Fidos Speaks, Vol. 9 Issue 2, Spring 2013

http://www.fidosforfreedom.org/

Spring 2013 Volume 9—Issue 2

Fidos Speaks

www.fidosforfreedom.org Fidos Speaks Providing Independence 1987—2013

Our mission is to enhance

the quality of life for peo-

ple in the Washington-

Baltimore Metropolitan

community by providing

specially trained hearing

dogs, service dogs, and

therapy dogs. Fidos also

educates the public about

individuals with disabili-

ties and about the benefits

of assistance dogs and

therapy dogs and the work

that these specially trained

dogs do for individuals

with disabilities, children

with reading difficulties,

and patients in health care

facilities.

Inside This Issue:

Mark & Monty 1

Sounding Board 2

Recertification Day 4

Wish List 2013 5

Animal Acupuncture Prog. 5

Order of the Eastern Star 6

BWI outing 9

Vacation Home Providers 9

A n i n f o r ma t i o n e x c h a n g e s e r v i n g c l i e n ts , s u p p o r te r s a n d vo l u n te e r s o f

F i d o s Fo r Fr e e d o m, I n c .

Photo by Ann Dunn

Mark Connor and Monty

Interview by Pam Loeb

Tell us a little about yourself?

As you know, I live, eat and breathe

Redskins. In the off season, I am also

a huge Orioles fan followed by the

Capitals and Wizards. My father was

born in Pittsburgh so I am also a huge

Steelers fan, second to the Red-

skins. Because I played sports all my

life, I also like to take care of myself

doing weight training. I am trying to

figure out a work out routine now so

that I can continue to maintain my

upper body strength. I am currently

looking for employment with the help

of Montgomery County and hopefully

we will be able to find something

soon. I also have a big love for ani-

mals and that has made it especially

wonderful to be a part of the Fido’s

family.

What kind of work are you seek-

ing?

I am working with the Department of

Disability and Aging to work with

their programs to see what supported

employment opportunities are availa-

ble. I would love to work in some ca-

pacity with animals but I am not sure

how that would work with having a

service dog. I would also love to work

in a college environment where I

would be able to interact with a lot of

people around my own age group,

either that or doing something for one

of the high schools. I would also love

an opportunity to be on the coaching

staff or work for either a college or

high school sports team (first prefer-

ence would be football).

How did you find Fidos?

My mom worked with a lady who

loved Fidos For Freedom, Inc., and

was financially supporting one of the

service dogs in training. She talked

about the organization to my mom

who went to look it up on the web-

site. We then started the application

process and luckily were accepted in

the program.

What would you like to share about

the journey of being matched with

Monty? (continued on page 3)

http://www.fidosforfreedom.org/

http://www.fidosforfreedom.org

2

Sounding Board By Tracy Bowman

www.fidosforfreedom.org Fidos Speaks

Fidos Speaks Volume 9—Issue 2

For more information contact:

Fidos For Freedom, Inc. 1200 Sandy Spring Road Laurel, MD 20707 Laurel, Maryland 20726 Phone: (301) 490-4005 Web site: www.fidosforfreedom.org Email: [email protected] Office manager: Kay Somers Bookkeeper: Anne Weldon Maintenance: Bryan Sirotkin Director of Training: Pat Jarvis Director of Client Services: Sandy Ball Director of Community Education: Sharon Tucker Therapy Dog Program Director: Katherine Jeschke Webmaster: Kelly Fleshman

Board Members Click on name in blue hyperlink to email: Tracy Bowman, President Judy Cannon Jane Harford Terry Portis Sherri Sirotkin Eileen Thacker

Newsletter Denise Portis, Editor Ann Dunn, writer Nicki Eger, writer Victoria Harden, writer Joanne Hyder, writer Katherine Jeschke, writer Pam Loeb, writer Chris Powell, writer & photos Andy Weisburger, photography Bryan Sirotkin, photography Julie Wu, photography WRITERS WANTED! Please con-tact Denise Portis for more infor-mation! Copyright 2012 Fidos For Freedom, Inc. Material in this publication may not be reprinted or reused in any way without express permission from the Board of Directors.

Inspiration –

When I first

showed up at

Fidos in

2001, I never

dreamt I

would be a

trainer here,

or Board

President for

that matter.

My daughter,

Sam, wanted

to be a Junior

Volunteer, and I was simply her chauf-

feur—period. But like many before

me, the mission and people drew me

in. In 1991, a woman found her way to

Fidos, simply to train with her dog

Thor, and do therapy, nothing more!!

But one thing led to another, and that

woman, Pat Jarvis, has been our Direc-

tor of Training since 1999. I do not

think any of us know the depth and

breadth of the commitment Pat has

made to this organization. But we owe

Pat an enormous debt of gratitude for

the many, many hours she spends be-

hind the scenes (and front and center

on the training floor!) to ensure our

puppies and dogs are well cared for,

trained, and able to serve people with

disabilities or hearing loss, and sup-

porting clients as they achieve their

goal to become a well-trained assis-

tance client/assistance dog team.

Thank you, Pat, for your professional-

ism, commitment, and heart for our

mission.

Welcome

Aboard! –

Please wel-

come our

newest Board

member, Ron

McDade.

Ron used the

power of

Google to

find Fidos

because of

his dream to

get involved

in an organization like ours. Ron is

an executive with MedStar Health,

and has jumped into our most im-

portant focus area– strategic planning

and resourcing. One of Ron’s first

actions was to arrange for a briefing

by Vince Connelly, a member of the

Maryland Chapter of the Association

of Fundraising Professionals (AFP),

so the Board could learn more about

fundraising strategies. We thank Mr.

Connelly for his expertise and in-

sight, and to Ron for the leadership

he has already demonstrated. Ron and

his wife Carol also joined Fidos cli-

ents and training staff for our annual

BWI public access outing courtesy of

our friends at Southwest Airlines.

Welcome Ron and Carol to the Fidos

family!

Friends of Fidos – please read this

issue’s article about Ms. Bette Bowen

and Mr. William Gunn (see accompa-

nying article on page 6); they have

chosen Fidos as special project of the (continued on page 4)

Photo by Julie Wu



mailto:[email protected]



mailto:%[email protected]

mailto:%[email protected]





3


We need to divide the duties of “Editor”!

Fidos Speaks needs both a Copy Editor and Layout/

Design Editor. Copy Editor: Primarily concerned with grammar, punctua-

tion, and spelling. They also check facts if needed, and make sure photos have the appropriate credits and photo releases.

This volunteer will work with the Layout/Design Editor in

assigning and planning stories and highlights.

Layout/Design Editor: Proficient in Microsoft Publisher

(because it is so universally used and can be utilized by an-

other volunteer in an emergency), with an eye for detail in

both layout and design. This volunteer will need to be able to

also convert the PDF final newsletter to a “web ready” ver-

sion for our website. This volunteer will work with the Copy

Editor in assigning and planning stories and highlights.

For more information on volunteering, please contact current

Editor, Denise Portis at [email protected]

(continued from page 1)

When I first started working with all the dogs, I was in

love with each one that I worked with despite being

told not to get attached. I was working for a while with

Teila on a regular basis and thought that we might be

matched. Then I started working with Monty and real-

ized that he was the perfect match for me and that the

Fidos trainers knew exactly what they were doing. He

is an absolutely wonderful dog and I love him with all

my heart. I love having him in my home full-time and

look forward to all the new things that we can do to-

gether.

Is there anything about your disability that you

would like to share?

I have a neurological disorder that I inherited from my

father called Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3. It affects

my ability to walk, my eyesight and my speech which

makes Monty all the more invaluable. I look to him to

be my ambassador to help me with all types of tasks.

Have you had any unusual experiences with Monty

that you would like to share?

I don't know that I have had any unusual experiences

with Monty but I have had some funny experiences.

One time, he was sitting on the couch all curled up

when the advertisement for Elephant Insurance came

on the television. All of sudden Monty jumped up and

started barking at the elephant on TV. He was so

cute! He also loves to go run and fetch the tennis ball

when I throw it down our hallway at home. He runs

around in circles with it in his mouth before he drops it

at my feet. I love that he likes to curl up on the pillow

next to me on my bed when we go to sleep.

Thank you for the interview, Mark Connor!

Mark and Monty—Photo by Julie Wu

Mark and Monty on Election Day—Photo by David Connor

Mark and Monty at the Stroll ‘n Roll 9-30-2012

Photo by Julie Wu



4


Beltsville Rotary President

John Moynihan and Bowman

year – thank you!

Join me in thanking

the Rotary Club of

Columbia/Patuxent

for their generosity

during the April 2013

Community Grant

ceremony – it was in-

spiring to see so many

deserving charities

receive grants, and to

learn how they serve

our local community.

Thank you Rotary Club member and Fidos volun-

teer Ms. Helena Seidel for nominating Fidos. Many

thanks also to the Beltsville Rotary Club for their

generous donation to Fidos and hospitality to Judy

Cannon and me at their April luncheon.


It’s a match! Susan

Greif and Jackson,

service dog team.

Photo by Sandy Ball

It’s a match!

Anastasia

Chachulski and Cody, service dog team. Photo by Pat Jarvis

Fidos’ Annual Recertification Day

By Judy Cannon

Saturday, May 4, 2013, dawned bright and beautiful

for Fidos’ annual recertification day. Each year Fidos

offers recertification to its Assistance Dog teams. The

training department has perfected the complex process

so that it runs very smoothly and efficiently. Having

this annual testing is one of our requirements to main-

tain ADI (Assistance Dogs International) certification.

Testing day requires the organization of an army of

volunteers and equipment. Most of the training staff

participates if not involved with another Fidos’ pro-

gram. Other volunteers generously offer their time as

well. Some of the tests require interaction with

strangers not known to the dog. This year, Amy Sloan

(Therapy Dog team) and her son, James, helped with

the obedience testing to see if an Assistance Dog

would break a “stay” when confronted by a child

seeking attention. Her son played his role very well,

but none of the tested dogs broke! Other things tested

in obedience are reac-

tion to food on the

floor, being exposed to

loud noises, a shopping

cart moving all around

them, and someone

stepping over the dog

while in a down-stay.

Joann Wilson and Judy

Cannon did most of the

testing for this part of

recertification.

The dogs must be ob-

served safely unload-

ing and loading to and

from their vehicle in

public. Brian Bowman,

supervised this activity in the parking lot. When

Continued on page 7...

Jenny Stack is observed when

removing Parker safely from the

vehicle—Photo by Julie Wu


5

2013 Wish List for

Groups, Businesses or Individuals

Wanting to Donate Items to

Fidos For Freedom, Inc.

Paper Towels

Toilet Paper

8.5 x 11 reams of white copy paper

AA Batteries

Post-it notes

White address labels

Bottles/cases of water

Dog toys that are made in USA, hard, rubber (i.e., KONG), no squeakers or small parts

Fax machine

New or slightly used, working copier

Large-size dog beds

Dust buster)

Small to large-sized, material dog collars

Six foot leather leashes

Keurig (or similar brand) coffeemaker

Paper plates and paper cups

Plastic silverware

Nature’s Miracle dog cleaner

Carpet Cleaner shampoo

Printer ink cartridges (call Fidos’ office for brand)


Animal Acupuncture Program

By Noreen Javornik

The Maryland University of Integrative Health, formerly

known as Tai Sophia Institute, is the only school is the

country that offers a Post Master’s degree in Animal Acu-

puncture. Located in Laurel, Maryland, the University

offers a number of graduate degree programs in Health,

Herbal Medicine as well as Acupuncture and Oriental

Medicine.

As director of

the Animal Acu-

puncture pro-

gram and a long

time Fidos vol-

unteer and

Mom to Cassie

the therapy dog,

it seemed like a

natural blending

to see if some of

the Fidos thera-

py dogs could

assist the Ani-

mal Acupunc-

ture students.

The students

need dogs to

learn handling

and restraint,

anatomy and

point location.

Point location laboratory is designed for student to learn

the location of acupuncture points on animals. They take

what they have learned from lectures and books and then

begin to find acupuncture points on animals. You can

imagine the difference in finding an acupuncture point on

maltese to a mastiff.

Years ago, it occurred to me that the Fidos therapy dogs

might be a perfect match for the program. They could lay

down or sit still while the students palpate and find

points. They were indeed a good match. In fact, so good

that the program faculty have to remind the animal

(continued on page 7)

Noreen Javornik

demonstrates animal

acupuncture for a

recent training class

with Brian Bowman and Brodie, therapy

dog.

Photos by Denise

Portis

Brodie, therapy dog, has benefited from

acupuncture. Pictured with trainer and han-

dler, Brian Bowman and Noreen Javornik.


6


Maryland Chapter of the

Order of the Eastern Star

By Tracy Bowman and Judy Cannon

On Tuesday, April 30th, Judy Cannon with Thera-

py Dog Dazzle and Tracy Bowman with Assis-

tance Dog in Training Mia travelled to the Clarion

Conference Center in Ocean City, Maryland,

through a gracious invitation by Bette Bowen to

join members of the Maryland Chapters of the Or-

der of the Eastern Star at their annual convention

and luncheon.

Tracy and Judy were on hand

to witness the announcement

that Bette Bowen, Oakland

Chapter 67 and Marlboro

Chapter 61, and William

Gunn, Victory 40, were to be

installed as Worthy Grand Ma-

tron and Worthy Grand Patron

(respectively).

This event also signaled the

formal announcement that

Fidos For Freedom Inc., was

chosen as Special Project of

the year. In celebration, all

luncheon attendees received

a special lunch favor – a

handmade doggie head with

a chocolate ‘bone’!

Fidos was on its toes with a new video premiere to

inform attendees about its people and mission.

The Fidos Assistance Dog Program and Therapy

Dog Program were both highlighted and many of

you, members of the Fidos community, were the

stars!

Judy Cannon, FFF, and Grand Adah Judy Stone,

previewed a ‘fun’draiser—personalized dog bone

ornaments, perfect for every pet lover’s Christmas

tree. These dog bones will available for order very

soon.

Bette Bowen

William Gunn

Fidos wishes to

thank Bette Bow-

en and William

Gunn for their

generosity in

choosing Fidos as

their special pro-

ject. We look for-

ward to working

with them both,

as well as other

members of the

Order of the East-

ern Star, over the next year. To learn more about Bette

Bowen, Bill Gunn, and the Maryland Chapter of the

Order of the Eastern Star, visit them on the Internet at

http://www.gcmd.org/grandyr.html

Personalized Christmas ornaments—

coming soon!

Bryce, service dog, waits patiently and not at all tempted

by the candy, with partner Ben Chatterson on May 4th—

Fidos For Freedom’s Annual Recertification Day

Photo by Julie Wu


http://www.gcmd.org/grandyr.html

7



acupuncture students that most dog patients are not

this good. What dog besides a Fidos therapy dog

would be so good and patient with these beginners?

So though the years, I have asked my Fidos friends

to help out in class. Pippin Crull with his owner,

Fran, has volunteered in all of the classes for the last

several years. He enjoys it so much he never wants

to leave, even when the students are breaking for

lunch!

For the Animal acupuncture class of 2012, the fol-

lowing teams were kind to assist.

Our deep appreciation to following teams:

Fran Crull with Lena and Pippin

Judy Deatherage with Sadie

Gretchen Strecker with Fancy, Legend, Bones and

Breeze

Julie Wu with Spanky

Judy Cannon with Prince and Dazzle

Dick Esper with Gigi

Catherine Angelo and Sydney

Amy Spetsios with Annie and Oakley

Pam Loeb with Cabot and Burly

As a thank you to these wonderful therapy dogs, the

class donated $780 to the therapy dog program.

It’s a Match!

Mike Easter with Kono,

service dog team.

Photo by

Andy Weisburger

… Continued from page 4

checking in, the dogs must be weighed and found

to be at a normal, healthy weight. Teams also must

submit veterinary records for the last year. Saman-

tha and Tracy Bowman supervised this require-

ment. Once teams have checked in they receive a

stack of forms outlining all the required tests. More

volunteers escort the teams to the various stations

manned by numerous trainers and volunteers. One

part of the test requires teams to stand up for their

right to enter a store when confronted by a store-

keeper denying access. Gretchen Strecker and Jo-

anne Hyder convincingly played the “wary store-

keeper”, providing teams with a real-life scenario

of being denied access. The teams

must then go

outside and

walk across

the street to

Food Lion.

During this

excursion the

team will

meet strangers

and unknown

dogs. Bruce

Condit and Tina Fifer provided the unknown dogs.

The team is then observed while in the Food Lion

and are required to shop for and purchase a prod-

uct. The assistance dog must be in control and in

good behavior at all times. Many volunteers helped

with this section of the test including Sam Bow-

man, Janet Tingley, Holly Prehn, Donnie Ball, and

others.

One section of the testing includes eating at a res-

taurant with an assistance dog. Many of our teams

completed this portion of the test when at a recent

outing to Baltimore-Washington International air-

port, Southwest Air. Assistance dogs should be


Mark Rodens and Mia head to Food Lion

across the street with a trainer

Photo by Julie Wu


8


… continued from page 7

safely under the

table and

“invisible” unless

needed by their

partner. The dogs

are observed to

see if they ignore

dropped food and

if they remain qui-

etly in a down-stay

until ready to exit.

On recertification

day, a few teams

who were unable to

attend the BWI out-

ing were accompa-

nied to Pi’s Deli next

door to Fidos. These

teams were required

to purchase and eat a

meal in a restaurant

setting. Ann Dunn,

Tracy Bowman, and

others assisted by

observing these

teams for this portion

of the testing.

The teams were re-

quired to demon-

strate three tasks the

dogs perform to help

their client. Some of these tasks included picking up

dropped objects, retrieving items, helping to remove

clothing and shoes, alerting to alarms or phones,

name call alert, and brace. Numerous trainers assist-

ed with this section of the testing.

Finally, each client had to take a written test cover-

ing dog healthcare, assistance dog training, ADA

law, and other topics important to an assistance dog

team. Linda Jacobs-Condit proctored and handled

the exams. Twenty teams participated in the recerti-

fication tests. All teams passed and received their

new certification cards from Pat Jarvis, Director of

Training. As you can see this was a very busy day for

Fidos. Thank you to all the trainers and volunteers

who participated!

The teams

passing the

recertifica-

tion test

this year

are: Sandy

Ball and

Quincy,

Sharon

Tucker and

Tommy,

Jennie

Stack and

Parker, Jan

McAtee and

Jetta, Carrie Nicholsen and Lily, Ben Chatterson and

Bryce, Jasmine Knox and Star, Cara Gregg and

Tank, Carrie Nicholsen and Lily, Debbie Catena and

Jake, Dorothy Soethe and Loki, Mark Rodens and

Mia, Mark Connor and Monty, Diane Bernier and

Moxie, Bert Shipp and Judge, Ann Dunn and Ruby,

Denise Portis and Chloe, Geoff Riefe and Theo , Hil-

ary Relton and Ryan, Nora Keenan and Alice, Laurie

Meek and Patti, and Shauna Perlman and Jake as a

demo dog.

Bert Shipp and Judge exit the Food

Lion with a trainer

Photo by Julie Wu

Ben Chatterson and Bryce wait in

line at Pi’s Deli

Photo by Julie Wu

Cara Gregg takes the written portion of the

recertification testing while Tank waits quietly

at her side

Photo by Julie Wu

Debbie Catena and Jacob are denied access by the “wary

storekeeper” on recertification day

Photo by Julie Wu


9


We had our biggest Southwest Air/BWI event ever

last weekend! We had over 30 clients, training

staff, friends and Fidos Volunteers attend the train-

ing outing at BWI. We extend our thanks to Karen

Roberts and Greg Langan with Southwest Air for

assisting and coordinating this event with Fidos

training staff. We learn more with each out-

ing. TSA was terrific this year as well - working

with us - and giving us some extra information that

we will pass along to all of our folks who travel

with their dogs or need some accommodation when

traveling.

- Pat Jarvis, Director of Training

Sharon Tucker and Tommy, along with numerous other

clients and volunteers, wait to board the airplane

Photo by Pat Jarvis

Greg Langan and Karen Roberts

with Southwest Air

Photo by Pat Jarvis Service dog team (Mark Rodens and Mia) and trainer

(Tracy Bowman) work together to find the best place to

put a service dog during a flight

Photo by Pat Jarvis

Wanted: Vacation Home Providers

By Joanne Hyder

As much as we'd like to, we can't always take our

dogs with us when we travel or go on vacation.

Fidos' puppy raisers and service dog trainers face

the same dilemma; that's why there is the Vacation

Home Program. It provides a temporary home for

puppies and service dogs in training while their

handlers are away.

The Vacation Home Program is a great way for a

dog-less handler or therapy dog team to introduce

a new dog to their household without a long-term

commitment. It also gives the puppy or service dog

in training exposure to other people, dogs and

households, which is an important part of their de-

velopment.

The Vacation Home Program is looking for more

Vacation Home Providers (VHPs). To become a

VHP, you don't need any specialized training - just

a love of dogs and a safe home environment. First,

contact Joanne Hyder, Fidos' Vacation Home Coor-

dinator. She will arrange for two trainers to visit

your home and talk to you about becoming a VHP.


Southwest volunteers

assist a client into the

transfer chair to board

the airplane.

Photo by Pat Jarvis


10


This would be the time to discuss any questions or

concerns you may have about becoming a VHP.

During the home visit, the trainers will look for safe-

ty issues such as chemicals, plants, electrical cords,

and breakable or chewable items. They will also take

note of the type of house (single family, apartment,

or townhouse), neighborhood (urban, suburban, or

rural), and other people in the household as well as

other dogs. These elements may be a consideration

when placing a dog in a vacation home.

Once approved, you

will receive the Va-

cation Home Guide-

lines. This is a thor-

ough and extensive

document that co-

vers just about eve-

rything you need to

know as a VHP. For

example, it discuss-

es kenneling, feed-

ing, grooming, com-

mands, games, and

emergencies, to

name a few. When a

vacation home is

needed, the Vacation

Home Coordinator

sends an e-mail to

all VHPs describing

the puppy or service dog in training who needs a va-

cation home and the time period needed. It is usually

just a few days or one to two weeks. The puppy rais-

er or trainer will provide written vacation home in-

structions that explain the dog's feeding schedule,

any medication needed, equipment used, and com-

mands that the dog knows.

At the end of the period, the VHP will complete a

vacation home report that covers items like general

performance of the dog, unexpected medical prob-

lems, social behavior, and places visited during the

vacation stay. This report goes in the dog's perma-

nent file.

Vacation Home Coordinator, Jo-

anne Hyder and assistance dog in

training , Abbie

Photo by Mary Austin

Various therapy dog teams participate in an information

booth at Perfect Pet Resort Expo 2013

Photo by Andy Weisburger

Therapy dog teams making a difference at

Joseph Richey Hospice Inc.

Photo credit to Andy Weisburger

Group photo of Baltimore-Washington International Airport

outing with Southwest Air 2013

Photo by Pat Jarvis


11


NONPROFIT

U.S. Postage Paid

Laurel, MD

Permit NO. 4368

Mailing Address: 1200 Sandy Spring Road, Laurel, MD 20707

Fidos For Freedom, Inc., is proud to be an accredited, voting member of Assistance Dogs International.

Fidos For Freedom, Inc., would like to thank supporters and volunteers for all you do to help us succeed in our mission. We thank

you for your tax deductible donation and rely on your continued support!

Fidos is an Assistance Dogs

International

Accredited Facility http://www.assistancedogsinternational.org/

Sharon Tucker and Tommy with Tank (service dog of Cara

Gregg) at Parkinson’s Support Group Information Booth

Photo by Cara Gregg

I’ve got a

GREAT story

idea!

Theo, service dog for Geoff Riefe

Photo by Andy Weisburger

Please submit Fidos Speaks story ideas to Denise Portis

at [email protected]

You do not have to volunteer to write the article

(although you may!) Help us get information to family,

friends, and our community!


http://www.assistancedogsinternational.org/


Documents

Fidos Speaks, Vol. 9 Issue 2, Spring 2013