Stephanie Oxley and Mobility Assistance Dog Trek Author: Joy Miller If a person saw Stephanie Oxley from Prior Lake, Minn. walking down the street, they would see a “regular” 20-year old woman with cute, short hair and glasses – nothing that might make one stop and wonder. Also, watching her water ski, one would see a typical, active, Minnesotan enjoying one of our famous 10,000 lakes. The perception of a normal, healthy, active adult would, however, be incorrect. This is a young woman with serious health issues, who is overcoming them with grace, determination, and the love and support of …
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Rebel with a Cause
Amy Kainz & Mobility Assistance Dog Rebel Author: Vera Mariner It’s hard to believe that Amy Kainz and Mobility Assistance Dog Rebel have been “officially” together for only a few weeks. They’ve visited malls, restaurants, gone to movies and even the county fair where Rebel was “a rock star.” Amy is a wife and mom who enjoys going to her children’s activities, crafting, and volunteering her time. She also lives with progressive multiple sclerosis and needs help retrieving dropped items, opening and closing doors and needs stability if she falls. There’s a growing bond between Amy and Rebel. They seem …
A Calming Friend
Gabriel O’Donnell & Autism Assistance Dog Ramsey Gabriel (Gabe) O’Donnell, from Columbia Heights, Minn. is 10 years old and has autism. One morning before school, Gabe was outside and so upset about going to school that he refused to come inside the house and calm down. He was so focused in his anger and frustration that his tantrum kept him from listening to his mother Rebecca. Remembering how influential Ramsey is to Gabe, she said, “Gabe! Ramsey needs you to come inside!” Immediately after saying that, Gabe snapped out of his outburst and promptly came inside to greet Ramsey, his …
Harry and Hayes, a Wonderful Combination
Harry Hutchins & Mobility Assistance & Hearing Assistance Dog Hayes When Harry Hutchins of Grand Rapids, Minn. realized he was relying too much on family to hear sounds for him, he decided to apply for an assistance dog. Unfortunately for Harry, the same genetic condition causing his hearing loss is also causing declining mobility, and falls are a regular concern. Harry’s thought of getting an assistance dog wasn’t strictly about him, it was also about peace of mind for his family. “They were always needing to help me and they were always worrying about me.” Harry initially interviewed for a …
Stitch: Provider of Calm and Confidence
Jack Peña & Autism Assistance Dog Stitch Author: Tammy Waibel Just by watching an interview of nine-year-old Jack Peña, it is visible that his Autism Assistance Dog Stitch calms him. As he pets his Golden Retriever, Jack says, “Stitch is a really good friend and assistance dog. I sleep better now because Stitch cuddles with me.” Jack and Stitch live in Andover, Minn. with family members John, Jen, seven-year-old sister Isabella “Bella” along with Lucy the puppy and Cuddles the hamster. John says that Stitch has improved not only the life of Jack, but also to the whole family as he …
Braxton and Blue – Keeping Moods up!
Braxton Wiebusch & Mobility Assist Dog Blue Braxton Wiebusch from Sartell, Minn. enjoys hunting, fishing, camping and competing in wheelchair hockey. He’s a 20-year-old college student with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a degenerative muscle disease that affects every muscle in Braxton’s body. Braxton and his family all wanted an assistance dog, but they were uncertain about this decision because of the fur allergies they collectively deal with. Enter the playful and sweet canine, Blue. Blue is a handsome two-and-a-half-year-old Poodle who sports a white and brown coat. Not only is Blue specially trained as a Mobility Assistance Dog because of …
Giving Sophia Her Voice
Sophia Reither & Autism Assistance Dog Rylee Author: Bobb Elsenpeter You would have a hard time believing that behind 11-year-old Sophia Reither’s bubbly laugh and infectious smile was a little girl who, just a few months ago, had chosen not to speak. In fact, it might be hard to believe that she’s had to face many other obstacles in her short life. Sophia, who lives in Blaine, Minn. with her parents and two brothers, came into the world with a host of health problems. She and her twin brother Nicholas were born premature and with fragile X syndrome. Weighing just …
These Days with Morrie
Lisa Peterson & Seizure Response Dog Morrie Author: Susan Byers Ask Lisa Peterson to share how it feels to graduate with her first Seizure Response Dog, and she’ll quickly defer to the dog: “It’s all Morrie. He deserves all the credit.” Lisa and Morrie began their journey together less than three months ago. But in a short time, the exuberant yellow Labrador Retriever has become a lifesaver to Lisa. “Morrie is such a blessing. He gave me my life back. Now my family can leave for work and school without worrying about me.” That wasn’t always the case. Lisa …
Moon’s Star Retriever
Larry Thompson & Mobility Assistance Dog Ritz While out at a restaurant, Ritz donned her Mobility Assistance Dog cape and sat silently while Larry Thompson and his wife Cynthia were ready to enjoy their evening. Then their server walked up and told them they had to leave the restaurant because dogs weren’t allowed in the building. Before Larry could comment, the restaurant manager interrupted the moment and told them they could stay. Larry said, “It’s sometimes a little disheartening when they say you can’t have a dog there even when they have their assistance dog vest on. So many people …
Getting to Know Nash
Karen Staats & Hearing Assistance Dog Nash Ask Karen about Nash and she’ll proudly exclaim, “He’s my ears!” Karen has severe hearing loss and was worried about her future until she met Nash, her wonderful black Labrador Retriever Hearing Assistance Dog. After searching the internet and checking with local humane societies she came across Can Do Canines’ website. Looking through the site and watching some of the heartwarming videos on YouTube led her to apply for a Hearing Assistance Dog. Nash offers more than just companionship to Karen. Nash goes to work with her every day and lets her know …