FidelcoNews

Dedicated 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.

Better 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.

AKC 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.

Jamie, 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.

The 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…

Virtual 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…

One 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…

Appreciating the Heroes – Our Kennel Staff

They are there 365 days a year, keeping Fidelco German Shepherd Dogs healthy, happy, and safe—this describes the tireless, hands-on work of the six members of Fidelco’s kennel staff. While their work often goes unseen, these dedicated people ensure that each of the dogs in their care receives the physical and emotional support essential to…

A Shared and Special Bond

“This extremely smart, dedicated German Shepherd Dog guides and protects you, while giving unconditional love that strengthens you in other aspects of your life,” says Fidelco client Connie Hornick. Originally from New York and a retired social worker, she now lives in Ohio with her husband, Steve. Connie lost her vision due to congenital glaucoma.…

Right at home

When Fidelco Volunteer Puppy Raiser Instructor Wendy Davis brought home the D-29 litter of eight 4½-week-old puppies in February, she had no idea of how the world was about to change. As a longtime Fidelco staff member in the Puppy Department and experienced Golden Retriever breeder and show handler, Wendy knows a thing or two…

Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc.