Archives for October 2016

Kali  & Mobility Assistance Dog Buddy Kali was born prematurely at 23 weeks of age. At such a tender age, babies are typically around 11 inches long and weighing in at just over a pound. For reference, that’s about the size of a large mango. At this stage, blood vessels in a baby’s lungs are developing to prepare for breathing. Kali was born so early that she needed to have a double lung transplant as an infant. Kali spent a lot of time in hospitals as an infant and young child, her body struggling to grow stronger. She didn’t have …

Stephanie Oxley and Mobility Assistance Dog Trek Author: Joy Miller If a person saw Stephanie Oxley from Prior Lake, Minn. walking down the street, they would see a “regular” 20-year old woman with cute, short hair and glasses – nothing that might make one stop and wonder. Also, watching her water ski, one would see a typical, active, Minnesotan enjoying one of our famous 10,000 lakes. The perception of a normal, healthy, active adult would, however, be incorrect. This is a young woman with serious health issues, who is overcoming them with grace, determination, and the love and support of …

Amy Kainz & Mobility Assistance Dog Rebel Author: Vera Mariner It’s hard to believe that Amy Kainz and Mobility Assistance Dog Rebel have been “officially” together for only a few weeks. They’ve visited malls, restaurants, gone to movies and even the county fair where Rebel was “a rock star.” Amy is a wife and mom who enjoys going to her children’s activities, crafting, and volunteering her time. She also lives with progressive multiple sclerosis and needs help retrieving dropped items, opening and closing doors and needs stability if she falls. There’s a growing bond between Amy and Rebel. They seem …

Braxton Wiebusch & Mobility Assist Dog Blue Braxton Wiebusch from Sartell, Minn. enjoys hunting, fishing, camping and competing in wheelchair hockey. He’s a 20-year-old college student with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a degenerative muscle disease that affects every muscle in Braxton’s body. Braxton and his family all wanted an assistance dog, but they were uncertain about this decision because of the fur allergies they collectively deal with. Enter the playful and sweet canine, Blue. Blue is a handsome two-and-a-half-year-old Poodle who sports a white and brown coat. Not only is Blue specially trained as a Mobility Assistance Dog because of …