At the conclusion of the training period, the Selection Committee carefully matches each guide dog with a blind man or woman. The result is a smooth working team, able to travel safely and with confidence under all conditions. The dogs selected for guide service adjust more easily to the outside world when raised in normal home environments. These dogs are voluntarily adopted as puppies by families who bring them up in their homes for the first 14 to 16 months of life. With the families, the young guide dog candidates become socialized in the home and the community in preparation for the professional training to come.
Socialization is the most important aspect of the foster program.
Foster families and their puppies regularly attend classes at the Training Center to help with obedience training and other aspects of the puppy's socialization and development process. The Fidelco staff is always available to help and advise the foster families, who play such an important role in Fidelco's program. We receive no funding from federal, state, or local governments, nor any United Way support. Fidelco relies entirely on voluntary public contributions to support its service to the blind community. This event accounts for approximately one quarter of Fidelco's annual budget.