On September 2^nd, after observing several foster pup classes, Todd and I picked up our 7 week-old 12.5 pound Fidelco foster pup. A member of the N-22 litter, we named this future hero, Nikka. She was named for my best friend Diane’s son, Nico who is autistic and benefits from a Canine Companion service dog, Ames.

     And so started our first (and hopefully not last) experience as Fidelco foster parents. For the next year and a half or so we would attend weekly classes at Fidelco with our pup to learn the obedience training and socialization skills that will give Nikka the best possible chance of becoming a guide dog. 

     We fell in love with her from the start. She was so tiny, cute and already incredibly smart. At just 7 weeks she already knew how to sit, lie down and target. She was introduced to her “brothers”, German Shepherds Klaus (7) and Gunnar (5), one a time. Gunnar was somewhat unphased by her arrival, but Klaus was immediately taken with her. I was a little worried because he was so big compared to little Nikka. We set up the kitchen for Nikka with tall baby gates to keep the boys out…or so I thought. I took Nikka in the kitchen and Klaus immediately jumped the gates. I watched Klaus closely and was pleasantly surprised to see him using his protective, almost maternal, instincts with Nikka. He lied down on the floor and Nikka curled up next to him. Soon they were asleep. Nikka became instantly attached to Klaus and cried when he was not near her. Klaus even slept next to her crate the first night. Ever since, Nikka has been Klaus’ shadow. And Gunnar? Well, he took a little more time to warm up to our little girl, but I am happy to say they now get along great. Klaus had surgery in December which resulted in Nikka losing her primary playmate for 2 weeks while he recovered. This gave Nikka and Gunnar the perfect opportunity to get to know each other better and the results have been fantastic. 

     Time has passed quickly and Nikka turned 8 months old on March 13^th. It’s hard to believe that the tiny little puff ball we brought home just a few months ago is now over 60 pounds. Her training is coming along quite well. We attend all of our foster classes and do basic skills training every day. She has gone on individual walks observed by Fidelco staff in Windsor and West Hartford centers. She has also participated in group walks with nearly 30 Fidelco foster pups and their foster parents. 

     In addition to Fidelco training and walks, Nikka is already a “working dog”. In November of 2006 she became the newest member of the marketing department and instant celebrity at TRUMPF Inc. in Farmington, CT. While she does not create brochures, write ad copy or coordinate trade shows, when she is in the office she is working. Many Fidelco graduates work and so, their guide dogs need to learn how to behave and maneuver around an office. Nikka has learned to stay by her foster mom in the office, lying quietly under my desk or in her crate. She also attends meetings and conference calls, some as much as 2 hours long. She is completely quiet and in many cases, meeting participants do not even know she is in the room. OK, so maybe she whined a little in the 2 hour meeting, but quite honestly so did I! She has also been exposed to elevators, many stairs and doors, loud noises (the fabricating equipment in our demo room, forklifts, construction equipment building our new facility, etc.) and walking on grates on the upstairs catwalk. All things that you may not realize, contribute significantly to her overall training. 

     But, it’s not all work and no play for Nikka during a day at TRUMPF. I take her for a two mile walk during lunch, even in the cold. And, a few weeks ago we started a little walking club. June Noble and Lili, her German Shepherd therapy dog, join us whenever they can. June was foster mom to Xcel, now in training at Fidelco. Nikka and I enjoy walking with our new friends. It’s a lot more fun than walking alone. 

     In addition to spending a few days a week with me at TRUMPF, Nikka also goes to work with Todd at the Torrington Fire Department. The guys on Todd’s shift have learned how to train her and take turns working with her on her skills. It is good for Nikka to work with people other than Todd and me. When there is a call Nikka stays with the dispatcher, chief, deputy or fire marshall and while she seems to miss Todd when he’s on a call she is very well behaved. The department has regular training classes which Nikka attends on occasion. Again, she quietly sits through the class without interruptions. She loves her days at the firehouse and usually comes home exhausted. 

     I am very grateful to TRUMPF and the Torrington Fire Department for giving Nikka the opportunity to come to train at work with me and Todd. We are proud of her accomplishments and truly believe that her exposure to work environments makes a significant impact on her training and will increase her chances of making it as a guide dog. 

     Everyone asks Todd and me how we will ever be able to give Nikka up when it’s time for her to go back to Fidelco for her formal training. Of course it will be incredibly difficult as she has become a part of our family. However, she is meant for bigger and better things than being part of the LaMothe shepherd klan. She will change the life of someone who is visually impaired giving them independence they may have thought they had lost forever. She will become a hero. She’s already a hero to me. 

     Please consider sponsoring Nikka’s Pawtners in support of the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation and the invaluable service they provide to our visually impaired community. If you would like to donate, but would prefer to not do it on line, you can mail your donation to Sheila LaMothe, 66 Reservoir Rd, Harwinton, CT 06791. Checks should be made payable to Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation. Or, if you would like to become a Nikka's Pawtners team member, just let me know and I'll help you get signed up.