Fia, German Shepherd Guide Dog in News

Fia seven year-old, 60-pound German Shepherd Shares his vision with his blind partner Alan

How a German Shepherd Dog can change the way to see the world

Fia, 7 years old German Shepherd Dog has been sharing his vision with Alan Gunzburg, as his vision faded away due to a genetic disorder. The 51 year-old Cos Cob resident, Alan Gunzburg learned around his age of 30 that he had a genetic ailment called retinitis pigmentosa, which during the first phase affects the peripheral and night vision, and then gradually progresses to an overall blindness. Alan – a father of two girls, has always been a strong willed person who was not ready to sit back on his couch just doing nothing for himself. He says, "it was a challenge to move from being a completely independent person to one who needed help with everything from driving a car to pouring a cup of tea”.

He attended number of meetings for disabled people and joining an inspiring group of meeting goers and volunteers, Alan finally got a chance to get in touch with a representative of The Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc. a 50 year-old, Connecticut-based non-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting increased independence to blind people by providing them with the highest quality trained German shepherd guide dogs. Within a few months of applying and after satisfying enough criteria -- genuine personal and doctors' referrals -- to prove his emotional fitness and physical need Alan was accepted into the program.

Alan’s introduction with Fia, a well trained German shepherd guide dog changed his life for ever! Fia, and Alan have been a constant companions throughout the four years since, and they are now inseparable partners. Alan says, "Fidelco helped integrate Fia into my house and my life. They came with her and asked me hundreds of questions and they shared their knowledge about how to make Fia a part of my family. She came into my house, looked at me, rolled over and gave me her belly. It was a life-changing bond.” He added, "I go everywhere with her, from my daughter's school to the supermarket, the beach and Grand Central Station -- where, by the way Fia led my family and me during rush hour straight to the Vanderbilt Avenue exit without missing a beat. People, he says, don't generally approach a blind person with a cane and strike up a conversation. But when there's a dog concerned, there are curious people -- strangers -- who are eager to speak with him. She is an icebreaker in every conceivable way."

Alan’s has trust on Fia, his most lovable partner – the German shepherd guide dog has been to the fullest extent. She has been trained with highest degree of “intelligent disobedience”, which means that Fia will not walk Alan off a train platform or into traffic even if Alan gives her the command to do so. Fia’s presence in Alan’s life has changed his way to see the world indeed. There’s no reason for Alan deny accepting a bare fact that Fia, his seven year-old, 60-pound German Shepherd Guide Dog has empowered him beyond his own expectations!

The Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc. is an accredited member of the International Guide Dog Federation. Fidelco breed and trainer own German Shepherds.