Support Tony and Fia's Service Dog Journey

This here is Fia. Fia is a golden retriever puppy who lives in Maine. However, this story is not just about Fia; this story is also about her “person.” This story is about one of our very own local first responding heroes, Firefighter Paramedic, Tony Cataldi. Fia is gearing up for a very important job, and that is starting her training through Mission Working Dogs as a future support/therapy/work dog for and with her “person,” Tony.

Here is Tony’s story…

Some of you know me and all that my life is, and others don't. Some days I'm happy to share, others I really wish no one knew me. I often refer to my existence as a "rainy day lifetime movie." I do know a few things define who I am, and those are being a present dad for my kids and the other is being a paramedic. Two of the best jobs in the world.

A few years ago, after almost 25 years in public safety, an extremely contentious divorce under my belt, another one brewing at home, and a child in high-speed self-destruct, I hit a point that I never thought would come. As a medical provider, one of my biggest downfalls was that I didn't believe in, or better yet understand, mental health issues. I dealt with patients for years and always assumed it was just bullsh*t. I thought all it took was self-control and anything else was done purposely. Then I had my first panic attack.

A person who I work with cared enough to be that persistent friend and he helped make some connections for me. No pressure, but there nonetheless. (Thank you, Shane. I can't ever repay you for helping me. I will forever be in your debt.) After seeing a professional or two, I was diagnosed with severe complex PTSD, anxiety, depression, and ADHD.

Fast forward to 2023 and only being able to see Sam and Reece (my shepherd mix) 2 days a week, I had such a huge hole in my life. I talked about it several times in therapy and after years of different kinds of treatment, runs of meds and dosages, it was brought up and recommended by my therapists and doctor that I look into getting a service dog to help with the things that still give me a rough go, one of which being the anxiety of not having either Sam or Reece with me. I signed up for every dog rescue there was and looked into every service pet organization I could find. I think I found 3 that are not exclusively for military personnel. Things looked grim and it seemed like it would happen when it was supposed to. Just then, another amazing friend showed me the single most selfless act I've felt in years. That's when Fia came into my life. (Jolene)

Some also know that I have applied, went through an extensive application and interview process for Mission Working Dogs. Fia had a practical exam too, which she did AWESOME. I'm very excited to report that yesterday I was notified that we were accepted into their program for training and Fia will work to become a certified service dog.

Part of the agreement is that we help raise funds for her training. I don't like asking for money, so in the coming spring, I will be selling maple syrup and other maple products. I will also be making breads, bagels, and holiday pies to sell this fall/winter with 100% of proceeds going to MWD and our obligation for our training.

We will be volunteering our time at various events as we help represent MWD. I'll be sure to post them so all know where and when they'll be!

I hope my friends, family, brothers, and sisters will support Fia, me, and Mission Working Dogs while we train and work towards our certification!