WATERTOWN, Conn. -
Ivy has been going to work with Greater Watertown FCU CEO Tom O'Neil since the time she was 9 weeks old, and she's already helped the credit union win at least one award.
That's because Ivy is a German Shepherd who is destined to become a service dog.
Over the last 18 months, Ivy has visited various Small Employee Groups, attended board meetings, staff meetings, the Connecticut Credit Union League's annual meeting, and a daylong strategic planning session for the Constitution Corporate Federal Credit Union.
The credit union's commitment to helping Ivy become a service dog was the primary reason the credit union was chosen by state CU officials to be this year's winner of the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Award.
After her 18-month tenure at Watertown FCU was completed at the end of October, Ivy was transferred back to the Fidelco headquarters in Bloomfield, Conn., where she is enrolled in a six-month intense training program to learn the skills of guiding a person who is visually impaired. Upon successful completion of this training, Ivy will then be placed with someone who is visually impaired.
Credit Union Journal recently asked O'Neil a few questions about Ivy's tenure at the CU.
CU Journal: Why did you decide to foster Ivy for the past 18 months?
O'Neil: I like the idea of volunteering my time for worthwhile causes. I've been a Big Brother for nine years, served on the board for a charitable organization for 20 years and thought I would try working with Fidelco as I've become a lover of properly trained canines over the years.
CUJ: Why did you decide to originally start bringing Ivy to work with you?
O'Neil: Actually my original plan was to keep Ivy at home and commute back and forth at lunchtime. I tried bringing her to work on the first day and it went so well that I just maintained the routine. To my amazement, it's the easiest part of my day. No barking, whining, and no begging. It's when we get home the real games begin.
CUJ: How did Ivy impact the credit union?
O'Neil: Everyone without exception has been very supportive of Ivy, especially the eight credit-union employees. I could never have completed the fostering had it not been for the kindness and understanding of the entire Greater Watertown Federal Credit Union Family.
CUJ: What are reactions from members visiting the branch upon seeing Ivy?
O'Neil: Most members have no idea that she is at the credit union because, except for periodic breaks, she spends the day under my desk. When they do realize there's a dog on the property, they will either ignore us to ask out of curiosity about the dog.
CUJ: How does the staff feel about Ivy being transferred back to the Fidelco headquarters?
O'Neil: Outside of receiving threats to poke both my eyes out, half of the staff is very sad and half appear to be indifferent. Unless an employee sneaks into my office with some mid-day treats, most employees have little or no contact with Ivy. I tried to make her time here transparent to staff and members. (c) 2007 The Credit Union Journal and SourceMedia, Inc. All Rights Reserved. http://www.cujournal.com http://www.sourcemedia.com
