Most elementary education teachers would probably agree that classroom management can be a challenge at times. Having a special way to calm a child could offer a definite advantage. That’s how Facility Dog Quota is making a difference in the Menasha School District in Wisconsin. Quota was paired with Rick, who serves as a School Resource Officer (SRO) for the district. He says, “I was a police officer for five years and then got transitioned into the role of SRO.” The district had a Facility Dog a few years ago, and Rick had interacted with that dog at the station …
Feature Stories
Moses and Jason: A Long-awaited Match Made in Heaven
After a snowmobile accident in 1995 left him paralyzed from the chest down, Jason waited a long time to get an assistance dog. Following his accident, Jason spent four months in the hospital recuperating then jumped right into playing sports. He was active and busy and just didn’t feel like the time was right to get a dog. “But I’m less independent now,” Jason says. “I met a guy at church who has an assistance dog, and he told me about Can Do Canines.” Finally ready to take the first step, Jason went to an open house and soon filled …
Appreciating the Positive Effects of an Autism Assist Dog
“Autism affects every aspect of Norah’s life.” This statement, made by Norah’s mom, Kelly, sums up the challenges Norah faces. Kelly shares a few examples validating this, saying, “Norah has had problems sleeping since birth. Norah does not speak. She does repeat words. Norah has few self-care skills. She walks on her toes so she has AFOs (Ankle Foot Orthosis braces) to help with this.” These challenges, alone, are enough to create anxiety for any parent, and Kelly and her husband, Brian, are no exception. However, what concerned them the most was leaving the house with Norah. Kelly says, “Taking …
Even Better Than a “Teacher’s Pet”
Kelli was a second-grade teacher for her profession, but in her spare time, she loved to ride horses. A fall from a horse in 2020, though, changed her life. After an eight-day coma scare, Kelli began recovery from a traumatic brain injury that affected the function of the right side of her body. Her right eye no longer focuses correctly due to nerve damage; she is forced to use her left, non-dominant hand for many tasks; and she uses a cane to account for balance issues. The many adjustments in her life and the multiple therapies she regularly undergoes quickly …
Linda and Dean Wedul’s 19-Year Commitment is a Win-Win
It was Linda and Dean Wedul’s 15-year-old daughter who first introduced their family to Can Do Canines in 2005 after reading an article about someone who volunteered with service dogs. “I told her if she did the research and found an organization we could volunteer,” remembers Linda. “I honestly didn’t think she would follow up. About two weeks later we had an appointment for a house inspection with Julianne and within a week had a very large Labradoodle called Nike. When our daughter moved on to college, we weren’t sure if we could manage the time commitment with two people, …
Vanya is Tuned in to Kevin’s Needs
Since 1976, Kevin has been a ham radio operator. Using this type of party-line system, he says, “I literally try to see how many countries I can talk to in the world. At last count, I think I had right around 180 … from Antarctica to the North Pole,” and beyond, including the International Space Station. He has been on calls with King Hussein of Jordan, Ronny Milsap, Barry Goldwater, and other celebrities. These days, the biggest superstar in his life may be his Skilled Home Companion, Vanya, a 3-year-old yellow Lab. Trained to pick up items for him; retrieve …
Nicole Enjoys Tuesday Every Day
It was on a Wednesday in 2016—the day before Thanksgiving—when Nicole certified with Diabetes and Mobility Assist Dog Tuesday. Nearly eight years later, their bond seems stronger than ever. “She is just a part of me like another limb. She’s always around, and [it’s] comforting to me to have her with me. It feels weird if she is not right next to my side,” shares Nicole. Staying by Nicole’s side means not staying still very often. As a busy mom of three children, ages 16, 14, and 11, Nicole has Tuesday’s service cape at the ready and says, “Tuesday is …
Open to a New World with Vinnie
By Tracy Will – Katie was originally drawn to Can Do Canines as a way to train her own dog, Pewter, as an assistance dog. Katie knew she needed help because, among a range of medical issues, multiple sclerosis was causing her serious balance and mobility problems. During the application process, an accident tragically cut short Pewter’s life, and Katie and her family were devastated. Katie’s doctor encouraged her to continue her process with Can Do Canines, and she did so, believing the waiting process for a dog would give her time to grieve and heal. As soon as she …
Stephanie’s 32-Year Journey Maintains Record for Can Do Canines Hearing Assist Dogs
As Stephanie opens up her assistance dog scrapbook, the year written on page 1 is 1993. That’s when Stephanie first began her relationship with Can Do Canines—an organization she says, “is very close to my heart.” Stephanie was about 40 years old at the time and was struggling with degenerative hearing loss. Her audiologist suggested what was then called The Hearing Dog Program of Minnesota (as we only provided hearing dogs at that time), and she remembers, “I think the application was just a few lines on the back of a brochure.” The application fee then: $10. Stephanie was looking …
Once Active Service Member is Now Active Service Dog Advocate
Kim served in the Army for 44 years. While much of that time was in the Reserves, a combined 10 years was in active duty, including being a part of Special Operations in the Vietnam War. Kim came out of that experience with long-term effects. He says, “Due to my exposure to Agent Orange, I’ve had a cerebral hemorrhage and two strokes. I’ve had to have surgery on my neck and spine due to other injuries. And so, it limits me bending over and moving. I have a hand that doesn’t work too well due to the strokes. My mobility …
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