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, …
Feature Stories
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 …
Kristi’s Role Takes Multiple Forms
A few years ago, Kristi DeRop was watching a morning news program when a story about Can Do Canines came on, highlighting the need for volunteer puppy raisers. She remembers thinking, “WOW … I can play with puppies AND help others, where do I sign up?” We’re glad Kristi did sign up because since then, she has signed up to help in numerous, repeated ways. Kristi with Can Do Canine Gouda She and her husband eased in by hosting dogs for prison breaks from the Waseca prison, which, at that time, involved a Thursday through Monday morning commitment. Meeting several of …
Courtney is Happy as a Lark with her Assistance Dog
By Mike Branch – As an infant, Courtney experienced numerous ear infections and lost most of her hearing at a very early age. Today, babies are tested for hearing in the first few months of life, but when Courtney was a baby, that wasn’t the case. Her hearing loss wasn’t fully discovered until she started school. As she grew older, it became more difficult for her to participate in class and engage with others. Fast forward to today. Courtney is a Registered Nurse living near Madison, WI. She works with patients, doctors, and others in a professional setting. Outside of …
The Impact of an Ordinary Day
By Beth Billstrom – It was an ordinary day. Mark was in his car waiting at a stoplight. He was on his way to pick up his daughter from daycare. Without any warning, a fully loaded construction truck traveling 60 miles an hour plowed into the back of Mark’s vehicle. The impact of the hit sent Mark’s car crashing into the vehicle in front of him. That day changed Mark’s life forever. Due to the accident, Mark’s head is now permanently tilted backward, unable to move in any direction. The medical community refers to his condition as severe dystonia or …
Alex has his own Marvelous Superhero
Marvel Entertainment features some amazing superheroes: Captain America, Spider-Man, Hulk, Iron Man, and Black Widow are just a few. Eleven-year-old Alex, who has autism, has an equally amazing superhero in his life–Autism Assist Dog Marvel! Alex’s mom, Thomera, describes her son as “smart, kind, and funny.” He enjoys Legos, video games, soccer, and playing Star Wars. But, describing the challenges of having a child with autism, she notes, “Every day is a struggle. Structure is important, and deviation from the plan can cause a meltdown. Textures, food, and fabric can be hard. Sounds, lights, and over-stimulation can cause dysregulation.” For …
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