Guide Dogs and the Positive Impact on a Sight Impaired Person (Virtual Program)

THIS IS A VIRTUAL-ONLY EVENT.  REGISTER BELOW BY LEAVING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO RECEIVE LOGIN AND CALL-IN INSTRUCTIONS (SENT 1-2 DAYS BEFORE THE PROGRAM). 

Co-sponsored with the West Hartford Senior Center and the West Hartford Library.

This program is part of the pets' series, CATS VS. DOGS: TAILS OF WEST HARTFORD. http://bit.ly/catsvsdogs2020 

The speaker for this program is William DeMaio, a Newington resident who gives a firsthand presentation about his personal need for a guide dog presented to him by the organization Fidelco. Bill, as he likes to be called, was diagnosed about 10 years ago with macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. Having a guide dog changed his life, giving him freedom and independence. Bill received his first puppy, Izaac, from Fidelco. Izaac was trained by his daughter, who once worked for the Fidelco organization, however, Izaac is now retired. Bill now has a younger Shepherd named Lyric, who will be accompanying him to the talk.

Bill will explain how someone can become a puppy raiser for Fidelco; the process from an 8-week-old puppy to a 14-month-old dog. He will tell us how they continue to raise a puppy after the raisers are done and many stories about how smart these German Shepherds really are.

This is a feel-good story and an opportunity to hear what a difference a guide dog can make in a blind person’s life. There will be an opportunity for questions and answers following the presentation.