Megan Johnson and Hearing Assistance Dog Duke By Sarah Schaff Living alone is a challenge on its own; you aren’t able to rely on someone having your back and a simple accident can quickly become an emergency. Having your own place while being deaf can make everyday activities difficult. This was one of Megan Johnson’s biggest concerns. Megan was born deaf and has had cochlear implants for 17 years. She still primarily signs and has extremely limited hearing, even with the implants. She uses a video phone, vibrating alarm clock, and flashing doorbell to function in a world she can’t …
Archives for September 2017
A New Leash on Life
Marty Lukaszewski and Mobility Assistance Dog Laverne By Sarah Lennander Marty Lukaszewski of Blaine, Minnesota, says, “God gave me a talent to teach.” So he took that talent and became a teacher, working at Minnesota Virtual High School. He works from home most of the week, but on the days he’s in the office he turns a lot of heads. His coworkers come running when they see Marty and his 50-pound black Poodle, Laverne. But she’s not there for looks—she’s there to work, just like Marty. As a Mobility Assistance Dog, Laverne plays an important role in Marty’s life, just …
A Diamond in the Ruff
David and Mobility and Seizure Assistance Dog Jewel David and Jewel are a pretty unique team. The first reason is that Jewel is trained in two different assistance dog skills. But this team is unique in a second way—on Thursday, September 14, David and Jewel became the 600th team that Can Do Canines certified! Because of his disability, David needs both mobility and seizure assistance. So in July of 2017 he was matched with Jewel, a Black Labrador Retriever that does both mobility and seizure work. David has neurocognitive issues and peripheral neuropathy. This means he struggles with balance, especially …
Yoda: The Jedi Master of Mobility Assistance
Dianne Ward and Mobility Assistance Dog Yoda By Sarah Lennander In this story, Yoda didn’t become one with the force—he became one with his client, Dianne Ward. In a galaxy not so far away—Shoreview, Minnesota—the two are adjusting to life as a team. In 2006, Dianne developed Guillain-Barre syndrome which left her with residual balance problems and weakness, increasing her risk of falling. Everyday activities that most people don’t think twice about (carrying books up the stairs or turning around to place a cup of coffee on the table) become a potential danger for someone who struggles with balance. Dianne …
These Assistance Dog Skills Run in the Family
Roger Tottingham & Mobility Assistance Dog Whitney Author: Sarah Schaff As a retired Navy veteran residing in Oronoco, Minnesota, Roger Tottingham is no stranger to overcoming challenges and taking care of business as efficiently as possible. However, when he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 42 years ago, his lifestyle shifted and he became more reliant on help from others. Roger was able to stay active for a while before needing to use a powerchair, and his wife, Linda, has been a constant, necessary source of his care. Maintaining his independence is one of Linda and Roger’s biggest hopes for the …
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