Client Story: John Lowery and “Jasper”
Fidelco client John Lowery is a decorated military veteran who served in three branches of the U.S. military and was deployed overseas numerous times during the first Gulf War and in other operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, and Europe. He served ten years as a Staff Sergeant in the Marine Corps, three and a half years as a Specialist in the Army, and ten years as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force.
John first experienced vision loss when he started finding it difficult to see at night. He recalls there were years at a time when the progression seemed to stop, until his vision deteriorated rapidly. John was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa and was medically retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2012.
He recalls this period in his life as a very challenging one. “It was all at once. It wasn’t gradual. I could no longer do things I had always done. I went from being active in the military, and had spent my life fishing, rock climbing, and riding motorcycles off-road. Within a year, things had happened so quickly. It’s hard to get your head around when it’s not your choice. It made it easier at the time to surrender my autonomy and independence to my wife.”
When John’s wife passed away unexpectedly in 2021 in the middle of the pandemic, he made the decision to move to a less remote area of Maine to be closer to family, including his two sons, stepdaughter, and stepson.
John was soon contacted by Michelle Mason of the Maine Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA Visual Impairment Service provides a comprehensive program for veterans who are visually impaired. “Michelle came out once a week, taught me organization skills, how to use adaptive technology, and orientation and mobility, including how to use a cane. Michelle’s willingness to come to my home and help me during this time of uncertainty and restrictions was amazing.”
As John developed adaptive skills and progressed through orientation and mobility training, Michelle told him about guide dog organizations and how guide dogs help people who are blind experience increased mobility and independence. “Fidelco stood out for me because of its connections with the veteran community, and because Fidelco trains and places German Shepherd Dogs,” John shares. “I previously had German Shepherd Dogs as pets and had worked in the military with them as working dogs, so Fidelco was a natural fit.”
“Fidelco stood out for me because of its connections with the veteran community, and because Fidelco trains and places German Shepherd Dogs”
John remembers the rigorous application process to receive a Fidelco guide dog. He says, “Now I understand why. You’re getting a highly trained animal and an unparalleled support system. I had to be able to demonstrate I have the tools, mobility, and willingness to be a responsible guide dog user.”
“Fidelco tailored the placement and training experience for me, coming to my home and training in my community.” Fidelco Trainer and Placement Specialist Becky Cook was “the perfect fit… Becky understood everything I had gone through, and she was firm with me at the right times during training. The hardest thing for me was to relinquish control and totally put my trust in Jasper. Becky understood my military mindset and that someone like me, having a little bit of sight, my first instinct was to second-guess the dog. Becky taught me how to trust Jasper.”
“When I got Jasper, my muscle memory had to come back. When you’re losing your vision, even walking with a cane, your stride changes. I had started to shuffle, because I didn’t want to trip or fall into a pothole. I was embarrassed to ask for help.”
As placement training progressed, John says he noticed changes. “I was lengthening my stride and walking more quickly with Jasper. Becky helped me get back out there comfortably doing things by myself. I am now able to handle a 95-pound German Shepherd guide dog who loves to work, and I’m physically able to keep up with him.”
It’s been almost two years since John was matched with Jasper, and he’s out in the world again. For the past two years, John has participated in a Brazilian jiu-jitsu program. He and Jasper share their home with a pet corgi and a cat. “There’s a lot of land, which is great for Jasper to run around and get a lot of exercise. We do basic obedience every day to keep him sharp,” says John. In addition to bus and train trips, John’s future travel plans include a trip to visit family in Scotland.
John is a dedicated advocate for blinded veterans, sharing messaging so more veterans are aware of the guide dog benefits available to them. “I am advocating for there to be fewer restrictions so more veterans qualify for guide dogs.” He says many veterans have financial constraints, and the VA provides a veterinary health benefit and other benefits in support of service dogs.
John is also eager to share about his partnership with Jasper and the benefits of guide dogs, including with schools and youth groups. He is a proponent of expanding public awareness so people understand that when the harness is on, a guide dog is working and should not be distracted.
“When I’m out with Jasper, people notice me. People will stop and look, because Jasper’s so beautiful and intelligent, they can tell he’s working. In crowds, Jasper uses his head like an oar, gently moving people out of the way so we can get through. Even with PTS, I’m getting more comfortable with people noticing me, thanks to Jasper.”
“I know what it took to bring Jasper to me, and how much goes into training a guide dog at his level. I can’t thank Fidelco enough, including Becky and Jasper’s Puppy Raisers,” says John. “There’s responsibility that comes with having a guide dog. I know I have this amazing animal. I love and trust him.”
More Fidelco News
- Vision: A Memoir of Blindness and Justice
- Donor Spotlight: Suburban Suburu
- Volunteer Story: Chris Norwood
