Finding the right dog for a client is a process that requires the efforts of many. Every other week, the client services coordinators and program trainers sit down to discuss the clients on our waiting list and the dogs in final training. During the matching process, many factors are taken into consideration—the energy, personality and skills of the dog need to be right for the client, and the lifestyle, experience and personality of the client need to be right for the dog. Using these factors, the client is partnered with their best match. At that time, the client visits our …
News
Can Do Canines Recognizes Black History Month
Black History Month gives us the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the achievements of African Americans in the history of the United States. In honor of Black History Month, we wanted to share the accomplishments of three Black people with similar disabilities for which Can Do Canines trains assistance dogs. These individuals made significant contributions to the African American community and made a lasting impact with their advocacy and education efforts for people with disabilities. Let’s meet a few of these remarkable people. Harriet Tubman is known as one of the greatest Black liberators of all time. After being struck …
Silent Partner Helps Her Speak Out
Addyson’s personality sparkles as brightly as her Minnesota Jr. Miss Amazing 2019 crown—the perfect accessory whether she uses a walker, a wheelchair, or a pair of heels. A dedicated ambassador, advocate, public speaker, dancer, model, and outright powerhouse, this young lady is a survivor with a story. She fulfils these roles not just while living with disabilities, but because she is living with disabilities. Using her personal experience, Addyson shines light on ordeals that other individuals and families may also be facing. In middle school and in high school, Addyson noticed she was having increasing mobility challenges. She was diagnosed …
Normal Vitals for Canines
Are you aware of what is considered normal vital signs for your canine companion? Here are a few important ones for you to note: Temperature 100 – 102.5 F Lubricate a digital thermometer with petroleum jelly and gently insert into rectum and listen for beep. Respiration 20-40 breaths per minute Watch the chest cavity while the dog is at rest, calmly lying on the floor or standing. Please note respiratory effort (normal, labored, noisy, etc.). Heart Rate Puppy (under 1 year): 120-160 beats per minute Small dog adult (under 30 lbs.): 100-140 beats per minute Medium-Large dog adult (over 30 …
Living and Exploring–Day or Night–Without Apprehension
Being able to live freely and function with confidence on a daily basis, at home and in public, even when you don’t feel comfortable or safe, are just a couple of reasons Glenice is grateful for Can Do Canines. Glenice is deaf. She was diagnosed with Congenital Progressive Hearing Loss when she was a teenager, and over the course of 30 years, her hearing dwindled until she became completely deaf. She is able to hear with cochlear implants, but those are activated with processors. When those aren’t on—and they aren’t on consistently throughout the day—she isn’t able to hear anything …
9-Year-Old Boy Who Donates $100 and 10-Year-Old Who Begins Training with a Mobility Assist Dog Meet
Earlier this month, Can Do Canines received a letter from 9-year-old Simon, along with a $100 bill. The letter was as follows: Hi! I’m Simon and I’m 9 years old. I got a $100 dollar bill for Christmas this year, and it was to much to keep. I hadn’t even had $80 in my allowance ever! I wanted to give to a charity, but I didn’t [know] which one. Then My mom suggested Can Do Canines, and I instantly knew that you guys were my charity. I think what you’re doing is so cool! So here’s $100 dollars! I know …
Volunteer Spotlight: Natalie Ramirez
Welcome to some new members of the pack, Natalie Ramirez and her family! Read about how she came to be involved with Can Do Canines and how she dove right in as a new foster with Black Lab Ripple. “I first saw a dog in a cape at a local Target years ago and I was intrigued with service dogs. I learned more about what service dogs did and found Can Do Canines,” Natalie says. Natalie picked up her first foster, Ripple, on November 25. When asked what has surprised her the most, she responded, “The incredible amount of information …
Jetson’s Assistance is Like Pennies from Heaven for Karley
Mobility Assist Dog Jetson was trained to be helpful in many ways. He’s a “coat tugger,” “laundry loader,” “drawer puller,” “refrigerator opener,” and “door plate pusher.” And for his new partner, Karley, he may also be considered a “penny pincher.” Karley was born with what is called Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, which, she explains, “basically means my joints are stuck in a fixed position and some muscles never developed.” She lacks bicep muscles, as well as some leg muscles, and her lower extremities cannot bear weight. Her elbows and wrists are bent and rotated at permanent, locked angles. So for holding …
A Stressful Spiral Becomes Successful Cycle
If you couldn’t cope with being overwhelmed, feeling safe by yourself, or expressing how you felt so others would understand, where would you turn for unconditional love? In the midst of a pandemic, Draven was able to find that understanding friend with a heart just as big as his own. Draven lives with his mother, Katie; twin sister, Willow; older brother, Drake; and pet cats. Draven also has lived with Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as various other conditions that affect his ability to self-regulate and communicate. Drake has similar disability needs, and Willow strives to manage the various challenges. …
Winter Survival Tips
Midwest winters can be brutal for people and pets alike. In general, if it’s too cold for you to be outside for any length of time, it’s too cold for your pets. Dogs can get frostbite too! While there are some dog breeds better suited for cold weather, we recommend keeping pets indoors during difficult weather conditions. Because our winters can be long and endlessly filled with inclement weather, we’d like to share a few tips to help you and your dog survive and stay happy! Keep walks short, but try to provide them more frequently so they still get …
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