Stacy only took her eyes off her young son, Owen, for a few seconds while she grabbed something out of her bag. When she looked back at where he had been at a museum play area in a mall, he was gone. While this is a scenario many parents have fearfully encountered, the fact that Owen has autism compounded the threat. Fortunately, another parent helped with a safe and speedy reunion, but Stacy says, “That was the very first time that I thought ‘This is going to be a forever thing for us. He has no idea what safety is.’” …
Feature Stories
Connie Knows the Blessing of a Mobility Assist Dog
Although Connie was diagnosed in 1999 with multiple sclerosis, she continued to live a fairly normal life. That is, until two years later, when she had a severe attack. She says, “I just hopped out of bed one day, and the bottom of my feet were numb. Seven days later, I was totally paralyzed from the waist down.” For several years, she managed with a support network. But after the death of both her husband of 30 years and their pet dog, which they had trained to pick up things for her, Connie found herself on her own. She wasn’t …
Phuong Le Uses Her Superpowers to Fill a Needed Role
You don’t need to have X-ray vision to realize the beneficial contribution that Phuong (Lê) Le makes to Can Do Canines. Since December 2021, Lê has been “providing time, experience, and affiliation with Access Veterinary Care (who has generously allowed us to utilize their X-ray machine) to help get radiographic images for Can Do Canines’ dogs.” She first learned of our organization from a co-worker there who also volunteered for Can Do Canines at that time. She says, “One day she asked if I was possibly interested in helping her get X-rays on some of the dogs from Can Do …
Mobility Assist Dog Beau Brings Security and Independence to Jason
By Jessica Kellogg – Since the age of 3, Jason has been dealing with the effects of a progressive muscular disease. He would often overexert himself trying to “just deal with” the pain, discomfort, and limited mobility caused by his condition and his experience as a wheelchair user. “I struggled on a daily basis without having the ability to grab dropped items off my floor or activate push plates for doors. I just had to deal with it no matter how much pain and discomfort it caused.” And then, a mild-mannered yellow Labrador who loves belly rubs entered his life. …
Mobility Assist Dog Dilly Helps Kristi Find Her Peace
By Alyssa Jackson – When Kristi is feeling stressed or anxious, black Lab Dilly climbs up in her lap and licks her face until she’s feeling better. Dilly is Kristi’s new assistance dog, and she is so eager to help that Kristi now keeps a dog bed under the bathroom sink so Dilly can be in the room when Kristi is showering. Dilly has expressive eyes and is full of affection and a love of play. Kristi was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when she was 9 months old. This condition makes Kristi’s muscles very tight, affecting her ability to walk, …
Facility Dog Gizmo Doesn’t Miss a Beat with his Support
One of the newly hired staff members of the Coon Rapids Police Department recently had a swearing-in ceremony with the city mayor. During the pre-meeting, the rookie officer was so excited that he gave the mayor a big, wet kiss on the lips. Luckily, the action wasn’t too awkward or inappropriate because the affectionate staff member was Facility Dog Gizmo, a black Lab. Gizmo’s handler, John, says, “This was funny but also seemed like a way for Gizmo to say ‘Thank you’ and show his appreciation for his new job.” This new gig has Gizmo promoting wellness to members of …
Finding Peace and Security Through Mobility Assistance
By Beth Billstrom – Kayleigh snuggles closer to Mobility Assist Dog, Winston. “Life is so amazingly different now that I have Winston!” she shares joyfully. “I am beyond grateful for him and all that he brings into my life.” Kayleigh takes a deep breath, growing a bit more subdued as she thinks back to her life before Winston. “My story is a bit different because my disability is invisible. Only the people who see me daily and are involved in my life realize that I struggle. For that reason, as much as I love Winston, it was difficult for me …
Puppy Love: Jane and Amore
By Jessica Kellogg – Amore. The very word brings to mind images of hearts and roses … and maybe even the big, brown eyes of a 55-pound black labrador. Amore, the dog, was recently partnered with Jane as a Hearing Assist Dog. “I just love her name,” said Jane. “It totally fits her because she is such a love. Anyone who remembers the mid-American classic song immediately breaks into “That’s Amore!” when they hear her name.” If the 1953 hit were written today, perhaps it would go something like this: When the doorbell rings loud And the mailman’s around, There’s …
Zoie’s Transition into Meg’s Life Makes a Big Impact
“I’m sure this is how people with a new baby feel,” says Meg, having received Mobility Assist Dog Zoie recently. Noting her copious amounts of photos, Meg admits, “I’m obsessed with her,” but also concedes some anxiety about their first meeting. “I was super nervous ’cause she’s so smart and I want to make sure that I don’t break her. Right? Like trying to make sure that I help her continue to be the best that she can be.” Now Zoie, too, is trying to help Meg be her own best self, given that Meg sustained a break. In 2008, …
Lobo Lights Up a Family in Work and Play
By Mary Gunderson – Lobo joined Joe and Barb’s home at age 3 1/2 months. They got Lobo as a family pet, the first dog either Joe or Barb had had since childhood. When their three sons, each with special needs, were growing up, adding responsibilities for a dog didn’t make sense. Now with the sons at adult ages, getting a dog appealed to Joe and Barb. Lobo’s gentle demeanor and fur, so fluffy, so soft, charmed them right away. However, love at first sight weakened just after bedtime when their perfect Husky howled from his kennel. And howled. And …
Contact Us
Location
