Gavin deals with a disability that is more than what meets the eye, especially considering eye contact has been a challenge for him. At 5 years old, Gavin was diagnosed with autism, after spending several days testing at Mayo Clinic. His mother, Jenny, didn’t know other children with autism, but some resources at Mayo had suggested an autism assistance dog. Then, a family friend who was involved with Can Do Canines introduced Jenny to this organization. Gavin had been initially fearful of dogs, but during the application process time period, he began reading to a therapy dog at school and …
News
Katy’s Freedom Seemed on Thin Ice Before Meeting Iceley
Sometimes assistance dogs are named without their characteristics affecting the process. As fate would have it, Newfador (a Newfoundland and Labrador Retriever mixed breed) Iceley fits her name perfectly. Iceley embraces winter, even considering that her warm and affectionate personality might melt the snow beneath her sizable paws. Katy, who started training with the Mobility Assist Dog from Can Do Canines in September 2020, states, “Her name is really appropriate, because she absolutely adores running around and playing in the snow.” As any Midwestern knows, though, ice can also be treacherous. When difficult or dangerous situations arise for Katy—outside or …
Conversation with Jeff Johnson Held April 15
Thank you to everyone who attended our Conversation with Jeff Johnson on April 15, 2021, via Zoom. Jeff enjoyed the opportunity to both share some of his experiences he’s had so far as the new executive director of Can Do Canines, and to answer questions from our valued volunteers, donors, clients and friends. If you did not have the chance to join us, you can watch the recorded session at https://youtu.be/H8npiFkSZ0I. We look forward to hosting similar conversations in the future.
A Partnership that Was Meant to Be…for So Many Reasons
When Megan and Ryan began looking into assistance dog organizations to apply for a dog for their son, Nolan, several years ago, friends suggested they put their name on multiple waiting lists. Megan knew the practicality of that approach, but admitted she only wanted to work with one. “I really heard amazing things about Can Do Canines,” she remembers. So they decided, “If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.” This past fall, fate gave them that answer, as Nolan was matched with a fun-loving black Labrador Retriever, Nitro. And it didn’t take long for the family to begin …
Mobility Assist Dog Issa Invites Bette to “Lean on Me”
It’s easy to see why Newfadors—dogs that are a hybrid of Newfoundland and Labrador Retriever breeds—often make perfect Mobility Assist Dogs. They’re big. They’re strong. They’re responsible. And they love to work. So in Fall 2020, a beautiful, black Newfador named Issa (as in “Melissa”) became the perfect assistance dog for Bette, from Hastings. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 20 years ago, Bette struggles with mobility, dexterity and balance. She says, “It affects practically every aspect of my life.” Bette uses a cane to walk, but says of the way she sometimes used to make her way across a room, “I …
Volunteer Spotlight: Rich Freyholtz
About three years ago, Rich retired from his job in IT and was looking for a useful way to spend some of his time. At the urging of a friend, he contacted Can Do Canines and signed up for an orientation. Now, he helps with dog transports, fostering and events of all kinds. Rich says, “I originally volunteered to do short-term foster work. I love dogs, and after my own pooch passed away a few years ago, I missed having a canine companion around. As a foster, I can have a great dog in the house for stretches at a …
Living on His Own but Not Alone
When we do everything we can to stay healthy, a medical emergency can bear an especially traumatic shock. Two years ago, Gary was on the treadmill at Lifetime Fitness when he went into cardiac arrest. Someone there used the AED paddles to revive him. At the hospital, Gary had a stent put in. However, a complication from blood thinners caused hemorrhaging in his spine and paralyzed him from the waist down. Gary feels lucky to be alive, but despite six weeks of rehab, he’s had to relearn basic skills. Striving to adapt and safely maintain his independence, he admits it …
One-of-a-Kind Team Welcomes Furry Ears to the Family
Doug and Ellen know that the language of love is not necessarily one that can be heard or spoken. Ellen lost her hearing at three years old, and Doug was born Deaf. Yet, they celebrate life and a family together just as people who can hear would. In 2003, Doug graduated with Hearing Assist Dog Nala from Can Do Canines, and Nala passed away in 2016. Beyond losing a friend, the couple and their two daughters felt the unease of losing a sense of security. There have been several instances—namely a near-choking incident and a home invasion of their Rosemount …
Gaffney Goes Above and Beyond to Care for Chan’s Well-Being
Physical needs are what Mobility Assist Dogs are trained to support. When a dog also ends up offering mental support, the outcome is a genuine blessing. Chan, who has spastic cerebral palsy, felt that blessing enter his life in the form of Gaffney, a 2-year-old Goldador (a Golden Retriever-Labrador Retriever mix). Gaffney has become Chan’s third assistance dog in seventeen years, with Can Do Canines dog Jinx being his predecessor. When Jinx passed away rather suddenly last summer, Chan’s world was upended. “I felt I had lost my sense of purpose,” shares Chan. Not only did he find himself lonely …
A Change Well Worth the Potential Disruption
Most children with autism thrive on structure and routine. For Declan, 7, that is remarkably true. He wakes up at roughly the same time every morning, eats the same breakfast every day, enjoys some playtime between school and dinner, and then eats the same dinner every evening. His mom, Christa, explains, “When Declan’s normalcy is broken, he has a difficult time coping with it. His reality breaks down, and it becomes all but impossible to get through to him.” Making a regular adjustment to his routine would have to be worthy of it. One special Can Do Canine goes to …
Contact Us
Location
