Client Stories

  • A Day in the Life of Fidelco Clients

    May 19, 2023 Comments Off on A Day in the Life of Fidelco Clients
    February 1 @ 2:05 pm

    Yehia D. and “Vader” Vader joins Yehia on three-mile walks around the lake in his community and downtown for shopping and errands. While Yehia is working with tools in his garage, Vader is there by his side. Vader is an established member of their active household with Yehia and his…

  • A Bond of Trust: Quinn Howard

    May 9, 2023 Comments Off on A Bond of Trust: Quinn Howard
    February 1 @ 2:05 pm

    One year after receiving his guide dog, “Yuri,” Quinn Howard’s life has changed in many ways. “Having Yuri has been my life. I’m a social person. Being part of my community is important. When Yuri and I are out together, people include me in the conversation,” Quinn says. Quinn became…

  • March 28th – Blinded Veterans Day

    Mar 28, 2023 Comments Off on March 28th – Blinded Veterans Day
    February 1 @ 2:05 pm

    Blinded Veterans Day was established by Congress in 2010 to honor the efforts of the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) to promote the establishment and improvement of rehabilitation services and benefits for America’s blinded veterans. Please join all of us at Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation as we recognize and support the BVA’s…

  • Pupdate: Denise!

    Oct 20, 2022 Comments Off on Pupdate: Denise!
    February 1 @ 2:05 pm

    Fidelco puppy “Denise”—named in honor of beloved WFSB anchor Denise D’Ascenzo who passed away in 2019—is now Fidelco guide dog Denise! Denise was placed with client Alan Gunzburg, a Fairfield County, CT resident, in April 2022. She joins Alan’s family which includes his wife, Jennifer, two daughters, and recently retired…

  • Client Stories: Snapshots

    May 3, 2022 Comments Off on Client Stories: Snapshots
    February 1 @ 2:05 pm

    Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation celebrates the diversity of our clients from across North America. Despite varied life experiences, careers, and interests, all lead active and fulfilling lives with their guide dog partners. Meet Esther, Paul, and Laura. Esther Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, Esther Berman, who is totally blind, emigrated to…

  • Teamwork: Marién Hornyak and “Keela”

    Mar 18, 2022 Comments Off on Teamwork: Marién Hornyak and “Keela”
    February 1 @ 2:05 pm

    Marién Hornyak warmly greets customers at her business, The Kitchenette. The Kitchenette is a vibrant shop located among the galleries, restaurants, and stores of downtown Frederick, Maryland. The cheerful storefront has a sign above the door in the shape of a cutting board, and inside, it offers a wide selection…

  • Jamie, Haddie & Family

    Oct 12, 2021 Comments Off on Jamie, Haddie & Family
    February 1 @ 2:05 pm

    “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.

  • One Man’s Journey to Independence

    May 6, 2021 Comments Off on One Man’s Journey to Independence
    February 1 @ 2:05 pm

    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…

  • A Shared and Special Bond

    May 6, 2021 Comments Off on A Shared and Special Bond
    February 1 @ 2:05 pm

    “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…

  • Not slowing down

    Nov 5, 2020 Comments Off on Not slowing down
    February 1 @ 2:05 pm

    “I don’t know what I’d do without him—it’s a perfect match.” That’s how Melissa (“Missy”), a Pennsylvania resident, describes her relationship with “Bordley,” the successor Fidelco guide dog she received in early March 2020. Missy’s beloved first guide dog, “Grady,” had passed away suddenly just a few weeks earlier, and…