Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc.
Certifies Two Instructor/Trainers

Bloomfield - The Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc. (Fidelco) has announced that Gretchen Fisher, of Vernon and Elizabeth Hatinen of Avon have qualified as instructor/trainers. In their new roles, they will be responsible for training Fidelco’s German shepherds as guide dogs and placing those dogs with Fidelco clients across North America.
Fisher and Hatinen participated in three-year apprenticeships that included training, evaluation and caring for approximately 25 dogs-in-training. As part of their apprenticeships, they were required to work blindfolded with each dog in their care a minimum of three times in three locations. Only one in three "blindfold walks" is conducted on a predetermined route. Fisher and Hatinen were each required to pass three written examinations and one oral examination.
 "The apprentice educational process can be difficult at times," said David Darr, Fidelco’s director of student services. "Gretchen and Liz have entered the company of an elite group of professionals which may total no more than 150 within the entire United States."
The Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc., located in Bloomfield is New England’s only guide dog school. It breeds, trains and places its own, unique breed of German shepherd guide dogs across North America with people who have visual disabilities. Fidelco is a non-profit organization and relies solely on the gifts and the generosity of individuals, foundations, corporations and organizations that partner with them to "Share the Vision."