Vicky and "Uncas" - Teammates in Toronto

In addition to being a wife, mother and a special education teacher in the Toronto school system, Vicky Nolan is also a Bronze medal winner in adaptive rowing and on her way to the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing. Her specialty is the “coxed-four,” which means that there are four oarsmen in the “shell” (or boat), along with a coxswain who steers the craft and encourages the rowers. In her boat, each rower has a different physical disability. And their teamwork is paying off. Of the 14 countries competing in her sport, Vicky and her Canadian teammates represent one of six countries that will go for the Gold next year in China.

This willingness to put it all on the line is indicative of Vicky’s determination to live her life to fullest. And regardless of how many hats she wears or how busy she is, “Uncas” her Fidelco guide dog, is right by her side.

Once a cane traveler, Vicky wanted a guide dog but wasn’t willing to leave her family and job responsibilities to train in a location far away. A vision teacher in her school system told her about Fidelco and our In-community Placement process and after researching the organization, Vicky applied for a guide dog and received Uncas. “We bonded right away,” she said. “I knew from day one that it was going to work out.”

Vicky and Uncas working well from the start was vitally important because shortly after their placement, she and her teammates traveled to Munich for a pre-Paralympic competition. “Uncas was amazing,” says Vicky. “The flight was no problem; they even put me in first class on the way there so that he would have more room.” Vicky also lavishes praise on her guide dog for helping her find her way once they arrived in Germany. “Our hotel was a really old European villa and nothing was where I thought it would be. I really relied on Uncas and told him to find the door, to find the stairs and he did it without hesitation.”

Back in Toronto, Vicky says she realized what a positive affect Uncas was having on her life. “Except for work and training, I wasn’t going out at all, especially after dark,” she said. “Now I have a lot more confidence. I’m getting out more and I’m much happier.”

Vicky is especially pleased with Uncas’ reception in her school. “Everyone has been very supportive,” she said. “The first week I went into all the classes and introduced Uncas to the kids. We talked about the rules and now they know they can’t talk to my dog, so they talk to me instead. When I walk down the halls, I hear hundreds of little voices saying ‘Hi Miss Nolan, Hi Miss Nolan.’ It’s wonderful.”

As Vicky’s training intensifies for the Paralympics, she can put one concern behind her; her freedom and independence is being looked after by her Fidelco guide dog. “He’s made such a huge difference in my life. I rely on him and he keeps me safe. He’s such a friend.”
(Editor’s Note: Uncas was raised by Richard & Peggy Schenk.)