WATERTOWN, Conn. — Ivy, a guide dog in training, has been a fixture at Greater Watertown Federal Credit Union using the financial institution as a training ground to help assist the visually impaired.
Ivy's "foster" owner is Tom O'Neil, president/CEO of the credit union. She is being trained through the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Bloomfield, Conn. that breeds, raises and trains German shepherd guide dogs to be placed with men and women with visual impairments throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe.
During the past year, Ivy has made an impact on everyone she meets, O'Neil said. Members ask about her, she has visited select employee groups, attended board and staff meetings, the Connecticut Credit Union League's annual meeting and a daylong strategic planning session for Constitution Corporate Federal Credit Union. When asked how she handled the daylong meeting,
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O'Neil responded, "really great, but I was
a bit nervous when NCUA, the government regulator for credit unions, was invited to give a presentation,"
"Everyone without exception has been very supportive of Ivy, especially the eight credit union employees," O'Neil said. "I could never have completed the fostering had it not been for the kindness and understanding of the entire Greater Watertown Federal Credit Union family."
Ivy's last day with the credit union is Aug. 18. She will then transfer to Fidelco to begin an intense six-month training program. After completion, Ivy will be placed with someone who is visually impaired. On average a guide dog will work for approximately six to seven years before retiring to a good home, according to Fidelco.
O'Neil said they are planning a special going away party for Ivy complete with "going away" treats.
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