Fidos for Freedom — dog companionship to help the community
In February, as part of our monthly giving initiative, we donated to a small organization that’s making a big impact — Fidos for Freedom!
This organization is an all-volunteer group dedicated to improving people’s lives in the Baltimore-Washington area through specially trained hearing dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs.
Hearing Dogs
These dogs alert people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing to important sounds in their environment, such as:
- Someone calling their name
- A telephone, doorbell, or alarm clock ringing
- A smoke detector
- Microwave oven
- A dropped item (keys, smartphone, etc.)
- A baby crying
Service Dogs
These dogs help individuals who have mobility impairments gain more independence by performing physically demanding tasks, such as:
- Accessing out-of-reach objects
- Opening and closing doors
- Aiding in balance (or helping to stand after a fall)
- Assisting in transfer to or from a chair or the floor
- Pulling a wheelchair short distances
- Assisting in dressing or undressing
Fidos for Freedom hearing dogs and service dogs are trained for two to three years, where they are socialized, taught basic obedience, and trained in any specialized work they’ll be expected to perform for the type of client they’ll be matched with.
Therapy Dogs
These dogs are trained to perform quality pet therapy visits at health care facilities, accompanied by their owners. It’s a chance for recipients to enjoy a little unconditional love from a well-behaved, attentive dog. Examples of facilities that would benefit from therapy dog teams are:
- Assisted living facilities and nursing homes
- Hospitals
- Hospice
- Care centers for autistic adults
- Schools for special-needs children
- Cancer centers
- Schools and libraries (children read one-on-one to a therapy dog to improve reading skills)
Every Little Bit Helps
This is a volunteer-run organization, but the cost to a given client only covers about one-third of the money needed to raise a dog from puppy to placement. We’re so honored to be able to help such an important organization continue to fulfill its mission!
Our amazing team and the people we serve every day help make this giving possible. Learn more about our community service and the many wonderful organizations we’ve been able to help support. We’re proud to be able to continue a strong legacy of sharing.