Thursday, May 31, 2012

Ali

Ali is a trainer for Fidelco guide dogs.  Trainers and their German Shepherd dogs are often seen around West Hartford Center.  Ali told me that they take the dogs everywhere to give them a wide variety of experiences.  This dog has finished its training and will be placed soon.

Fidelco is located in Bloomfield, a town just north of Hartford.  Fidelco was founded in 1960 by Charles and Roberta Kaman.  Charlie Kaman was an interesting guy who founded a company that makes helicopters and guitars.  I really have to do a post about him some day.

22 comments:

Kate said...

That guide dog is gorgeous, and what a gift for someone!!

VP said...

A great idea and a nice portrait. What do have in common helicopters and guitars?

brattcat said...

this dog really does look ready. what a difference he is about to make in someone's life.

Malyss said...

in France, we use labradors as guide dogs;I like the portrait of that girl.

Mo said...

I haven't seen too many German Shepherd's as guide dogs. I'm sure some one is going to have a fabulous relationship with this onw.

Luis Gomez said...

Great! Love German Shepherds.

Unknown said...

Love the look of working dogs - different than pets. Look how relaxed Ali and the dog are! Wonderful portrait!

Dave-CostaRicaDailyPhoto.com said...

Maybe fewer people would try to come up and pet a working guide dog if the dog is a German Shepherd compared to a Lab.

Lois Evensen said...

Fabulous: the trainer, the dog, the image. :)

I, too, have owned several German Shepherds. Fantastic dogs! We currently have Labs that we show in Agility. Our son has two Therapy Dogs - both Labs.

This is a super post! Love it. :)

Sylvia K said...

Beautiful dog, wonderful trainer and both a blessing for so many! Terrific capture, Jack, as always! I am curious about the company that makes helicopters and guitars! Intriguing combination! Look forward to a post about Mr. Kaman! Hope you've had a great week!

sylvia

Halcyon said...

Are they seeing-eye dogs or another type of helper dog? I am always amazed at how much dogs can do for people with problems - from the blind to diabetics to epileptics. I think we need to give man's best friend more credit! :)

RedPat said...

Yes they are mostly Labs here too but they are all wonderful!

joo said...

Oh, what a great job and I love her dog!!!!

La Mode Operandi said...

It is amazing to see the helping and learning capacity of aid dogs!

cieldequimper said...

Nice double portrait. We don't see a lot of German shepherds around here anymore...

Michelle said...

A wonderful picture of two hardworking individuals!!

Randy said...

Nice team shot.

Bob Crowe said...

Strenge. Helicopters and guitars. Like Jimi said, 'scuse me while I kiss the sky.

Chrissy Brand said...

A lovely post- I really enjoy your biogs of locals (and their owners in this case!)

Unknown said...

I admire both the dogs and the trainers.

Cezar and Léia said...

It's a beautiful picture, the dog is a cute friend.Ali is doing an important job there!
Léia

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Charles and Roberta Kaman are good people hey Jack! I was thinking it must be hard for the trainers to say goodbye to the dogs they work with for so long.