Fidos For Freedom Inc

I have followed the stories of dogs helping people, either with mobility issues, hearing loss, or PTSD. I am always amazed at the bond that grows between dog and human. Also how having the dog in their lives gives people back their independence. Way to go Fidos!!

Volunteering with Fidos is so rewarding- it touches many lives in many different ways. From providing comfort to those facing the end of life, to children learning to read, there is nothing like a dog's unconditional love.

Fidos for Freedom means many things to me, freedom to live a more independent life, freedom to enjoy things that I had stopped doing prior to getting my service dog partner, the love and support of like minded people who have become like a family to me. I am a successor client now matched with my second service dog. Mabel allows me to feel confident and secure in public. She keeps me safe by retrieving dropped items or things I cannot easily reach. She helps stabilize my balance while I walk, I feel like each day is a new adventure. Thank you can never be enough. Linda Jo Nelson and Mabel

We came to know FIDOS through a family member who became a client, matched with an incredible service dog. The partnership between them was empowering and life-changing. We could see it right before our very eyes. FIDOS is a very special organization with very special and caring people, especially the talented trainers who work with the amazing dogs. The group is highly committed to its noble mission of increasing the quality of life and providing companionship to the residents of its local community through specially trained service dogs, hearing dogs and therapy dogs. It's rewarding to be associated with this organization through any means...a true win-win for all volunteers and donors alike!

I have been a volunteer with Fidos for Freedom for ten years. I first started at Fidos as a therapy dog team, along with my dog, Dallas. Every visit we did, Dallas made at least one deep connection with someone in need, relieving their suffering or sadness for at least a few minutes. After Dallas passed on, I continued to volunteer because of the amazing people and dogs in the organization. This is truly a group where many people and dogs do a tremendous amount of good for so many others.

Fidos for Freedom is a great way to spend time helping others. You get to train your dog and make people smile. I and my pet met with a patient each month.
She had memory issues, but she always remembered my dog. She would say beagles are the best and encouraged me to name my next beagle, Bagel. A lovely lady indeed.

Annie is my Fido’s service dog. She is a balance and retrieving force to be dealt with. We trained and matched in 2017/ graduating in 2019. She is someone I rely during my bouts of my gastroparesis and other stomach issues. This miracle on 4 legs and fur has my back at all times. Fido’s is a small local non profit agency that has provided service dogs for over 30 years. The relationship between me , my partner and Fido’s trainers is so valuable to me. I will always be grateful for this.

I have a mobility impairment. When it became clear that I needed the assistance that a service dog could provide, I looked around for organizations that offered service dogs. Fidos for Freedom was the only local organization that I found for individuals who were not veterans. Fidos for Freedom is a top notch organization. Because my disability is progressive, they fast tracked me into the program. I worked for months with a variety of dogs. They taught me dog training skills. Up until then my wife had been the dog trainer in the family. Fidos for Freedom has dedicated trainers and staff. I was matched with Eddie, an English Labrador Retriever. He is a wonderful dog. He is devoted to me and works to assist me however he can. He helps me retrieve items. He helps me with my balance. I am indebted to Fidos for Freedom for providing me with Eddie.

I cannot say enough good and positive things about this organization.My husband lost the major use of his legs.FFF stepped up,encouraged him that life was still worth living with the help of a service dog.Trained Joe to utilize the dog,Roy, to the best of his training. When Roy retired,another dog,Ace then became Joe's
"legs".Joe found life to be doable once again! We,his family were thankful as well!.Joe became very involved in the mission of FFF, going on to helping others in the disability community ,raised funds,advocated for accessibility in the workplace, received Volunteer of the year in Howard County,Md.served on the Board of FFF,client liaison, and as Director of FFF. All because of the completely caring community of volunteers at FFF! We were truly blessed and so thankful.

I came to Fidos to get a service dog 10 years ago. I started volunteering a few months later and have volunteered since then. I also have a therapy dog with Fidos. Coming to Fidos has changed my life.

I just received my third service dog from Fidos. Having them let me be more independent. The tasks they do for me (retrieving dropped items, removing my shoes, helping me stand, etc), help me conserve energy. I can also go places alone because I have my service dog to help me.

Many of the people I've met at Fidos are now very close friends. There is always someone who is willing to help you with almost anything from driving to an appointment to house sitting to being a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on.

I came to Fidos to get a service dog. I not only got that, but I got a family.

Fidos for Freedom is simply one of the most amazing nonprofit organizations I have ever encountered. As a training facility where volunteers bring together clients and service dogs-in-training to gain skills in partnering, it is exciting; as a center for a dedicated group of therapy dog teams, who provide comfort, education, and enrichment to people of all ages around the area, it is vital; and as a program in which clients with challenges related to mobility, hearing, or PTSD can team up with a dog whose loving companionship and service greatly improves their quality of life--well, that makes it miraculous. In working with Fidos as a volunteer trainer and therapy dog handler, I have seen that there is no greater reward than watching a therapy dog patiently interact with a disabled child, or than coaching an eager service dog to perform a task that would have been difficult for his human partner. Fidos truly does make a difference.
Gail C., proud Fidos volunteer

This is a wonderful organization. The volunteers and staff are dedicated to the mission of the organization which is to increase the quality of life and provide companionship to the local community through specially trained service dogs and therapy dogs.

Stellar organization! Top notch service to clients! Knowledgeable and dedicated volunteer staff. Highly recommend.

In March 2020, I received my second service dog from Fidos. (My first service now dog happily enjoys his retirement plan...relaxing at home while the puppy has fun working:-))
The trainers made another perfect match! My new dog is also a beautiful, intelligent boy with loads of energy. Surprisingly, both, from a young age, have been content to chill on days when I need to rest.

The pandemic may have stopped some things, but Fidos is dedicated to continuing to change people's lives. There have been other clients and dogs matched after me, weekly virtual and socially distanced training sessions, weekly virtual client support meetings, a webinar on dog seatbelt safety, a virtual fundraiser, virtual graduation, and of course the puppy raisers and trainers continue to raise and train the future service dogs. (There are so many amazing volunteers donating their time that I'm sure there's much more happening that I don't know of.)

When I made the decision to apply to Fidos to get a service dog 9 years ago, I thought I would get a service dog to help me with things I have difficulty doing. I had no idea that I would be gaining so many wonderful blessings. Not only have I received the 2 best service dogs ever, but I've also received weekly training whenever I wanted to attend, volunteer and networking opportunities, knowledge, and support. I've developed friendships with other clients, trainers, therapy dog handlers, puppy raisers, and their families. Some of whom, are among my closest friends. I've also received love....from the dogs and the people. These are people I trust and can count on. They are like family.

Fidos' motto, "The Heart of Fidos Changes Lives" is 100% true!

I joined the Fidos For Freedom therapy dog program twelve years ago and could never have predicted all the wonderful ways my life would be better for it. Bringing my dog out on therapy visits is definitely rewarding, but the best part of Fidos are the people in the organization. I have my third dog in the program now and have made deep, lasting friendships with the most caring and compassionate people.

Fidos For Freedom is changing the lives of disabled people in the DC Metro Area. Several years ago it became apparent that I was going to need help doing tasks that normal people take for granted. After coming to Fidos For Freedom and training with all of their dogs. I was ultimately matched with an amazing chocolate lab named Grant. Grant is now my partner in crime, going everywhere with me and opening doors that I thought were closed by my disability.

I am a long term volunteer and client of Fidos. The agency is well managed, runs like a well oiled machine and really depends on the volunteers to help run it. As for the service dog training, it is second to none....I have had my service dog Annie for 3 years now and we can always come back for training if needed. The group is also like my 2nd family....I can depend on the folks here to be supportive of my needs during good and bad times. I fully and wholeheartedly feel that this non profit should be rated a 5. I rate it as a 10!
Jane and Annie Harford

My experience with Fidos has been beyond wonderful. They have been immeasurably supportive of my dream to start a service dog program at my college, and the community that I have found through this journey is one that I will hold onto forever. I cannot thank Fidos enough for their positivity and encouragement; I look forward to the growing future together!

My friend received a dog from Fidos a few years ago. He helps her with stuff like opening doors, picking up things, taking off shoes and jackets, and carrying things. He lays quietly under tables or beside her when we go out. He is so quiet that sometimes I forget he's there!

She also volunteers there. I really like seeing demos when several people show things their dogs do to help them and therapy dog owners talk about where they visit. Sometimes puppy raisers are there and talk about the puppy they have. It's fun when we get to pet the therapy dogs and puppies!

I've seen her life change after starting there and getting her dog. She goes out more and does more. I think Fidos is a great service dog and therapy dog organization!

When I first started at Fidos 2 years ago for a successor service dog I knew no one. When we first came into Fidos we were warmly greeted and after talking to Cara (who was client services at that time) I realized that I had found a place I could belong to. Because of my disorder which is progressive I never really fit in until we came to Fidos. So because of that after I got my service dog Buddy I am more confident and I am now volunteering for Fidos. It has been such a great experience even though there was good and bad mixed in. All in all I am so happy I came to Fidos because they really are a family

My wife is a client and from the first time we stepped foot into Fido's, we were greeted with a big friendly smile and were treated like family. This organization is full of awesome people (and dogs, of course) that really care about each other and work hard to provide service dogs for those who need them. I am so grateful for Fido's being a part of our lives!

My first experience with Fidos was attending a panel discussion and demonstration during National Disability Employment Awareness Month, where I was introduced to the world of service dogs and the selfless and caring folks that are the heart of the Fidos organization. I asked if they took volunteers. Two years later, I am a service dog trainer and act as client liasion (both volunteer positions). The work they do here is incredible; these folks and the wonderful dogs help clients to live fuller, more independent lives. I am honored and humbled to be accepted as part of the Fidos family and gladly give my time and efforts to their mission.

My best friend found her service dog, forever companion and best friend through Fido's. I just want to support all the good work they do for her and others. It's not just helping others find their partner; it's about the awareness they spread to the general public on invisible illnesses and disabilities.

I'm a new client. I just started my training a few weeks ago. The Fido's team has welcomed me with open arms and been very patient with me in my training. They treat me like family. And the dog training lessons on the floor is amazing! the staff considers absolutely every aspect of a person's life in their home or in the community. I feel like I'm always learning. I'm very excited to see where this journey takes me and I can't wait to complete my hours and be matched with my own dog. I'm so grateful that a program like this exists to help people like me live more independently.

I have continued to volunteer with Fidos for Freedom since 2007. Now I have my third and fourth Golden retriever as Therapy Dogs with this fantastic organization. I enjoy the fact that we are able to go to so many different facilities to bring joy to many people. We go to nursing homes, hospitals, elder care facilities, facilities for adults with special needs, schools and public libraries in the county.
Each of my visits means something personally to me. The nursing home we visit is the one in which my grandfather passed away. The hospital is where all of my family, including myself, have been patients. The schools and facilities for clients with special needs; because I taught special needs children swimming and physical education for 4 years as a teenage.

I have so many great experiences I can share with you, but just to name a few:
Having a gentleman, who can only say one word, pet your dog for the first time in 5 years is priceless. It took 5 years and he finally petted my dog. Another client in that same facility always asks where is my Tucker, who passed away in 2015. She will always remember my Golden as the first dog she petted 9 years ago. That is the joy of going to the same facility each month, each year.

As a volunteer I have enormous respect for the excellent Service dog training and ongoing support of the matched teams as well as the therapy dog training and the multiple therapy dog activities bringing joy to young and old across the area. This is a great little organization filling an important need with loving thought and knowledge. Nan Marks

Fidos matched me with my mobility assistance dog, Nala, in 2014 and gave me back my independence. I can’t imagine life without Nala or the wonderful support that I still receive from my Fidos family.

This is an amazing nonprofit which is changing the lives of their clients.

I am a volunteer with Fidos for Freedom, and have been for many years. It's a place where I get to work with other dedicated people who love people, and have a heart for the mission to improve the quality of life for others through the use of specially trained dogs.

The opportunity to see the results of our programs personally and directly is so very rewarding, and I think I will volunteer with Fidos for Freedom for years to come.

I received a wonderful dogs from Fido's who helps me be more independent in my everyday living. He picks up things I've dropped, he opens doors, he takes off my socks and shoes and many more tasks. Fido's is my family and they helped me get back on my feet again.

I am no longer afraid to go by myself since I have been with my great hearing dogs from Fidos!!

Fidos got a call from a mother whose 13 year old daughter had to have back surgery. She told us the girl was in a lot of pain without her medications. She asked us to send a couple of therapy dogs over to see her as she loved dogs. The morning of our arrival she didn't take her medication so that she would be awake. i took my sheltie "Taz" and another person took her small dog "Trista". The girl sat on the couch and we put one dog on either side of her sitting right next to her. The dogs layed there for an hour and a half while she petted them. Fidos got a call from her mother later and informed us that when the little girl went to sleep after we left, that she went to sleep and did't need pain medication. This shows what a great thing that therapy dogs do with helping reduce stress. made a true believer of me. Fidos For Freedom does a great job with a lot of other causes as well. Proud to be part of such a great organization

When I retired over five years ago, I was looking for an opportunity to volunteer with my dog. I found Fidos For Freedom online and from the first time I walked into the facility, I felt like I'd found a new family. My dog and I love going on Therapy Dog visits. I've often said I don't know who gets the most out of our visits: the dog, the clients we visit or me. People are so thankful that you've taken the time to come to visit them. Over the years I have been asked to accept extra jobs, and I've happily done so. I now work with several Service Dog clients, teach a Therapy Dog class, etc. The volunteers at Fidos are the kindest, most dedicated people I know.

I am a long term volunteer at Fidos. Over the past 10 years, I have been a puppy raiser, on the board of directors, trained dogs through the prison program and been a dogless handler. The gifts of friendship and self worth I have received through out this time have been awesome. I am now in a different role-that of a client in training. I made a decision that I could live my life better with the assistance of a service dog a year ago. I am now learning all of the things that clients have been learning at Fidos for nearly 30 years. This is going to be a huge positive change in my life. The training that I am getting is done by volunteers (such as myself) who want to give back in some way. It is a rewarding, fulfilling and thoughtful agency that cares about the clients and dogs alike. You are with them for life. I find that these are not just words, but true actions. I cannot do anything but heap praise on this organization.

Since I started volunteering with Fidos for Freedom I have been impressed with the dedication of all involved. Therapy dog teams make numerous visits to hospitals, nursing homes, schools for special need students, family support centers. Other volunteers train assistance dogs to help clients live independently more easily. It is amazing to see a hearing dog direct its client to someone calling the client's name. Another service dog can pick up keys and retrieve items for a mobility impaired person. Or another dog provide a comfort zone for a vet with PTSD. Different clients with different needs met by assistance dogs individually trained to meet those needs. Truly an amazing group of volunteers and an amazing organization.

Love Fidos for Freedom. Great service dog program. They really care about the dogs and the clients. They are there for the life of the team. Fidos also has a wonderful therapy dog program with volunteers and their personal dogs visiting hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities to share their dogs with the patients and residents on a regular basis.

This partnership of incredibly dedicated volunteers, beautifully trained dogs and very generous donors has created something very special in the Baltimore-Washington corridor -- an organization that serves those across a wide spectrum of needs. Best of all, it does it aty a very minimal expense. This is very impressive organization!

I volunteer here and see first hand the wonderful things they do for people that need a service dog. The therapy dog program is wonderful - bringing smiles and love to children and people that are in hospitals, nursing homes,children's hospital especially, is all you need to see to understand how much joy Fido's brings to people.

My dog Lily and I were volunteers at Fidos for years until this year when Lily retired from her therapy dog duties. We participated in the DEAR (Dogs Educating and Assisting Readers) at a local elementary school for 5 years. This was such a wonderful experience for us and for the children we helped get to their grade level in reading.
Fidos is a great organization supporting the community with service dogs and therapy dogs. Please give if you can to support their mission.

Fidos for Freedom positively changes the lives of persons with disabilities and all of the volunteers who work so hard for the organization. They make a lasting difference!

I have been with Fidos for a little over 3 years. I came to the organization to receive a mobility, service dog. I didn't realize that I would be gaining so much more.

I very quickly felt that both the clients and trainers cared about me as a person as well as a client. There is a definite family atmosphere at Fidos! I have developed some amazing friendships that will last a lifetime. In many organizations, it is difficult to find people who care as much as my friends at Fidos, but any time I've needed anything, summertime is there.

Because they care, the volunteers put an incredible amount of time and energy into their work there. Most have full time jobs and families, but still give us their all.

I've been matched with my dog, Tank, since February 2012. Since then, my life has changed immensely! I am able to live on my own and go out alone because Tank is there to help me. I'm back in college, taking a class, coaching a basketball team, volunteering at church, and other things I haven't been able to do in years.

I now volunteer wherever I can at Fidos so I can help others the same way I have been helped by others. I owe my independence and increased confidence to my Fidos For Freedom family!

I have been a volunteer with Fidos For Freedom for more than 13 years. At first, I thought it was all about the dogs, but I have come to understand that it is really about the people.

The people in hospitals, nursing homes, and health care settings who are lonely or in pain or afraid - Fidos Therapy Dogs visit them and bring the affection and companionship that only a dog can give.

People with disabilities or hearing loss who simply desire a freer, more independent life - Fidos Assistance Dogs bring them all this and more; research indicates that having an assistance dog increases social attraction from other human beings - thus reducing the social isolation that many people with disabilties are subjected to.

The people who freely give their time, their treasure, and their talent - to help small cute puppies become the indispensable life partners they will someday be. The careful breeders who donate one of their special pups to become such a dog out of an abundance of love for their breed and a desire to do good in this world. The people who rescue puppies and understand that it is a very special dog that is now unwanted but can become the most important dog in the world for a person with a disability or hearing loss.

The people who shepherd new clients through the process to become an assistance dog team or who share their lessons, good and bad, about how to be the best assistance dog partner you can be. And of course, the clients themselves. Fidos clients have taught me so much about the resilience of the human spirit, about the importance of never giving up in the face of disease or disability; and about the importance of community.

I am so privileged to be associated with this community, Fidos For Freedom.

When I started losing my hearing, I found Fidos for a Freedom. They gave me a hearing dog. They care a great deal about the clients and dogs. My life was changed for the better when they gave me Alice. the organization is run by an awesome group of people. They have an incredible therapy dog program and participate in the DEAR program. Grest organisation and I highly recommend them.

Wonderful volunteers, great dogs. constant in the community for >25 yrs . Clients treated as part of family and offered support before, during and after placement of assistance dog. Therapy Dogs visit community and love everyone.

Fidos For Freedom gave me independence. Having invisible disabilities meant that people could not tell by looking at me that I was deaf and had a balance disorder. I had trouble coping at work and rarely left the house for anything other than "must have" errands. After being matched with a hearing/balance assist dog named Chloe, I am no independent again. I can run errands, work, and I went back to school and am completing my doctorate. More importantly I found a "family". The trainers love people AND dogs, and work hard to make sure each match is successful. The volunteers and clients are all "community minded" and work hard to make a difference in the lives of others. Fidos For Freedom has made a permanent impact on my life.

My husband and I started volunteering for Fidos For Freedom about 6 years ago. We had, to begin with, 2 standard poodles with marvelous temperments that we thought would make great therapy dogs. I also had a dream for my male standard to be able to breed and donate puppies back to Fidos to be trained as service dogs. So far, one of the puppies is almost ready to be matched with a client, 2 are at the Federal prison, and the 2 puppies are with puppy raisers. We remain so thankful to Fidos For Freedom's trainers, puppy raisers, therapy dog program, and all the wonderful dedicated volunteers, who make lives of those they touch so much better.

I have been a volunteer with Fidos for almost 3 years and am working with my second therapy dog. The are a wonderful caring group that provides service dogs for little money and our visits to hospitals and care facilities are wonderful. A great organization.

Fidos for Freedom uses our church to help train the dogs by bringing them to our worship services to get them accustomed to large crowds. As a pastor in the church, I think the dogs are more observant during the sermon than the people are! These dogs are lovingly trained, and their trainers demonstrate love for people in need by training them. This is an excellent group of people!

Terrific group providing service dogs to those in need at no cost. It's easy to see how many hearts this group has touched by simply visiting them once. Their vast team of volunteers is well organized, talented and committed. They are truly a special group.

My cousin, Sharon Tucker was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Our family witnessed the strength and grace that Sharon demonstrated, even while she slowly lost her independence. She was pro-active and sought out Fidos for Freedom, Inc. I accompanied Sharon on some of her training classes where she learned how to work with these wonderfully trained dogs. I saw how she not only re-gained some independence, I saw her engaging with the trainers, other members and the dogs. She learned how to work with her dog, Tommy to do so many physical and social activities. More than anything else, I saw my cousin laughing, smiling, telling jokes, supporting others and developing a supportive circle of friends. Sharon is able to participate in all kinds of family and social activities because of Fidos for Freedom. Instead of despair, solitude and withdrawal from life, I saw the exact opposite. Sharon, my "big sister," mentor and best friend continues to enjoy her life because of the amazing work with Fidos for Freedom. I am so proud of her and so grateful to Fidos for Freedom for assisting her and our family through this most difficult journey; to freedom and independence with dignity. Linda D. Holland, LCSW

I have been involved with the organization since 2001 after the rest of my family got involved in various capacities from being a Jr Volunteer to the Jr Coordinator and Board Member. I can say from the office staff, to all the trainers, and all the volunteers are some of the best, and most devoted I've seen. It is amazing to see the effect a trained service dog has on the life of somebody who needs one. I'm proud to be a volunteer for them.

I have been working with this prganization since it's inception. My office provides veterinary care for ALL of the working Dogs and Therapy Dogs. For 20 years every person involved in the organization has been dedicted to raising and training these dogs for people w various disabilities, from complete paralysis to hearing disorders to seizures and more. The amount of time and effort that these voluteers put in is AMAZING TO ME.As a Veterinary Professional, there has never been a time when an animal either in their ownership or in their training has not been brought in as soon as any problem has been suspected. We have been able to p[ractice the highest quality of medicine without any interference from anyone involved with the group.I will give my full support ot Fidos For Freedom for as long as I practive Veterinary Medicine and after that, hopefully I will be able to donate my time to help foster and train dogs. Dr. Bob A Cohn and Dr. Kristine Covert of The North Laurel Animal Hospital

I am an adjunct professor at Coppin State University. I asked Sharon Tucker and Tommy to come speak to my class about the importance of service animals and organizations like Fidos For Freedom, Inc. The student were engaged and curious about Tommy's skills. They also gained an important insight regarding facility accessibility. I look forward to inviting Sharon and Tommy to my class each semester.

I currently serve as a puppy raiser for FIDOS. It's a tremendous community! I raise and socialize a puppy for 9-12 months and then release it back into the program for its formal training. I have volunteered in a variety of non-profits, but this experience by far has been one of the best.

I learned about Fidos 2 1/2 years ago. Since I do not have a dog, I didn't know how I could help. But as a "dogless handler", I go on visits to Hospitals and Nursing Homes with other volunteers who have more than one dog. Seeing the smiling faces of patients, especially children, is so heart warming. Many times it is hard to get to the patients because the staff and visitors want to pet the dogs; they are important too. Therapy dogs are just one aspect of Fidos. Providing service dogs to help the dependent become independent is inspiring. And a number of these people are young, even 20's, and so happy with their service dogs.

"I can't" is turned to "I CAN!" with the help of Fidos for Freedom! People whose lives are forever changed with the help of dogs can enjoy an independence that may have been squelched by physical limitations and a lack of confidence in their own abilities. Having an assistance/hearing dog opens doors literally and figuratively. Fidos volunteers come together to train champion teams who face daily hurdles. I find Fidos volunteers to be caring folk from all walks of life, giving of their hearts and talents and time to give others a hand up! I trained several assistance and hearing dogs for Fidos and have a true love and respect for the working dogs, the clients who put their all into preparing for life with a service dog, and a special regard for the many volunteers who are party to making the quality of life better for persons with disabilities. Learn more...call Fidos for Freedom for help...or to volunteer!

I have been a volunteeer with Fidos since 2001, when I was a freshman in high school. I started out as a junior volunteer in order to get my community service hours required for high school. I thought it would be a fun way to get my hours and be able to hang out around dogs- little did I know that it would suck me in and keep me around for more than 10 years. My junior year I became one of 2 juniors selected to raise a puppy for the assistance dog training program. After having him for a year I then raised another puppy, and then recruited my dad to take over the responsibility when I left for college. Over the past 8 years I have taken part of raising and/or training at least 6+ dogs between breaks from college and grad school. I also volunteered as an assistant to the Director of Client Services to ensure the clients' process through the training program went smoothly and efficiently. The most rewarding part of volunteering with Fidos is being able to see first hand the differences these dogs make on peoples' lives, and the knowledge that I to have been able to help people in ways I may never even understand.

Fidos provided me with my amazing hearing dog Star and continue to work with us to make sure that we remain on top of our game. I can't imagine what my life would be like if they had not come into it. I am a much happier, much more independent person because of them and I have formed long term lasting friendships with my fellow clients, the volunteers, the trainers, and everyone else who is a member of this close knit community.

I have volunteered with Fidos since 1998. There is nothing more rewarding for me than doing therapy dog work. The joy that a dog can bring to,someone is just priceless.

I wanted to say thanks to the trainers and friends at Fidos for freedom for giving me oppunity to have lily (hearing/services dog in my life and I feel more freedom and inpendence in my life... Thank you for all my Fidos friend to give me a wonderful hearing/ service dog.... Thanks fir this nonprofit to help other with disability but we are able and more inpendence in our life's with these services dogs... Thank you...

I am a hearing impaired person who lives a fully, more independent and happier life because of the hearing dog, Ellie, that I was matched with at FIDOS for Freedom in 2006.
In late 2005, I applied for a hearing dog at FIDOS. I went through an interview that asked me what me needs were, hearing a door knock, telephone ring, person coming up behind me, being told I had dropped something, someone calling my name and other sound alarms that I do not hear. I was accepted into the program and did my initial training, first without a dog, and then with various dogs. In March 2006, I was matched with Ellie, my Norwegian Buhund, hearing dog. I was also matched with a FIDOS trainer who would make Ellie work for me.
FIDOS has a well thought out program of making all this work. The volunteers give of their time and hearts to help the clients live a more independent, safer and happier life. Their good work has been demonstrated with Ellie’s behavior many times over the years and the organization is always willing to help me when I ask for it. Although, I have basically been rather inactive for the last four years or so I know that I can depend on them when I have needs.
Ellie has behaved in an amazing way over that time and it is a result of the careful choosing and training that she has received. I tell people that she really isn’t a dog but is my ears. I can take her everywhere, and do so, and depend on her proper behavior and alerting. We have been in theaters, air planes, trains, buses, airports, restaurants, classes, voting lines etc.
I am blessed to live near the FIDOS organization and truly believe that they deserve many awards for what they do for people with hearing and mobility disabilities and for the therapy dog work they do.

As the Pet Therapy Coordinator at Kennedy krieger Institute, it has been a pleasure working with Fidos For Freedom. Their monthly visits bring joy and comfort to children who are healing from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, surgical procedures, and other disorders that affect chidren. The teams help the children feel safe, happy, entertained, and unconditionally loved! This is one of the programs our patients and their families have identified as one of their favorites at Kennedy Krieger Institute.

Eight years and two months ago I was matched to Ryan, my hearing assistance dog - a beautiful, loving, sweet natured two year old yellow labrador. What a wonderful gift! I thought I knew what I was getting into - in fact I had no idea, I got SO much more! After nine months of training at Fidos I was ready to be matched. At the end of the announcement the words "now the real work starts" were added. It didn't take long to find out how true they were. I had been matched to a dog who had spent the first two years of his life in training to be a hearing assistance dog. We fell in love with each other quickly but Ryan held back - maybe I was another trainer, or a vacation home provider, how long would he be with me - I could practically read his mind as he looked at me from the other side of the couch or his bed. It took a year to finally convince him that he was home for good! In the meantime he was an amazing worker - alerting me to everything he had been trained to help me with - timers, alarm clocks, phone ringing, etc. but also to sounds he decided I should know about - electric kettle going off, toaster popping up, even when something boiled in a pan. It was amazing. After years of burning food, cookies, forgetting to turn the sprinkler off now all I had to do was set a timer and wait for Ryan to tell me when it went off - I could relax on my deck! I could sleep at night knowing Ryan would wake me when the alarm went off - especially important if we had to travel the next morning! In my efforts to make Ryan feel welcome in my home I was not a very good leader so he decided to take charge for a while. I would open the front door and he would charge out. Somebody would come and he would have his nose in the door crack waiting for me to open the door to greet the guest. Where was Fidos in all this? This is where Fidos truly shines! Every step of the way they were there to help me - train ME to work with Ryan, to become a true partnership. Ryan already had the training - he was waiting for me to become his leader. Once we got that straightened out we settled into a wonderful relationship. So many times he has amazed me in what he does for me. One experience we had (which has had many repeats in different settings) happened late one night in an underground parking garage. We had worked late in an office and were the last ones heading out. As we walked to the car Ryan suddenly stopped, jerking the leash. I couldn't imagine why but I remembered the words from training "listen to your dog" so I turned around - Ryan was picking up my keys which I had inadvertently dropped. It's hard to describe how I felt at that moment - I think my love and gratitude to Ryan probably quadrupled in that instant. Over and over again people tell me (at the grocery store, when we walk through airports, just about anywhere we go in public) that Ryan is always watching me, that he holds his head high and proud (obviously loves what he does). Apparently so do I! Ryan is now ten years old, he is slowing down but he still works and most of the time wants to go out in public. He is an excellent traveler - we have traveled to Peru 14 times together, twice to Alaska, to Canada, to England and Europe - he never ceases to amaze fellow travelers with his impeccable manners and sweet nature. For the first three years I had Ryan we lived fairly close to Fidos and would attend training sessions and demos whenever we could. After that we moved away but every year we have returned to Fidos to take the recertification exam. Ryan makes me proud as he shows off all his training as he completes each test. Fidos has very strict requirements about who they place their dogs with, when they feel a client is ready to be matched to a dog, which dog is right for the client, etc. As clients we are impatient to be matched quickly; looking back I realize how important that pre-match training time was. After you are matched you get months of personal one on one training with your dog learning how to go out in public together, how to take care of him/her, getting questions answered. When you finally get to take your dog home you are well prepared - you know the dog's language (commands). Actually sometimes you draw a blank as I did shortly after Ryan came home with me. Before Ryan was allowed to touch his food he needed to hear "paid for." One morning I could not remember the words. Poor Ryan was literally drooling into his food waiting for the command. I was at the point of calling his trainer when I finally remembered it!!!! Fidos has always been there for me. For a volunteer organization they do an amazing service to the community not only in training service and hearing assistance dogs but also with the extensive therapy dog program and educating the community. They definitely deserve to be at the top of the list of non-profit groups!

Judy helped me and my family work with the newest addition of our family which was a 7 month old coon-hound which we rescues from a high kill shelter. When we found out that our 3rd child was due, we needed to be sure that our new dog, Bay, would be able to adjust to the new lifestyle. Judy helped us get Bay ready for the new baby and now the baby is Bay's number 1 priority. Judy has provided us more guidance than we can ever repay her for.

I have been a volunteer with Fidos for over twenty years in many capacities. I have had six therapy dogs in the program over the years and have served as a puppy raiser and trainer. Training service and hearing dogs and teaching others to do the same is part of my mission with Fidos. I have learned many skills as a volunteer and met and worked with many wonderful people. Being a volunteer in this organization has been one of the most fulfilling activities in my life. The sense of community, giving to the community, and caring set this organization apart.

FIDOS for Freedom is a truly inspirational organization. I have a daughter who is very quiet, and knowing that FIDOS has a program geared towards assisting children in developing their reading skills means so much to me. Their programs are truly broad reaching and affect so many aspects of our community.

Fidos has been an organization that our whole family could volunteer at together. We all have different interests and have found a way to explore them at Fidos. It has been a very positive experience for us all to share volunteering and see the positive results on many levels. We all have learned from our experience at Fidos and have applied that knowledge in many ways. Seeing clients and dog teams succeed and hearing the clients speak of how their service dog has changed their life, seeing people buoyed up in spirit by a dog visit, seeing lagging students improve in their reading skills in a short period of time are all major benefits of our Fidos volunteer experience. In addition we have worked with all kinds of dogs at many different levels of development. All in all we are all richer for our Fido's experience and can feel great having made a difference for many in need. Without a doubt we've received much more than we've given.

This is an inspirational group who does such wonderful things in the community. I have been especially impressed with the program working with at the Prison where they help train the puppies who will later be service dogs. What an amazing gift to so many in need. As physical therapist this is so crucial for so many of my pediatric patients who are in need of a service dog to help them with their everyday needs.

Fido's is an incredible organization. They help so many people in so many ways. They train therapy dogs that go out to hospitals and nursing homes to visit the sick. They train service dogs to help those with disabilities, they run a program at the prison in Cumberland to work with the young dogs for basic training and they have the school program that lets the children read to the dogs to practice their reading skills. These volunteers certainly touch many lives in such important ways.

I have found Fidos for Freedom to be a great non-profit. I am particularly impressed with their program with prisoners in the correctional institute in Cumberland. They also involved in training service dogs and therapy dogs. It is a program of selfless people reaching out to the community.

My best friend started out with Fidos with therapy dogs. She has been going for so long that some of her dogs have retired but she has kept on and trained new dogs as therapy dogs. I have seen her blossom as a person through her good deeds as a therapy dog handler. Once I went as her guest to the Fidos banquet. Not only was it impressive to hear about all the various programs and services they provide, it was amazing to be around so many well-behaved dogs at one time. There were hundreds of people there and I was one of the few without a dog!

I've done some volunteer work for Fidos and seen them in action. It's so wonderful knowing that a group like this is willing to put in tremendous hours to select and train dogs in the very specialized skills they need to serve as companion dogs. I know how much these dogs mean to the clients who receive them: literally a new life, in addition to greater security and companionship. These dogs help bring many disabled clients out of depression and help them to get out of the home where they would otherwise be confined.

I've been in the service dog field since the late 1970s, starting the first prison dog program in 1981. I've been personally involved with Fidos for many years, helping them find dogs and going to educational programs with them. This group is by far one of the best service dog organizatons that I have ever come to know about. They are excellent in maintaining high training standard and they give back, starting a prison dog program in Maryland. The Fidos For Freedom team make the experience personal for their clients. They care about them. It is a volunteer group that demonstrates the importance to becoming involved in helping others. I would recommend this organization 100 percent.. not just saying this but really meaning it because I know first hand the good that they have done and continue to do. Sr Pauline Quinn

So about 10 yrs ago, my life fell apart! Literally; My best friend in the world, my husband, passed away from cancer. The last gift he gave me right before he died, was my sweet golden/lab puppy named Max. Max was special from the start and so many friends told me "You should make him a Therapy dog". My vet recommended I go to Fidos For Freedom in Laurel as they did Therapy work at numerous local health care facilities. I figured giving back and focusing on helping others might be the best ticket to my own recovery; so off I went. Once we started visiting the nursing homes, the children's homes, the hospitals and so many other health care places, I began to realize what an amazing organization Fidos for Freedom really is. They not only bring comfort and joy to many many people in health care and residentail facilites; they help the patients, the staff and the families! Then I also found out they train assistance animals for the mobility and hearing impaired. These specially trained dogs are raised and trained and then become the life line for our clients for many years to come. WOW! what an organization; they do therapy dog work; they do assistance dog work; they help people in so many ways all over the Baltimore Washington area. I am proud and honored to be a part of such a special organziation!!! Check them out!! they are open to the public on Wed nights from 6:30pm to 8:30pm and on Sat mornings from 10am to 11am ; you can get a really good doggie fix and see what this great organization does!!

It is an honor to come to work everyday and interact with the dogs, the handlers, and the Fidos for Freedom organization . The dogs have a very positive impact on everyone around them, and It is rewarding to observe the dogs as they mature and learn new skills. The program effects the handlers, too, as they build confidence through practice and patience. The training the handlers receive from Fidos is top-notch. Thank you for gving us the opportunity to help you help others!

I love Fidos' Therapy Dog program. I started volunteering with Fidos in 2005. just after my father died after a long illness in a nursing home. I knew firsthand how important therapy dog visits were, but I didn't know how to get started. Then I found Fidos on the web. Fidos trained me and my dog how to do the best visits. They introduced me to other therapy dog teams and we do visits in groups Fidos is well organized -- they have a huge selection of visits, from Annapolis to Baltimore; from children's hospitals to rehab centers. They do visits at night and during the day. Fidos has a long history of doing therapy visits--there are always experienced volunteers on hand to help newcomers. Going with a team means that we can visit more people and it means that I have emotional support when the visits remind me of my dad. I'm glad to be a part of a group that does such important work.

This organization provides so much help to so many people. The dedicated volunteers really make all their programs run so beautifully. Those they help and the dogs that help them are inspirations to us all.

"Actions and words are the windows through which the heart is seen." And at Fidos for Freedom the hearts are all big and their program is wonderful. I have seen so many people and animals helped by Fidos. It is a very worthy charity.

I have been a volunteer at Fidos For Freedom for over twelve years. I continue to be inspired by the dedication of the volunteers, whether they are raising puppies, training dogs, taking their own dogs on therapy visits to hospitals and nursing homes, or taking their dogs to help children learn to read. Everyone is doing their part to help people increase the quality of their lives with these special dogs. Every time I see one of our service dogs working with a client and helping them be more independent, it gives me chills. I am proud to be a part of this very special group of people.

I became a Fidos volunteer after learning about the program when my daughter joined the junior volunteer program in 2001. My daughter participated in a pilot program, becoming the first junior volunteer to be allowed to become a puppy raiser for Fidos. This introduced me to the Fidos mission of enabling people to improve their quality of life by training dogs to assist them in their normal daily activities. Fidos also has a therapy dog program where volunteers take their dogs to various venues to brighten the lives of the people they visit. I saw that this organization was dedicated to improving the lives of people in the local area through the unique abilities of the volunteers and their canine companions. Over the years, I have performed many activities in support of Fidos. I have been a puppy raiser, vacation home provider, dog trainer, therapy dog handler, and information technology specialist. One of nicest things about Fidos is that volunteers can find ways to match their unique talents with the needs of the organization. All while knowing that they are helping to improve peoples' lives through your efforts.