Feature Stories

Natalie Regenscheid & Hearing Assist Dog Nadia Natalie Regenscheid of St. Peter, Minn. was born with severe hearing loss, but she admits that over the years she’s had a hard time acknowledging she has a disability. “I thought I was fine,” Natalie explains. “I’ve lived with this my entire life—I know how to take care of myself.” It wasn’t until she lived on her own for the first time that she began to realize she might actually need help. At night, when she went to sleep and her hearing aids were out, she worried there might be an emergency and …

Mike Pastir & Diabetes Assist Dog Paris Mike Pastir was only 10 years old when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. In the time since, diabetes has led to neuropathy and renal problems. Mike is an office manager at a towing company and lives with wife, Betty, in New Brighton, Minn. Needing some help managing his diabetes, he learned about Can Do Canines through a colleague. “Even though I test regularly, I can no longer feel or sense when my blood sugar drops to dangerous levels,” Mike wrote in his application. “A dog would help me take appropriate actions …

Meg Schneider & Mobility Assist Dog Quest Meg Schneider has never been one to back down from a challenge. She is a spunky, intelligent 11th grader who lives with her family in St. Joseph, Minn. She keeps busy with schoolwork and friends, despite having cerebral palsy, which makes daily life difficult. “I need help with walking—some things are a little harder for me,” explains Meg. “My right side doesn’t work as well as my left side does.” Meg tried using crutches and a cane to help with walking, but after having major leg surgery a few years ago, her mobility decreased …

Lindsay Moon & Hearing Assist Dog Cookie  Lindsay Moon of Apple Valley, Minn. is no stranger to assistance dogs. For six years, a Can Do Canine named Rosco helped her live a more independent life. Lindsay has had severe hearing loss since she was very young. From 2008 to 2014, her Hearing Assist Dog helped alert her to the many sounds around her that she was unable to hear. “Rosco did a wonderful job during his years, working with me doing his tasks and helping to keep my spirits up,” Lindsay says. “Rosco was there for me when I was …

Nicholas Stay and Autism Assist Dog Remo Melissa Stay of Brooklyn Park, Minn. is the mother of two boys: Payton, twelve, and Nicholas, ten. Three years ago, she sought help to better understand their youngest son, Nick, and what she thought were behavioral problems. What she found, however, was that Nick was autistic and processed the world and the people around him differently than most. Nick’s diagnosis does not limit his intelligence; rather, it limits his ability to cope with his surroundings and process change. For instance, when Nick is in public and caught off guard by a loud noise, …

Max Vellon & Autism Assist Dog Jaycee Having responsibilities can go a long way toward improving anyone’s life, but especially for those with autism. Children assigned regular duties begin to feel empowered and develop a sense of accomplishment. It’s even more rewarding when it comes from taking care of your best friend. Eight-year-old Max Vellon lives in St. Louis Park, Minn. with his mother, Jenny, and his brother, sister and grandfather. He was officially diagnosed with autism at just 18 months of age. “There were some developmental delays, for sure,” Jenny says. “It wasn’t so much in the social sphere …

Daniel Stirewalt and Autism Assist Dog Dory Daniel Stirewalt of Crosby, Minn. can get frustrated and angry with small changes in his routine—like many young children do. Daniel has autism, however, and his reactions can become severe, including punching, hitting, yelling and screaming. “Daniel’s frustration and irritability, even with minimal changes in his routine, can range from moderate to severe depending on the day,” his mother Leilani says. To cope Leilani tried using tools such as a weighted vest and blankets to calm Daniel’s emotional meltdowns. These products have been shown to relieve anxiety by regulating the sensory system when …

Cole Johnson & Hearing Assist Dog Paisley When the fire alarm sounds in your college dorm, you get out as quickly as possible. But what if you sleep through the alarm and nobody comes to alert you? This is exactly what happened to Cole Johnson, who has had profound hearing loss since a childhood bout with meningitis. Although it was a false alarm, he admits “the incident was upsetting and unsettling to me.” Now a young professional, the Eden Prairie, Minn. resident hasn’t let his hearing loss sidetrack a college education or career as a financial analyst. But the prospect of …

Bill Monson & Mobility Assist Dog Percy Working as an auto mechanic for 25 years, Bill enjoyed his job and loved being around people. Unfortunately, there was a terrible work accident—a transmission jack broke and the transmission landed directly on Bill, bending him the wrong way and breaking his back. Bill tried to persevere and worked for five more years, despite the exacerbation of his back injury. But four back surgeries later, his doctors decided it was in Bill’s best interest to retire. Bill now uses a wheelchair to get around and stays active by fishing and making unique gifts, …

April Biever & Diabetes Assist Dog Basia When April Biever of Tomah, Wis. started the process of applying for a Diabetes Assist Dog, she could only imagine how much her life would change. “I’ve been diabetic since I was three years old,” April explains. “I have hypoglycemic unawareness, so I never know when my sugar is low.” Unfortunately, this has led to some scary situations. There were multiple times when April left her house to run an errand and became confused about where she was, or how she got there. She tried everything, including a pancreatic transplant which would hopefully …