THE FIDELCO GUIDE DOG FOUNDATION, INC.
103 Old Iron Ore Road, Bloomfield, Conn. 06002
www.fidelco.org
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Date: March 6, 2010
Contact: Jack Hayward
860-243-4800
FIDELCO GUIDE DOG FOUNDATION GERMAN SHEPHERD HONORED AS A 2010 HERO
BY THE AMERICAN RED CROSS CONNECTICUT CHAPTER
“Unique” Credited with Saving Owner’s Life during House Fire
Bloomfield, Conn. - When a line of violent thunderstorms swept through Connecticut last July, a lightening bolt struck Bill Poldony’s home in Manchester, Connecticut. The result, according to Battalion Chief Dan Huppe of the Manchester Fire Department, was a 30-foot ball of flame and a destroyed home.
A happier outcome was the rescue of Poldony by Unique, his Fidelco guide dog. On March 4, 2010, Unique was honored with the Animal Rescue Hero’s award by the American Red Cross Connecticut Chapter at their annual breakfast ceremony at the Farmington Marriott.
As the lights in Poldony’s home went out at 10 p.m. and fire began to consume the structure, Unique led the legally blind man from the back of his home to the foyer where he was met by Huppe and the Manchester Fire Department. According to Huppe, had two 500 gallon propane tanks erupted, “It could have been a different situation. In my long career as a fighter, I have never witnessed an animal response like this.”
Diane Auger, CEO, American Red Cross Connecticut Chapter, also praised the Fidelco guide dog’s response. “Unique’s quick reaction in the face of disaster seems to be a common, yet extraordinary trait among all our heroes who we honored today. We are so very pleased to recognize Unique for putting her owner’s safety first without regard for her own well-being.”
Eliot D. Russman, CEO and executive director of the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc. said, “We do not specifically train our guide dogs for rescue work. However, their owner loyalty, focus on the job at hand, and intelligence comes to the surface when trouble arises. We are proud of Unique and most grateful that Bill survived the destruction of his home.”
Since its founding in 1881 by visionary leader Clara Barton, the American Red Cross has been the nation's premier emergency response organization. As part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war, the American Red Cross distinguishes itself by also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters. Over the years, the organization has expanded its services, always with the aim of preventing and relieving suffering.
The Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Bloomfield Connecticut, breeds, trains and places its own, unique type of German shepherd guide dogs with people who have visual disabilities. It pioneered In-community Placement in the United States; a process that allows guide dog users to be trained in the communities where they live and work. Fidelco relies solely on the gifts and the generosity of individuals, foundations, corporations and civic organizations to help it “Share the Vision.”
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