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Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc.
103 Vision Way
Bloomfield, CT 06002
27 Cannon Road
Wilton, CT 06897
Fidelco.org
FidelcoNews
Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Fall 2020
In this issue
A meaningful decision
No slowing down
Full house
Right at home
Off to college
Their success
starts with you. Volunteer Puppy Raiser
Marion with “Griffin”
Help create partnerships
that transform lives.
Please donate
today at Fidelco.org
If there is one word which defines the
FidelcoNews past months at Fidelco, it is continuity. A meaningful decision
Fall 2020 He is a jurist on the second most powerful court
The life cycle is uninterrupted with puppies arriving,
in the country, a lifelong advocate for civil rights
young dogs in training, and fully trained guides
and educational equality, and the proud one-year
ready to be placed as travel becomes safer. By the
In this issue time this newsletter arrives, we will have placed
partner of Fidelco guide dog “Vixen.”
four new dogs with their partners. The entire The Honorable David S. Tatel sits on the United
1. A meaningful decision
organization is delighted at this evidence that our States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia
3. No slowing down mission continues, and we can help to provide Circuit. He was appointed to the Court in 1994 by
safety, independence, and mobility for people who President Clinton, filling the seat previously held
4. Full house are blind. by Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
6. Right at home He is the first person who is blind to assume this
Along with many nonprofit organizations, we
position. A Maryland native, David began to lose
have seen a significant drop in contributions. This
7. Off to college his sight from retinitis pigmentosa after graduating
is completely understandable, and we share
from law school in 1966.
9. Upcoming events the worldwide concern that the pandemic and
associated crises have caused. While David originally intended to become a
scientist, his career path changed to one of public
Despite difficult conditions, we are as determined as
service after spending two summers working in the
ever to fulfill our life-changing mission. Whether it’s
Kennedy Administration while an undergraduate.
relocating operations to another part of our facility
David says his advocacy for civil rights and
when the pup house was damaged during a recent
educational equality resulted from two formative
hurricane, caring for an entire litter of puppies at
experiences: his appointment, early in his law career,
home to continue the training cycle, or relocating
as an investigator on the Chicago mayor’s Riot Study
to home offices to ensure appropriate social in a D.C. law firm, David founded and directed
Committee probing the causes of the riots following
distancing—we are up for the challenge! the firm’s education law practice which provided
the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King and a
Continuity. legal counsel to colleges, universities, education
keen interest in his wife Edie’s work as a teacher in
associations, and school districts across the
We need your help. Please consider contributing to Chicago’s South Side public schools.
country with a focus on representing urban school
Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc. Fidelco, whether in volunteer activities or financial After law school, David joined a prominent Chicago districts creating school desegregation plans.
support. On our website, you’ll find new podcasts law firm where he also provided pro bono support
103 Vision Way from our clients who speak of the change in their While he considered getting a guide dog for many
to the Chicago Urban League. In 1968, he was
Bloomfield, CT 06002 lives with Fidelco guide dogs by their sides— years, David was successful with white cane travel
assigned to the Riot Study Committee, and the
860.243.5200 safety, independence, mobility, and the love of our and under the impression he would have to travel
following year, he became founding Director of
magnificent German Shepherd guide dogs. to a residential facility for training—something he
27 Cannon Rd. the Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights
couldn’t do due to his work schedule. It wasn’t
Wilton, CT 06897 Stay safe and well! Under Law which facilitated pro bono partnerships
until a couple of years ago that one of his young
203.529.8201 between prominent law firms and community
The Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Staff grandsons shared a podcast about a guide dog
groups to pursue civil rights work.
training program that would consider training
Continuing the mission Returning to the East Coast in the early 1970s, clients in their home communities. David and Edie
David directed the National Committee for Civil conferred about this prospect and decided to
Fidelco.org during COVID-19. Rights Under Law in Washington, D.C., and in 1977, pursue it. They met with friends who answered
Since March 17, 2020, staff has been working remotely. he became the Carter Administration’s Director of their questions about Fidelco Guide Dogs, spoke
Every precaution is being taken to ensure that dogs-in-
the Office of Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of with other Fidelco clients, and ultimately chose to
training and newborn puppies thrive. We are profoundly
©2020 Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc. grateful to you and to all of our Fidelco family. Your
Health, Education, and Welfare. As a senior partner apply to Fidelco. (Continued on next page)
support means we can rise to this challenge.
FidelcoNews Fall 2020 Fidelco.org/donate 1
A meaningful decision (continued) No slowing down
While he has enjoyed a rich and enthusiastically says, “It’s a liberating “I don’t know what I’d do without
fulfilling life (including running experience.” David and Edie marvel him—it’s a perfect match.”
marathons and skiing), David at Vixen’s skills as a guide dog, ably That’s how Melissa (“Missy”), a
and Edie credit Vixen with giving guiding him through Washington Pennsylvania resident, describes
David back the independence he Metro stations and traffic and her relationship with “Bordley,”
had gradually lost. Edie states, familiarizing herself with frequently the successor Fidelco guide dog
“Vixen has changed our lives in so visited office buildings. They also she received in early March 2020.
many wonderful ways. We both note that once out of harness, Vixen Missy’s beloved first guide dog,
have so much new independence is a wonderful pet. “Grady,” had passed away suddenly
and deep joy because of her. just a few weeks earlier, and she
Due to the coronavirus pandemic,
What she’s given David is missed him desperately. But Missy
David and Edie are living in rural
amazing. Off they go to the made the leap, and Bordley is now
Virginia where Vixen is enjoying
courthouse or on walks together, a well-established member of the
country life—going for long walks,
sometimes just to the mailbox or family, loved by her husband and
running more freely, barking at
around the block, but often for two daughters, ages three and 10.
groundhogs, and her favorite
many miles and many hours. He
pastime, chasing sticks. But the Tatels know that Missy began experiencing vision
hasn’t had this kind of autonomy for 45 years.” David
whenever Vixen is back in-harness, she will be the loss as a freshman in high school
relishes his new-found opportunity to spend time
hard-working Fidelco guide dog they rely upon. and was diagnosed with retinitis
on his own with Vixen as his walking companion. He
pigmentosa, losing all vision in 2006. Though she
programs
knew she wanted a German Shepherd guide dog
and teaches
when her vision began to deteriorate, Missy’s
part-time.
journey toward partnering with her first Fidelco
guide dog in 2009 was undertaken with great care. Missy says,
She was determined to first perfect her orientation “I’m so grateful
and mobility skills and research the many guide to Fidelco for
dog programs that were available. Her decision partnering
to select Fidelco Guide Dogs became clear when me with my
Suburban Subaru an acquaintance was placed with a Fidelco guide amazing
dog, and she saw, first-hand, the difference the guide dogs.
While so much has changed this year, one thing that has not is
dog made in her life. My guide
Suburban Subaru’s support of our mission.
dogs have
Missy is a Duquesne University graduate and
For the eighth year in a row, Fidelco was the lives of people who are blind,” says Peter helped me to
works at a nearby community college where
selected as Suburban Subaru’s hometown Krause, Suburban Subaru President. travel more
she “wears many hats.” She began her career in
charity and received a gift of nearly $80,000. quickly and confidently, and I truly appreciate the
From November 2020–January 2021 (please 2008 as a tutor and is now a Pathways Advisor for
“While there are many great charities, the companionship they provide.”
visit https://www.subaru.com/share-the- students, some of whom are former members of
tireless dedication and work of Fidelco Guide
love.html for exact dates when they become the military, helping them to adjust to college life
Dog Foundation sets it apart. Their special breed
available), please designate Fidelco Guide Dogs and pursue their academic and professional goals.
of German Shepherd guide dogs provides
to receive a $250 donation from Subaru of Missy chose to work with these students because
immediate independence, positively changing
America, Inc. her husband, Jay, is active in the Army Reserves.
In addition to her work as an advisor, Missy also
coordinates one of the college’s academic support
2 FidelcoNews Fall 2020 Fidelco.org/donate 3
Full house
Like so many organizations in the
United States and around the world, was immediately struck by the Fidelco Trainers like Nate are
Fidelco quickly transitioned to remote intelligence of the German dedicated to creating pathways
operations in mid-March as the Shepherds in his care. Nate for success for dogs at every
COVID-19 crisis mounted. Within 48 began wondering about the age and stage to reach their full
hours, every one of the 50 dogs in the clients who would one day potential to become the best
kennel was welcomed into the home receive these dogs as their possible partners for our clients.
of a staff member, Puppy Raiser, or partners. He was motivated to Even in this time of uncertainty,
puppy sitter. apply for an apprentice position Fidelco staff is rising to the
within the training department. occasion in countless ways. We
Fidelco Trainer/Instructor Nate
Like all apprentices, Nate’s are confident we will be able to
Lavigueur is one of these staff
apprenticeship involved studying meet the needs of current and
members. Guide dog-in-training,
under multiple trainers for three future clients because of this
“Indra,” puppy-in-training, “X-Val,” pet
years and culminated in an spirit of making an “impossible”
dog, “Boo,” and Nate’s baby daughter,
intensive double placement, mission possible.
Sylvia, became an inseparable crew
followed by written and oral
in the Lavigueur home. “Controlled
panel examinations.
chaos” could be used to describe the
situation, but the benefit to each in
Nate’s charge was undeniable. “When
you have three dogs and a baby
underfoot, everything has to be done
as a group, with everyone on the same
schedule. They ate together, walked
the neighborhood together, explored
Fidelco Podcast
and learned together. There are many
parallels between raising an 8-month-
old baby and a puppy, in particular.”
For guide dogs-in-training, the benefit of reduced of age. She had the advantage of observing Indra’s
kennel stress coupled with constant interaction influence as a dog in the formal stage of guide dog
from the trainer created a successful, well-rounded training to learn important behaviors. Nate’s young
guide dog. Indra was placed with a client in daughter, Sylvia, became great buddies with her
Albany in late August. “Obedience became a really three canine friends and is definitely not afraid of
important—perhaps the most important—skill to big dogs. In partnership with iHeart Radio, Fidelco has launched a
refine in this home environment with so much going new monthly podcast series featuring the stories of our
Long before Nate took on this challenge, he
on, says Nate. “On rainy days when it was hard to
attended Fidelco’s annual Open House in May remarkable clients. Listeners can learn more than ever
go outdoors, I found the dog version of ‘planking’
became a wonderful way to take the edge off. X-Val
2015. Nate grew up around the corner from the about their uniquely powerful human-canine bond, a day
Bloomfield campus, so he was familiar with the in their lives, and who they are as people.
loved perching on an empty bucket or pedestal. All Scan to listen.
organization. After earning a business degree from
the trainers had to get pretty creative and it worked.”
the University of Central Florida, Nate returned https://fidelco.org/podcast/
X-Val is just emerging from “pup adolescence” to Connecticut and learned of an open kennel
which takes place from approximately 6–8 months staff position. He was hired for that position and
4 FidelcoNews Fall 2020 Fidelco.org/donate 5
Right at home
When Fidelco Volunteer Puppy stone stairs, chasing Wendy’s
Raiser Instructor Wendy Davis Golden Retrievers, and watching
brought home the D-29 litter her husband move his boat.
of eight 4½-week-old puppies
The D-29 litter is the result of The Shepherd Club—Monthly Giving
in February, she had no idea
a first-ever collaboration with By joining The Shepherd Club, Fidelco’s • Celebrate our 60th anniversary (and beyond)
of how the world was about to
Guiding Eyes for the Blind in New monthly giving program, you’ll make a world of for $60 per month.
change. As a longtime Fidelco
York. This is a significant step in difference to our clients and dogs. You’ll also
staff member in the Puppy • Become a "Leader of the Pack" for $100
continuing to improve the German receive access to special content, including
per month.
Department and experienced our “puppy cam,” quarterly updates, and
Shepherd Dog breed. Fidelco
Golden Retriever breeder and recognition in future issues of this newsletter! • Or donate at a level that works for your
has always worked to increase budget—every donation goes a long way.
show handler, Wendy knows a Monthly giving through The Shepherd Club
the work ethic, intelligence,
thing or two about puppies. provides reliable and sustaining support that Sign up online at
and stamina of its dogs and is
enables Fidelco to breed, raise, train, and place http://events.fidelco.org/shepherd-club
Before the disruption of known for a high success rate for easy automatic credit card payments on
German Shepherd guide dogs for years to
COVID-19, Wendy had offered in placements and longevity of our secure server!
come with people who are blind.
to take litters of puppies to her service. Genetic diversity is key
• Make a difference in 2020 (and beyond) for
home to give the Pup House in contributing to enhance the
$20.20 per month.
staff a much-needed break. “I’m breed. We will learn how sharing
completely set up to take on a bloodlines from other guide dog To learn more, contact Mark McGrath, Philanthropic Relationship Director
litter of puppies. I have all the schools enhances and improves e: mmcgrath@fidelco.org | t: 959.282.2181
equipment and the dogs benefit the health and performance
greatly from the presence of my of Fidelco’s breed colony and
pet Golden Retrievers as they contributes our knowledge to
grow. I live in the woods and the other schools who breed German Off to college
sights and sounds they love to Shepherd dogs.
investigate help with their early
In the summer before Marion Yingling’s senior
Of the eight puppies in the D-29
training,” says Wendy. Wendy year of high school, a flyer from Fidelco Guide
litter, seven have entered the
brought home some toys from
guide dog training program. They Dog Foundation arrived in her family’s mailbox.
the Pup House to get the puppies Wendy with the D-litter’s mom, “Yahtzee.” After learning more about Fidelco’s mission and
are now six months old and have
acclimated to their new home,
and within just a few days—to Wendy’s delight—
had their third evaluation walk. observing Puppy Raiser classes at the Wilton
Half the pups are being raised by repeat volunteer
they learned to use the bathroom area. As the campus, Marion knew she wanted to become
Puppy Raisers and the other half are being raised
weather improved, so did outdoor activities. Some
by new Puppy Raisers. We are excited to continue a Volunteer Puppy Raiser.
of the pups’ favorite activities were running in the
following their journeys as they prepare to become
grass and along the dirt driveway, learning to climb Marion and her family soon welcomed Fidelco puppy, “Tink,” into their
trusted guide dogs for people who are blind.
home. Marion took on the responsibility of raising Tink and teaching her
good manners. After Tink returned to Fidelco’s Bloomfield campus for
formal guide training, it was decided that the best role for Tink would
be as a career-change dog, and she was reunited with the Yinglings as
a pet. Now three years old, Tink accompanies Marion and her parents
out in the community, serving as a Fidelco ambassador and raising
awareness of the mission. (Continued on next page) Marion and "Griffin"
6 FidelcoNews Fall 2020 Fidelco.org/donate 7
Off to college (continued)
After high school, Marion’s
interest in the training and
Exciting things ahead
behavior of horses and dogs led
her to enroll at the University of
Fidelco Guide Dogs feature events
Kentucky (UK). Marion is in her
junior year in the Equine Science
and Management program.
She is also a member of the
Announcing a first-ever
Equestrian Team.
Fidelco event
In March of 2020, UK closed its We’re excited to invite you to
campus due to the COVID-19
pandemic and transitioned to Vision for the Holidays:
online classes. When Marion A Virtual Fine Goods Auction
returned to Connecticut, she
campus. Local veterinarians At college, Marion is exposing
heard that Fidelco was looking
and vet hospital contacts were Griffin to a variety of sights, Just in time for the holidays, from
for Volunteer Puppy Raisers, and
secured for Griffin’s care and sounds, and experiences that
she was eager to help. In June, November 25 th –30 th ,
vaccinations. After all preparations provide real-world opportunities
Marion brought Fidelco pup,
were made to ensure Fidelco’s for his training and socialization. you’ll have the opportunity to bid on
“Griffin,” into the Yingling home.
and the university’s health, safety, There are busy crosswalks, unique, high-end items with all proceeds
In July, Marion and housing parking lots, elevators,
and Griffin began going directly to our mission, which
requirements automatic doors, stairs, dogs,
attending the “Initially, I came were met, horses, bikes, and frisbees. transforms the lives of Fidelco clients.
weekly virtual to Fidelco for the permission was Marion shares that Griffin has
puppy classes
puppies. I quickly granted for Griffin easily adapted, from the 2-day
taught by Fidelco
Puppy Raiser experienced how to live with Marion car trip to Kentucky with a hotel To learn more, visit
on campus. https://fidelco.org/vision-for-the-holidays-2020/
super smart and stay in between, to moving
instructor Gianna
The fall semester in to campus housing with
Panullo. As the hardworking is currently Marion’s three roommates and
summer days
Fidelco German underway, and a service dog being raised
were passing and
Griffin was thriving Shepherd guide Marion and Griffin by one roommate, to nearby
dogs are.” are settled in construction, alarms, and people
under Marion’s
their university and vehicles coming and going.
care—and with
home. Griffin
Marion scheduled to return to Marion proudly says Griffin is
has already made a name for Fidelco Guide Dogs is excited to present several
college in August—Gianna began
working diligently to research the
himself on campus. Marion says,
“unfazed and calm.” Thanks to
Marion’s dedication to her pup’s
Find more unique events that members of our Fidelco family
possibility of Marion raising and
“Griffin likes to meet everyone,
and everyone loves him.” Marion
care and training, Griffin is already upcoming events are sure to love. These will be in addition to our first-
training Griffin in Kentucky. demonstrating the essential traits ever Vision for the Holidays: A Virtual Fine Goods
and Griffin attend virtual training Auction, held November 25th–30th.
and temperament to become a
Gianna contacted the university classes every week, and Fidelco
trusted guide dog partner for a
to inquire about a student continues to monitor Griffin’s
person who is blind.
fostering a Fidelco pup on progress in Kentucky. Make sure to visit https://Fidelco.org/fidelco-upcoming-events regularly for details.
8 FidelcoNews Fall 2020
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