Military hero matched with Fidelco guide dog

BLOOMFIELD, CT (WFSB) - Blinded military hero and paralympic medalist, Brad Snyder of Maryland, is the new owner of a Fidelco guide dog.

A year and a half ago, an explosive device took the 29 year-old's sight in Afghanistan. Although the transition has been difficult, the match of a Fidelco guide dog will help aid the change.

Lt. Snyder is looking forward to establishing a bond with the right dog.

"I think humans adapt to dogs as much as dogs adapt to humans," said Lt. Snyder. "You really establish a very unique relationship with the guide dog."

At Fidelco's headquarters in Bloomfield, Snyder met and worked with several potential guide dogs to find the best match to take home.

The right match is important in this relationship.

"They will spend literally three weeks locked at the hip learning how to work together as a partnership team," said Eliot Russman, Fidelco Guide Dog Foundations CEO.

This partnership will help Lt. Snyder be the person he was before the accident.

"I was very autonomous, very independent," said Lt. Snyder. "I really want to get back to that as much as possible and a guide dog is an amazing way to do that."