Volunteer Story: The Helming Family

The Helming Family with “Ivan”

Volunteers are critical to Fidelco’s success. We are grateful for the hundreds of volunteers who support nearly every aspect of our work. From administrative and event support to raising and socializing future guide dogs, Fidelco’s mission is dependent, in large part, on the dedication of volunteers.

As Volunteer Puppy Raisers, the Helming family welcomed the first pup they raised, “Ivan,” into their home at 8 weeks old. For more than a year, they attended weekly classes at Fidelco and exposed Ivan to a wide variety of experiences at home and out and about in their community. Puppy Raisers like the Helmings are the first influence in the lives of future Fidelco guide dogs like Ivan, and their patience, love and dedication pay off in a big way for our clients.

At around 14 months, Ivan came back to Fidelco’s Training Center for formal training with a certified Trainer/Instructor. Six months later, he was ready to be placed with Fidelco client and board member, Karen Petrou, as her fifth Fidelco guide dog. Since August 2024, the Helmings have been raising “Xando,” and we recently checked in with them to learn more about their puppy raising experience with Fidelco. While all the Helmings have been involved in the raising of Ivan and Xando, Todd (dad) and Alena (7th grade daughter) have taken the lead.

“Ivan” and the kids

How did you first hear about Fidelco and what inspired you to become a Puppy Raiser?

Todd: I heard about Fidelco as a youth in the late 1980s. We had two German Shepherd Dogs in our household growing up, so I was familiar with the breed and how intelligent they are- they’re amazing family dogs in addition to their working abilities!

Alena: I told my dad I was possibly interested in a career in animal training. He told me about Fidelco, and we talked about the possibility of working with the trainers at Fidelco to raise and train a pup. I was only in 5th grade at the time, but excited by this opportunity to learn from the Fidelco trainers how to work with a puppy!

Todd: Also, our youngest son sent a note to Santa saying all he wanted for Christmas was a dog. It seemed like everything was aligning, and we needed to find a dog! We reached out to Fidelco’s puppy department in mid-December. We then visited a few classes and had a meeting with the trainers before being matched with our first puppy in February.

What are some of the rewards and challenges in raising a Fidelco puppy?

Todd: In our family, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. These puppies do need a lot of attention and and help as they learn to navigate the world, but they give much more than they take! When our children are having a tough day at school or home, they love to spend time with the puppy, which relaxes them and helps them to decompress.

Alena: Each dog is a little bit different in how they communicate with us. Understanding what they are trying to communicate has been a challenge for me. When Xando isn’t working, I love to play with him. That and seeing how far he has come in his training is very rewarding!

How do you balance puppy raising with daily life?

Todd: One of the reasons we decided to work with Fidelco versus having a pet was so this dog could be part of our daily life. We are very busy with sports, scouts, work, school, family, church, and a host of other activities. Fidelco pups are service dogs, so we take him with us to all of our daily activities. The dog comes to work with me and attends school, club, and sports events with the kids. As a high-energy breed, German Shepherd Dogs love a stimulating busy routine!

Alena: When we take Xando out, we practice training and commands. This gives him real-life experiences nearly every day. Xando also gets used to many busy environments. We take him everywhere we go.

“Xando” and “Ivan”

What has been the most memorable moment in your puppy-raising journey so far?

Alena: The most memorable part of my puppy-raising journey has been learning skills from the Fidelco trainers and watching the pups grow up into adult dogs. Our first Fidelco dog was recently placed and is now helping someone safely navigate the world. We are very proud of him, and it is rewarding to know we have helped somebody.

Todd: Within our family, I have watched my daughter grow in skill and confidence. Our family has been positively impacted by raising puppies, and we have found this both rewarding and one of the most memorable parts of this journey!

What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a Puppy Raiser for Fidelco?

Alena: Here is what I would recommend: Visit a Saturday class to meet the dogs and trainers. Talk to people who are raising pups to learn more about it. Once you are raising a pup, always carry towels with you! When your puppy grows up and goes in for training, get another puppy right away so you don’t miss the first one!

Todd: Raising a Fidelco puppy is a lot like raising a child, but the stages go faster. Potty training is a couple weeks instead of a couple months. The teenage phase is a couple weeks instead of a couple years. When they do go off for training, it is a lot like a child leaving for college. You miss them, but you are proud and hope the best for them!