac
and I are a perfect match. Gretchen
Fisher-Orr, the Fidelco Instructor/
Trainer who trained me, says it will
be hard to fill Izaac’s place when he
retires because we’re so in tune
with each other...but that’s 10 years
from now!”
A Family Affair
“When I was young, Dad
encouraged me to set goals,
follow dreams and choose
lifework that made me happy.
I pursued my passion by working
with animals through various
volunteer positions and ultimately
my job with Fidelco. My other
passion was helping the blind,
fostered by a lifetime of helping
my Dad and others he knew
with blindness. When the Fidelco
Selection Committee approved
Dad’s application, it seemed like
a culmination of those dreams
ambassador for guide dogs and
Fidelco. I even have a mantra—
‘Changing what it means to be blind’.”
A New Confidence
Bill with daughter, Laura, and Izaac
freeing me from that old isolation due
to my blindness. Now I’m outgoing
enough to even plan an upcoming
speaking engagement to a group of
fifth graders in Massachusetts. It’s
part of my quest to be a goodwill
Bill is the Director of the New
Britain, CT, Department of Parks
and Recreation, a demanding and
wide-ranging job. He manages
70 full-time and 400 part- time
employees in seven divisions,
including Veterans Affairs, Persons
With Disabilities, and Youth and
Family Services. Bill notes the
tremendous effort his colleagues
make in the workplace avoiding
temptations to pet or give attention
to Izaac.
continued on page 11
4
Upcoming
Events
More event details at www.fidelco.org!
Fidelco Open House and Lions Club Appreciation Day
A fun-filled day of activities featuring behind-the-scenes tours
of the Fidelco campus. Enjoy agility and freestyle performances
and blindfold walks, in addition to puppy, guide dog and Law
Enforcement K-9 demonstrations.
South Windsor Jaycees Paws in the Park
An event entirely for man’s best friend featuring attractions for our
canine friends. Dog contests, demonstrations, vendors, live music,
food, auctions, games for the kids and more! South Windsor Rotary
Pavilion at Nevers Park, South Windsor, the event raises funds for
Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation and the South Windsor Bark Park.
Fidelco Dog Walk Fundraising
Event in Salem, MA
Walk with us and support Fidelco at Salem Common,
a nine acre park in the heart of the city!
Allied Printing Charitable Foundation 5th Annual
Gerald F. Sommers Memorial Golf Tournament
Fidelco is a beneficiary of this tournament held at
Topstone Golf Course, 516 Griffin Road, South Windsor, CT.
For information, contact Lori Temple at 860-643-1101 or
[email protected]
2nd Annual Ride for Independence
Join hundreds of other motorcycle riders for a scenic ride
in North Central Connecticut. It will be a fun day of music,
food, custom bike show, K-9 demonstrations and more.
And it’s all to benefit Fidelco!
31st Annual Fidelco Dog Walk Fundraising
Event in Simsbury, CT
NEW VENUE for Fidelco’s Fundraising Walk!
FidelcoNews Spring 2012
Donate securely at www.fidelco.org
Kids and Dogs—A Great Combination!
Thanks in part to a generous
grant from the Reader’s
Digest Partners for Sight
Foundation, Fidelco is
offering Watch Me Grow to schools throughout the
world. Funds from this grant are helping Fidelco further
expand outreach capabilities and enhance Watch Me
Grow teaching materials.
How you can participate
• In Class/Group Meeting – Fidelco delivers
Coming Soon to a School Near You!
Fidelco’s Watch Me Grow program, launched in 2004,
has engaged over 44,000 children in grades 2-12, in
a hands-on, interactive experience designed to teach
kids about the disability of blindness, how guide dogs
are trained to assist
people who are
blind, responsible
dog ownership, and
the importance of
giving back. It is
easily adapted for
organizations such as
Scouts and 4-H Clubs.
a Watch Me Grow presentation including handouts
and a guide dog demonstration to groups within a 1 ½
hour drive from Hartford, CT.
• Using Skype–
Fidelco is putting
paws to the virtual
pavement to expand
Watch Me Grow.
Presented via live
interactive sessions,
kids will experience
young Fidelco
puppies and guidedogs-in-training, Q&A sessions to “Talk to a Guide
Dog Trainer,” and much more.
For more information about our Watch Me Grow
program, contact Fidelco at 860 243-4801 or email
[email protected].
Dog Days of Summer
Dog Days of Summer returns this year from June
25th until August 17th! Fidelco’s half-day, weeklong, interactive program gives children a fun,
hands-on experience with all things dog. It also
teaches them about guide dogs and people with
visual disabilities.
Dog Days of Summer is a great way for kids to have
fun and to learn important lessons about dog care
and, importantly, about helping others. And kids
visit with our incredibly cute German Shepherd
puppies and meet special canine guests!
Reserve your spot now!
For more information, visit www.fidelco.org or
call Jan Adams at 860-243-4801.
6
Mild Winter Means Trouble with Fleas & Ticks
M
ild weather prevailed
throughout this winter
and the insects that carry
diseases didn’t go away.
Even if this was a typical
cold and snowy New
England winter, it would
have been recommended to give monthly heartworm,
flea and tick preventatives. These pests are always lurking
year-round.
Fleas and ticks can survive winter temperatures when they
are able to find a host to feed from (such as wild animals or
your pet), or a warm location to hide in during the coldest
weather months.
If protected from freezing cold, flea pupae (the inactive,
non-feeding stage of an insect that has a protective
covering) will remain dormant for over a year until it is
warm enough to come out. When conditions become
ideal, the pupae will complete their development and
emerge from their cocoons resulting in a surge of activity
both on and off your pets. Additionally, if fleas are
swallowed, they can spread tapeworm to your pet.
Ticks will happily land on your
pet even when it is chilly. As
soon as temperatures hover at
32 degrees Fahrenheit, adult
ticks become a threat. If your
pet spends time outdoors in
the winter, tick prevention is
important. And since most
medications are designed to
thwart both fleas and ticks, it’s
a good idea to use preventative medications throughout
the year.
In addition, heartworm preventatives kill more than
just heartworms. Most also kill many common internal
parasites that live within your pet’s intestinal tract
causing mischief. Some of them, such as hookworm and
roundworm are also infectious to people. Stopping
this product in the winter months not only stops this
protection for your pets, but also for your human family
members as well! As the old saying goes: It is better to
be safe than sorry!
New Opportunities for Kennel Sponsorships
Sponsor a piece of Fidelco today!
A limited number of kennel
sponsorships are available for
individuals, families, clubs and
youth groups. Or create your own
group to support Fidelco! Choose
a six month ($500) or one year
($1,000) renewable sponsorship that will help
defray expenses and provide needed supplies in
“your” kennel.
A nameplate will be placed next to your kennel and
you will receive a photo of one of the dogs, as well as
FidelcoNews Spring 2012
updates on activities at Fidelco throughout the year.
Your generosity will be visible during tours and will
invite others to consider sponsoring their own
kennels. For more information, contact Susan Greer
at [email protected] or 860-243-4043.
Donate securely at www.fidelco.org
Penne with Chicken and Asparagus Sauce
1 (16 ounce) package dried penne pasta
5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into cubes
salt and pepper to taste
garlic powder to taste
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 bunch slender asparagus spears, trimmed, cut on diagonal into 1-inch pieces
1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Pair this light
but super-tasty
pasta dish with
Fidelco Estates
Sauvignon Blanc!
Directions
1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil.
Add pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Drain, and set aside.
2. Warm 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over
medium-high heat. Stir in chicken, and season with salt,
pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until chicken is cooked
through and browned, about 5 minutes. Remove chicken
to paper towels.
3. Pour chicken broth into the skillet. Then stir in asparagus,
garlic, and a pinch more garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Cover, and steam until the asparagus is just tender,
about 5 to 10 minutes. Return chicken to the skillet,
and warm through.
4. Stir chicken mixture into pasta, and mix well. Let sit
about 5 minutes. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, stir
again, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
8
Fidelco K-9 Heroes
Since its founding 50 years ago, Fidelco has
provided appropriate German Shepherd Dogs
Fidelco German Shepherd Dog “Will” recently
graduated from the 151st Patrol Class Connecticut State
Police K-9 Training Academy and will serve with the New
Britain Police Department.
to law enforcement, first-responder search-andrescue, and missing child recovery organizations
to help these heroic men and women protect
our fellow citizens and keep them safe.
Harford Police K-9;
March 1962
Officer Nick Egan
with K-9 “Will”
Fidelco-bred “Echo,” now known as K-9 “Fedor,”
with Officer Daniel Weegar of the Newark, NY, Police
Department, recently detected their largest drug bust
of cocaine and marijuana.
FidelcoNews Spring 2012
Donate securely at www.fidelco.org
Five Decades of Public Service
Connecticut State Trooper James Foley with Fidelco’s
“Logan” worked both World Trade Center bombings.
Logan is credited with one of the very few live finds
following the 9/11 attacks.
Fidelco’s “Izzy” is part of Connecticut Task Force One Urban Search and
Rescue team. Fidelco Trainer/Instructor Liz Hatinen has been training Izzy
for 8 months and will be testing soon to become a FEMA certified disaster
dog. Liz and Izzy will respond to both wilderness searches for lost people as
well as urban work such as collapsed buildings.
Connecticut State Trooper Edward Anuszewski
and Fidelco’s “Octane” demonstrate the team’s
ability to successfully handle all situations with
energetic ease.
Connecticut State Trooper Chad Gomez
and Fidelco’s “Gibson.” The team is
deployed to Troop L in Litchfield, CT.
10
IN MEMORY...
Recently retired West
Hartford, CT Police K-9
“Kora” passed away in
January after complications
from cancerous tumors
associated with old age.
Though not a Fidelco-bred
German Shepherd, Kora
was a well-loved part of
the Fidelco family. She
participated in the K-9 demo
at Fidelco’s Open House
and also thrilled the kids in
our “Dog Days of Summer”
children’s program.
Officer Eric Rocheleau and Kora served as a team with
distinction from 2003 to 2011. They were an exceptional
K-9 partnership and were awarded the Daniel Wasson
Memorial K-9 Award in 2005 for outstanding achievements.
A Match Made in Heaven
continued from page 3
Just one week after completing his three-week Incommunity Placement, there was a big challenge for
the new team — they traveled together to a two-day
work-related conference away from home. It turned
into a bonding opportunity. “Having a guide dog was
still new, but Izaac was sensational. He mastered the
layout of the hotel and route to my room instantly—
it was absolutely mind-boggling.” In a classic case of
“trusting the dog,” that beginning instilled a new
confidence in how Bill gets around.
People are noticing. “Recently my neighbor called to
tell me how she saw this well-dressed blind man
confidently striding across four lanes of traffic in
downtown New Britain with his dog, ‘when I realized
it was you! I couldn’t believe it!’ she said. That felt good
to hear. I’m kind of tearing up just talking about it.”
Officer Rocheleau and Kora will always be a big part of
Fidelco’s family and Kora will be missed.
The Working Dog
My eyes are your eyes,
to watch and protect you and yours.
My ears are your ears,
to hear and detect evil minds in the dark.
My nose is your nose,
to scent the invader of your domain.
An example of how a person with Retinitis Pigmentosa,
like Bill DeMaio, sees the world.
And so you may live,
my life is also yours.
Author Unknown
In fond memory of our beloved Fidelco Guide Dogs
that crossed the Rainbow Bridge during 2011:
Beacon
Cayla
Chevra
Cobalt
Duchess
Duluth
Farah
Faust
Gemma
Gunnar
Gunter
Ivan
Inez
Kena
Jagger
Joy
Lexy
Logan
Metoo
Quinn
Snickers
Tarik
Tess
Upton
Woodstock
Wunder
Xea
Xplorer
FidelcoNews Spring 2012
Understandably, Bill feels a close bond with Fidelco,
too. So, on a Thursday night in January, Bill co-hosted
a fundraiser for Fidelco at a local restaurant to show
appreciation. “I can’t say enough about Fidelco and
I’ll help them anyway I can. Friends and co-workers
attended a fun evening and the proprietors donated
10% of the proceeds to Fidelco. We had a raffle and
the guests made donations. It was a tremendous
success and Izaac, of course, was the life of the party.”
Bill DeMaio has made big strides since that heavensent collision on the sidewalk near his home and he
keeps moving forward envisioning an ever-brighter
future with Izaac guiding the way.
Editor’s Note: Izaac was raised by Volunteer Puppy
Raisers Art Williams and Linda Manning.
Donate securely at www.fidelco.org
look who stopped by
Employees of J. Morrissey & Company in Windsor, CT visited
Fidelco to learn more about the guide dog program. They hugged
some puppies and had blindfold walks with guide-dogs-in-training.
J. Morrissey recently made a generous donation to Fidelco, with
proceeds generated from a “Friday Jeans Day” project.
Members of Leadership Greater Hartford’s 2012 Ambassador
Committee take time for some puppy cuddling before they begin
their kick-off meeting that was held at Fidelco’s campus. Participants
learned about Fidelco’s life-changing work and also had an opportunity
to experience a blindfold walk with our German Shepherd Guide Dogs.
Richard LoPresti, Community
Development Specialist, from
Connecticut Natural Gas
presented a CT Neighborhood
Assistance Act grant to Fidelco.
Accepting the check are Eliot
Russman, CEO and Executive
Director, and Gretchen FisherOrr, Trainer/Instructor, with
guide-dog-in-training, Jett.
Kaman Industrial Technologies– Fidelco’s new neighbors
at 1 Vision Way – donated proceeds from a furniture
tag sale held before they moved into their new building.
Above: KIT President Steven Smidler presents a check for
$1,200 to Fidelco CEO Eliot Russman.
Volunteer Puppy Raiser Jeremiah Williams and other
members from Jack and Jill of America, Inc. presented
a check from money they raised for Fidelco. Pictured
above l-r: Fidelco CEO Eliot Russman, JT Gooden (Teen
Vice President); Micah Mingo (Teen Secretary); and
Jeremiah Williams (Teen President).
A warm, fuzzy thank
you to birthday girl
Cecilia for collecting
blankets for Fidelco
at her birthday
party. Our puppies
are cozy in their
new blankets!
Pictured with Cecilia
is sister Gabriella
and “Datsun.”
12
We've got Puppies!
The Norma F. Pfriem Pup House
has been a bustle of activity with
the arrival of TEN new puppies!
Mom “Jamie” gave birth to
seven gorgeous girls and three
handsome boys on January 30.
DID YOU KNOW? Puppies are born
with their eyes and ear canals closed
because they are not completely developed.
It takes about ten days after birth for their
ears and eyes to open.
Each litter of puppies born at Fidelco is
assigned a letter and number. This is the
K-25 litter (yes–we’ve been around the
alphabet 25 times!) and each pup will have
a name that begins with the letter K.
FidelcoNews Spring 2012
Our Volunteer Puppy Raisers name the
puppy that they raise. Have a suggestion
for a good “K” guide dog puppy name?
Post it on Fidelco’s Facebook page! Visit
www.facebook.com/fidelcoguidedog
to follow us! Donate securely at www.fidelco.org
Think Mother’s Day
and Father’s Day!
Have your favorite photo imprinted on one of more
than 500 products and create your own personalized
gift! Mail a heartfelt card or letter stamped with your
favorite pet!
The Fidelco Gallery can be found
at www.artstamps.com/Fidelco.
Happy Shopping!
The bonus: Fidelco receives 25% of the purchase price!
North American Power, one of the
nation’s fastest-growing retail electricity
suppliers, has recently launched a bold
commitment to corporate social
responsibility: Mission to Millions.
As a Connecticut resident, you can switch to North American Power
or invest in the company’s new Green-e® Energy certified 100%
renewable energy option, American Wind. Choose the Fidelco Guide
Dog Foundation from the list of featured charities. Each month, North
American Power will donate $1 to Fidelco, for as long as you are on the
service, with an ultimate goal of donating millions to worthy causes that
are powering change.
Over 160 people have already made the switch with Fidelco as their
charity of choice. Sign up today and start saving on your electric bill
while helping Fidelco receive funds to provide more of the highest
quality German Shepherd Guide Dogs to men and women with visual
disabilities. Visit www.napower.com/m2m to learn more about how
you can make a difference.
14
103 Vision Way
Bloomfield, CT 06002
Same road! Same location!
New road name
reflects Fidelco’s Mission!