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Home / About Us / News

News

Volunteer Overcomes her Fear of Dogs and Reduces Students’ Anxieties

March 6, 2025

young woman smiling joyfully at camera while holding young yellow puppy that is licking her temple

Becca Wicks first learned about Can Do Canines when another volunteer talked about it at Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC), where she works. Becca says, “I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to see if a dog would fit within my lifestyle and to also overcome my slight fear of them.” She’d had limited experiences with dogs previously, but admits, “Choosing to become a volunteer was one of the best choices I made.” According to Puppy Program Manager, Lindy Luopa, Becca has been a “dedicated and reliable volunteer since 2022.” In these past three years, she has …

Steph and Deja: Tackling Everyday Tasks and Having Fun Along the Way

March 5, 2025

woman sitting on chair on grass with hand on black Lab service dog wearing red cape sitting next to her; both are smiling at camera

By Tracy Will –  For Steph, the desire to get an assistance dog was rooted in the hope that it could make her daily life a little easier. In black Lab Deja, she got that and so much more. Since coming home with Steph, Deja has become a much-loved family member with a big personality. “She’s a wonderful dog. She does so much good work,” Steph says. “But she also plays. She can be lazy. And yes, sometimes she does things she’s not supposed to. She’s a regular dog. But one with really cool skills.” In 2015, an injury damaged …

Can Do Canines Clarifies Proposed Legislation

March 4, 2025

man sitting behind large desk looking ahead toward others in room; yellow Lab service dog wearing red Can Do Canines cape lying near his feet

Recently, Can Do Canines has supported a bill in the Minnesota legislature that would create new opportunities for volunteers of assistance dog organizations to train service dogs in homes managed by Homeowners Associations (HOAs).  On February 24 and February 26, Can Do Canines Executive Director Jeff Johnson; along with Tucker, an assistance dog in training; testified before a Senate committee and a House committee, respectively. SF1317 and HF688 would prohibit HOAs from placing restrictions on volunteers of service dog organizations who are training service dogs. This would allow more volunteers to potentially host assistance dogs in their homes. The bill …

Abbi Finds Peace and Safety with Lucy in her Life

February 20, 2025

woman sitting on kitchen chair with hand on yellow Lab dog wearing red service cape; both are looking at the camera

When Abbi started to have focus and memory problems in 2018, she was diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the brain. Abbi explains the effects, saying, “I drop so many things like my phone, stylus, remote, medicine bottles, etc.” That is a common problem when Abbi tries to cook because food items and knives fall out of her hands, and she can end up with cuts and burns. Other symptoms affect her too. “Bending down and stooping for me is hard because I either fall or hit my head or body.” Additionally, Abbi has “chorea” from her …

Can Do Canines Featured in Super Bowl Ad

February 13, 2025

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In Fall 2024, Google contacted us to ask if we would be willing to partner with them on a commercial that could possibly air during the Super Bowl. Needless to say, we agreed! A production team came to our site in November and captured footage for the commercial. Then, on February 9, it aired during the big game in the KMSP (FOX 9) viewing area. The ad campaign, “50 States and 50 Stories” features one small business/nonprofit in each state and its use of Google Workspace with Gemini. We were honored to be selected to represent Minnesota!

Fox Lake Correctional Facility Added as Prison Partner

February 11, 2025

yellow Lab walks on snowy grass near large security fence

On Thursday, February 6, six young dogs became the newest residents of the Fox Lake Correctional Institution. This facility, located about halfway between the cities of Madison and Appleton in Wisconsin, is the latest to be added to the Can Do Canines Prison Puppy Program. The Fox Lake Correctional Institution is a medium-security state prison for men. The inaugural group of dogs is a litter of yellow Lab cross puppies. Smudge, Shelby, Sailor, Solly, Scout, and Skyler were all born on October 10, 2024. A pair of inmates will care for each dog, and, based on weekly training visits by …

Kennel Staff Provide a Safe Haven for Dogs in Training

February 7, 2025

woman sits on tile floor against wall with black Lab dog resting chin on her leg while she looks at him

A day in the life of a dog in final training at Can Do Canines is anything but boring. The power of routine, combined with the care and attention of our dedicated kennel staff and trainers, lays the groundwork for an environment of learning, safety, and, of course, fun!  Planning for a dog’s move into the kennel begins weeks in advance. The team reviews feedback forms from volunteer handlers. Kennel Manager Katie Rickert shares, “It’s very important information for us to view how they live in a home. How do they live with other dogs? Do they prefer to eat …

Gwen Brings New Hope to Gabrielle’s Life

February 5, 2025

young woman with long blonde hair sitting on sofa with arms around black Lab wearing a red service cape; both are smiling at camera

About five seizures a week for three straight years. That’s what Gabrielle experienced from a non-epileptic seizure disorder, brought on by Chronic Lyme Disease in late 2020. “It has affected my daily life, emotionally, physically, and socially, and has made me not able to work or go to school,” she says.  She feared going anywhere in public, not knowing when a seizure would strike. And although she was able to move out of her family’s home last May, that transition wasn’t bringing her the desired comfort. She explains, “Every day there was a fear of me falling or having seizures …

Lulu Helps This Veteran Live Life in Color

January 29, 2025

man sitting on sofa with arm around black Lab sitting next to him wearing red Can Do Canines service cape; both are looking at the camera

By Mike Branch –  War veteran. Army Medic. Paratrooper. Field soldier. Thirty-two years of intense military service, including four wars, have left Will Cruz with injuries “from head to toe,” including a traumatic brain injury and PTSD. When Will finally retired from the U.S. Army in 2012, he wanted only three things: a wood shop, a home near school, and a dog. Will heard about Can Do Canines through a web search. “I looked for ADI organizations near me and Can Do Canines popped up.” Living in New Hope at the time, he considered Can Do Canines an obvious choice, …

Karin Balgaard’s Legacy Will Nurture Future Breeding Program

January 16, 2025

woman sitting on bench in front of Can Do Canines sign holidng three young Labrador puppies: one black, one white, and one brown

Many people are familiar with the saying, “A mother’s work is never done.” But what about the people who take care of mothers?  Karin Balgaard has been taking care of our mama dogs since she began as a volunteer in early 2014. Currently, she is relishing her last deliveries before she retires in April. Estimating that she has helped bring over 95 litters of Can Do Canines puppies into the world, she says, “The wonder of it all just increases.” The wonder of all Karin has done has continued to increase over the years, too. She accepted a part-time position …

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