• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Before Header

  • Client Services Login
  • Current Volunteers

Can Do Canines Assistance Dogs logo

Our Dogs Fetch Amazing Things

  • Our Dogs
          • Assistance Dogs
            • Mobility Assist Dogs
            • Autism Assist Dogs
            • Seizure Assist Dogs
            • Diabetes Assist Dogs
            • Hearing Assist Dogs
            • Facility Dogs
          • How to Apply
            • Assistance Dog FAQs
            • Is an Assistance Dog Right for You?
          • Journey of a Can Do Canine
          • Where Our Dogs Come From
          • Career-Changed Dogs
  • Get Involved
          • Volunteer
            • Dog Hosting Opportunities
            • Campus, Event, and Remote Opportunities
          • Buy Merchandise
          • Spread the Word
          • Donate
            • Sustaining Monthly Gifts
            • Estate and Planned Giving
            • Workplace Giving
            • More Ways to Give
            • Wish Lists
          • Events
            • Fetching Ball Gala
            • Can Do Woofaroo
            • Open House
            • Graduation
            • Pups in Prison Event
            • Corporate Partnerships
  • About
          • About Us
          • Our Humans
          • Our Story
          • Our WAG Center
          • Prison Puppy Program
          • Careers
          • Our Finances & Annual Report
            • Charitable Organization Registration Compliance
          • News
            • Newsletter Archive
          • FAQs for Medical Professionals
  • Contact Us
  • Donate
  • Our Dogs
          • Assistance Dogs
            • Mobility Assist Dogs
            • Autism Assist Dogs
            • Seizure Assist Dogs
            • Diabetes Assist Dogs
            • Hearing Assist Dogs
            • Facility Dogs
          • How to Apply
            • Assistance Dog FAQs
            • Is an Assistance Dog Right for You?
          • Journey of a Can Do Canine
          • Where Our Dogs Come From
          • Career-Changed Dogs
  • Get Involved
          • Volunteer
            • Dog Hosting Opportunities
            • Campus, Event, and Remote Opportunities
          • Buy Merchandise
          • Spread the Word
          • Donate
            • Sustaining Monthly Gifts
            • Estate and Planned Giving
            • Workplace Giving
            • More Ways to Give
            • Wish Lists
          • Events
            • Fetching Ball Gala
            • Can Do Woofaroo
            • Open House
            • Graduation
            • Pups in Prison Event
            • Corporate Partnerships
  • About
          • About Us
          • Our Humans
          • Our Story
          • Our WAG Center
          • Prison Puppy Program
          • Careers
          • Our Finances & Annual Report
            • Charitable Organization Registration Compliance
          • News
            • Newsletter Archive
          • FAQs for Medical Professionals
  • Contact Us
  • Donate
Home / News / From Graduate to Advocate

From Graduate to Advocate

May 8, 2024

One of the requirements when clients are first matched with one of our dogs is to get the dog licensed in their city if their city requires it. When Bethany, who lives in Wisconsin, visited her City Hall for this task in Spring 2023, she was surprised to learn that only a few types of assistance dogs were eligible for free licensing in the state. Her new Seizure Assist Dog, Qantas, did not qualify. 

Frustrated and wanting to advocate for all with disabilities, Bethany asked what could be done. She was eventually advised to contact her state legislator. “And so,” she says, “I did.”

She called State Representative Steve Doyle’s office and worked with his assistant on creating a bill to waive all service dog licensing fees in Wisconsin. The Legislature unanimously passed it, and Rep.  Doyle called Bethany to congratulate her on her hard work. 

When the bill was on its way to the governor’s desk, Bethany made us aware of this progress, and we arranged it so she and Qantas could be present when Gov. Tony Evers signed the bill. The two of them traveled to the state capital in March for the ceremony.

Bethany shared at the time, “This is truly the most awesome thing I’ve ever done and I got to share the moment with my inspiration behind the bill… my best friend, my cutest companion, my 'Baby Blessing,' my 'Golden Gift' … my seizure and mobility assist dog, Qantas!”

group of adults standing in formal room behind large table with one man sitting at table holding up document and with yellow Lab service dog lying on ground near table

Bethany with Qantas at far right.  Photo Credit:  Greg Anderson, Legislative Photographer

 

Watch TV report of this story, featured by News 8, WKBT

yellow Lab service dog bringing pillow to woman sitting on sofa

Previous Post: «man standing on grass outside building wearing colorful tie-dyed sweatshirt and Golden Retriever wearing red Can Do Canines service dog cape; both are smiling at camera A Returned Sense of Security
Next Post: Mobility Assist Dog Gina is More than Ruth Ever Expected woman sitting on leather sofa with arm around black Lab service dog lying next to her»

Footer

Can Do Canines Assistance Dogs oval logo

Phone iconContact Us

763-331-3000
info@candocanines.org

Map iconLocation

9440 Science Center Drive
New Hope, Minnesota 55428
Directions
Assistance Dogs International Accredited Member websiteCandid. Platinum Transparency 2024 logo  Charities Review Council Meets Standards website

© 2025 Can Do Canines. All Rights Reserved.Contact Us  |  Careers  |  Press Kit  | Accessibility Statement  |  Privacy Policy  |  Site Map