Posts by Melanie
November 11th – Veterans Day
Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation offers sincere thanks to our veterans for your service to our country. On November 11, 1918, Armistice Day, the end of WWI was declared, and President Woodrow Wilson declared Veterans’ Day on November 11, 1919. Learn more about Veterans’ Day historic background. We are honored to raise and train our Fidelco…
Read MoreOctober 15th – White Cane Day
The white long cane is used by people who are blind or visually impaired to help detect obstacles, tripping hazards and other environmental details. Using a white cane helps them confidently navigate to work, around town, and anywhere they travel. If you see a person with a white cane, remember that you can see them,…
Read MoreDedicated to Service and Community
Volunteer Puppy Raisers generously give their time, patience, and care to provide young pups with the socialization and essential skills that prepare them for the next phase of their guide dog journey. Puppy Raiser families open their homes and hearts to raise a puppy that will one day be a trusted guide dog partner for a person who is blind.
Read MoreBetter Support through Veteran Outreach
Since its establishment as a guide dog breeding and training organization, Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation has been placing extraordinary guide dogs with veterans. These life-changing guide dog partnerships have provided greater independence, self-confidence and mobility. Clients include those sustaining vision loss from their service and veterans experiencing vision loss from other conditions.
Read MoreAKC Museum of the Dog Collaboration
Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation and the AKC Museum of the Dog have teamed up to showcase the German Shepherd Dog and how this special breed changes the lives of people who are blind.
Read MoreJamie, Haddie & Family
“Just because I’m blind doesn’t mean I can’t do everything I want to do.” Fidelco client Jamie Larson lives by these words every day.
Read MoreFidelco Puppy Olympics
In September, we held the first-ever Fidelco Puppy Olympics at our headquarters in Bloomfield with our volunteer puppy raisers and the pups they are lovingly raising. The event included: Simon Says Egg Races Musical Chairs Bobbing for Apples Bowling It was a wonderful opportunity for our pups-in-training to interact with each other and work on…
Read MoreThe Gift of a Great Start
Volunteer Puppy Raisers play a vital role in the development of Fidelco German Shepherds as they grow into becoming guide dogs. From eight weeks until about 14–16 months old, puppies live with families who provide a loving home, training, and socialization to prepare them for future guide dog work. After ten years as a Volunteer…
Read MoreVirtual Dog Days of Summer Sparks Passion in Young Entrepreneur
Fifth-grade student Grace Miller combined her innovative and creative ideas, her compassionate and giving spirit, and her love of dogs to create Ziller Dog Supplies. Grace and two friends started the business in late 2020 and have already made and sold several dog blankets and dozens of dog toys, in a variety of sizes, ranging…
Read MoreOne Man’s Journey to Independence
Robert Heidenberg, president and CEO of Heidenberg Properties Group and member of Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation’s Board of Directors, is partner to “Zoe,” his first Fidelco guide dog. Retinitis pigmentosa, a hereditary retinal disease, gradually caused his vision to diminish over time. Founded in 2013, his company develops, owns, and manages shopping centers, malls, and…
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