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.
at

22 comments:

  1. KateMay 31, 2012 at 6:14 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  2. VPMay 31, 2012 at 7:21 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  3. brattcatMay 31, 2012 at 8:01 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  4. MalyssMay 31, 2012 at 8:29 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  5. MoMay 31, 2012 at 8:45 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Luis GomezMay 31, 2012 at 9:17 AM

    Great! Love German Shepherds.

    ReplyDelete
  7. UnknownMay 31, 2012 at 9:52 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  8. Dave-CostaRicaDailyPhoto.comMay 31, 2012 at 10:19 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Lois EvensenMay 31, 2012 at 10:28 AM

    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. :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sylvia KMay 31, 2012 at 10:49 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  11. HalcyonMay 31, 2012 at 12:59 PM

    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! :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. RedPatMay 31, 2012 at 2:26 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  13. jooMay 31, 2012 at 3:47 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  14. La Mode OperandiMay 31, 2012 at 4:11 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  15. cieldequimperMay 31, 2012 at 4:39 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  16. MichelleMay 31, 2012 at 9:45 PM

    A wonderful picture of two hardworking individuals!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. RandyMay 31, 2012 at 10:07 PM

    Nice team shot.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Bob CroweMay 31, 2012 at 10:11 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  19. Chrissy BrandJune 1, 2012 at 2:43 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  20. UnknownJune 1, 2012 at 7:11 AM

    I admire both the dogs and the trainers.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Cezar and LéiaJune 1, 2012 at 7:15 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  22. PerthDailyPhotoJune 2, 2012 at 11:17 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete