Supporting Fundappas to improve quality of life of dogs and people
Fundappas is the first school of guide and assistance dogs in Uruguay. It raises, socializes and trains guide and assistance dogs to be given free of charge to visually impaired people and families with children suffering from autistic disorders (ASD).
Boehringer Ingelheim supports Fundappas by providing antiparasitics, vaccines and medical treatment for the dogs and promotes their meaningful activities and projects. We share the belief that these dogs can actually improve the life of their owners, providing autonomy, freedom, and physical and emotional safety that they would never be able to achieve without them. The owner and the dog develop an unconditional bond of love and companionship.
Meet Alberto Calcagno, founder and president of Fundappas, and learn more about his motivation to establish the school as well as the relationship between these smart guide dogs and their owners.
Alberto, why did you decide to create Fundappas, what was your motivation?
My motivation came from a very personal situation: I lost my eyesight in 2003. Apart from the love and support I got from my family at the time, I still required rehabilitation. I have an affinity for dogs, so I started thinking that someday I might have a guide dog to help me.
And you got one… What emotional and physical benefits do you experience by having a guide dog?
The emotional benefits are huge. They stay with you, no matter what, they watch over you, always; they are unconditional friends. You might know that the foremost tool blind people use to be able to walk is the white cane. Using it requires training – there is a special technique you have to learn, and it takes time. If you have a guide dog, many challenges on streets are immediately solved by the dog. You can move safely at a faster pace. Protecting your physical integrity is the uttermost benefit of having a guide dog.
This sounds like a really strong bond between guide dogs and owners?
It definitely is. A guide dog and his/her owner are together 24 hours a day. They live with us, sleep inside, go everywhere we go, they even go to work with us. The bond between me and my dog is extraordinary; I know what his reactions are, although I can’t see him. And he knows mine.
Your organization also supports children suffering from ASD. What role do assistance dogs play for them?
They assist the whole family, not only the child. Assistance dogs act as communication vehicles between the child and the rest of the family members. They permanently watch over the child and work as a team with the family in finding new ways to stimulate the child. Their job is extraordinary.
Do you think that having a healthy dog makes a difference to your own health?
Yes, without a doubt. The International Federation of Guide Dogs requires that Guide Dog Schools breed their own dogs so that genetics are carefully taken care of. We do that at Fundappas, too. Puppies need to be raised in a healthy way. Parasites control and vaccination are essential; guide dogs need to be healthy to take good care of us.
What is Boehringer Ingelheim’s contribution to your organization?
Boehringer Ingelheim provides NexGard®, Frontline® and vaccines for our dogs. As I said the dog’s health is essential, we care for them, and they care for us. Knowing that my dog’s health is taken care of is very comforting to me. We are very grateful for your support and kindness!
Find out more about Fundappas by watching this short video (in Spanish with English subtitles - activate subtitles in right hand corner of the video).