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 …
Feature Stories
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Contact Us
Location
