At only 10 weeks old, Redondo Iola, is on a path to a lifetime of service.
The golden retriever is under the tutelage of Ron Fry who is training the pup as part of the KSDS, Inc., a program based in Washington, Kan. The program provides canine assistants across 28 states, about half of which remain in Kansas.
This is a new experience for Fry.
“I’ve trained a lot of bird dogs for hunting,” he said. Training guide dogs seemed a natural transition, he said.
Fry has 10 months to train Redondo Iola, named after a beach in Southern California with Fry’s addition of his hometown. “I call him Iola,” he said.
He hopes Iola becomes a familiar feature at Iola schools and nursing homes. His other goal with the dog is to raise awareness about the unique qualities of “man’s best friend,” for the benefit of the Allen County Animal Rescue Facility, where he is a frequent volunteer.
“I’d like area kids to be aware of the responsibility of raising a pet and the important role ACARF plays in our community. Maybe to the point where people help support ACARF through gifts, if they feel so inclined,” he said.
Fry, 62, graduated from Iola High School in 1968, attended Allen County Community College and then pursued a degree in building design and construction from Pittsburg State University.
He spent his career with Boeing in Wichita as an industrial engineer, retiring in 2005.
He returned to Iola in December 2009.
“I remembered the good life I had here,” he said. “I came back because of the people.”
Since his return Fry also has volunteered at Iola Nursing Home, including help train its resident dog, Bella.
“It’s part Beagle and something else.”
ACARF is in a financial strait. Donations of any size are appreciated, said Andi DePriest, director of the shelter. To donate, send gifts to ACARF, 305 E. 54 HWY, LaHarpe, KS 66751. A detailed list of immediate needs can be found at its website, acarf.com, as well as “mug” shots of cats and dogs available for adoption.
