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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)
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: office@fidosforfreedom.org 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
3
www.fidosforfreedom.org Fidos Speaks Providing Independence 1987—2013
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 denise.portis@gmail.com
(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
www.fidosforfreedom.org Fidos Speaks Providing Independence 1987—2013
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.
(continued from page 2)
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)
www.fidosforfreedom.org Fidos Speaks Providing Independence 1987—2013
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
www.fidosforfreedom.org Fidos Speaks Providing Independence 1987—2013
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
7
www.fidosforfreedom.org Fidos Speaks Providing Independence 1987—2013
(continued from page 5)
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
Continued on page 8...
Mark Rodens and Mia head to Food Lion
across the street with a trainer
Photo by Julie Wu
8
www.fidosforfreedom.org Fidos Speaks Providing Independence 1987—2013
… 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
www.fidosforfreedom.org Fidos Speaks Providing Independence 1987—2013
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.
Continued on page 10...
Southwest volunteers
assist a client into the
transfer chair to board
the airplane.
Photo by Pat Jarvis
10
www.fidosforfreedom.org Fidos Speaks Providing Independence 1987—2013
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
www.fidosforfreedom.org Fidos Speaks Providing Independence 1987—20123
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 denise.portis@gmail.com
You do not have to volunteer to write the article
(although you may!) Help us get information to family,
friends, and our community!