FidelcoNews
“At Harvey & Lewis Opticians, we understand the profound impact that vision has on independence and qualify of life. Fidelco’s mission to provide life-changing guide dogs to individuals who are visually impaired is something we deeply believe in. We are proud to support an organization that helps empower people by…
MoreConnecticut native Todd Higgins has been part of the Fidelco family for over 40 years- he partnered with his first Fidelco guide dog, “Promise,” in 1984. Todd is now working with his fifth Fidelco guide dog, “Fergus,” and says it’s his love of German Shepherd Dogs and our In-Community Placement…
MoreVolunteers 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,…
More“I’m a lot more confident when I approach the world with a guide dog,” says artist and Fidelco client Amy Ranzenberger. “With my guide dog I feel safer and more secure.” As a teenager and young adult, Amy recalls, “I was pretty much in denial about my visual impairment and…
MoreFidelco 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…
MoreIt’s been about twenty years since volunteer Kim Salvas raised her first puppy, “Kaleb,” for Fidelco. In the time since, Kim has raised five more Fidelco dogs. The sixth dog she raised, “Hagrid,” just returned to Fidelco for formal training in March 2024. “When I researched volunteer opportunities many years…
MoreQ: What is your role at Fidelco and when did you first become involved with the organization? A: As the Manager of Puppy Development, I lead a team responsible for puppies from birth until they return to Fidelco for formal training after living with their Volunteer Puppy Raiser families. I…
MoreBlind since infancy, Fidelco client Gerry Leary, a Boulder, CO resident, says he’ll try everything and always had trouble with words “no” and “can’t.” Gerry’s determination, confidence, and entrepreneurial spirit have helped him throughout his life. Gerry was matched with his first Fidelco guide dog, “Devyn,” in 2018. A friend…
MoreFidelco client Miguel Zapata lives in the center of Chicago with all of the commotion of a busy metropolitan area. Since he travels daily, Miguel requires a calm and confident guide dog partner. Knowing this, Fidelco trainers matched him with “Iron,” who has adapted smoothly to Chicago life, remaining focused…
MoreLisa Butler has been part of the earliest beginnings for many Fidelco puppies and dogs. From caring for breed dog mom, “Cyprus,” to rolling up her sleeves to help in the Pup House, and in her first volunteer roles as a Puppy Raiser for “Sable,” Lisa has kept pups and…
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