By Susan Byers – As the saying goes, there’s safety in numbers. For Heather, a Diabetes Assistance Successor dog has provided a safety net for preventing her blood sugar numbers from falling into the dangerously low range. By the numbers, Heather has had Type 1 Diabetes for over 30 years. That means taking countless blood glucose tests and innumerable insulin injections, while also calculating carbohydrates and activity levels. But from the first moment she was diagnosed at age 19, Heather was doggedly determined to manage the disease. Refusing to let diabetes hold her back, she took charge. “I was a …
Feature Stories
Ian’s Calming Presence Extends Beyond His Facility
Well over a year ago, Travis and Kevin, both supervisors of M Health Fairview Ambulance Operations, were discussing having Facility Dogs as part of their EMT programs. Not quite ready to take on the challenge himself, Travis remembers telling Kevin something like, “You do that and we’ll see what happens.” Kevin did, bringing Can Do Canine Clayton on board at his Forest Lake location in 2022. The effects were immediate. It was then, after seeing the positive interactions that Clayton was having that Travis thought, “I’m in!” So, in Summer 2023, Travis introduced Facility Dog Ian to his co-workers at …
We’re Fortunate to “Fetch” Volunteer Lexy Hilton
Lexy Hilton has been a key volunteer through our University of Minnesota FETCH (Fostering Education Through Campus Hosting) for five semesters so far. We asked her to share her experiences of being a Can Do Canines volunteer, and she did not disappoint! See what Lexy has to say. What made you want to volunteer with Can Do Canines? Before coming to the University of Minnesota to study animal science, I had never lived a day without having dogs in the home. Moving away from my family and pets was a huge social adjustment, and so as soon as I …
New Chapters for Emily and Lewis
By Mary Gunderson – Emily and Mobility Assist Dog Lewis see eye-to-eye…and have every day since they met. She spotted him first, but “he greeted me right away, so friendly and snuggly.” Ever since meeting in April, Emily relishes the moments when the two have locked eyes, she adoring her curly white companion. “It’s like he’s staring into my soul,” she says. Emily has several chronic illnesses, including a primary immunodeficiency; and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which causes connective tissue issues and pain. Aside from the physical symptoms, their ongoing, unpredictable natures can lead to anxiety attacks. For seven years, Emily had …
Sue Wants Others to Hear What Assistance Dogs, Like Hearing Assist Dog Kade, Can Do
About 10 years ago, Sue was working at Hennepin County Technical College when she overheard a student talking about her son’s application for a Can Do Canines assistance dog. Sue looked up the organization, and from that day on, she has been a Can Do Canines supporter. Yet, it never occurred to her that she might need an assistance dog herself. Although she has had a hearing loss to a certain extent much of her life, she managed it. She originally didn’t have much luck with hearing aids; instead, her husband notified her of important sounds. When he passed away …
Quartz Becomes Rock Star for Zack
Zack, who is in his late 20s, has always wanted a dog. His parents playfully tease him that he “took it a little too far by getting sick,” though. In late 2020, Zack developed drug-resistant epilepsy as a result of an infection. He was in a medically induced coma for five weeks and continues having outpatient treatment at Mayo Clinic. It was one of his occupational therapists there who suggested Zack apply for a Can Do Canine. The idea seemed like a no-brainer for Zack. Noting that he has an invisible disability, he believed his regular seizures would be misinterpreted …
Mobility Assist Dog Peyton Makes Life Easier and Better for Jacob
Dropping keys or a phone on the floor is no big deal for many people. For Jacob, who has cerebral palsy, uses a power chair, and lives alone, the situation can be cause for alarm. He says, “It’s kind of catastrophic if I drop stuff. It’s a mighty difficult task to even try to re-obtain the item. I have a reacher, but if I drop the reacher, then what do I do?” One thing Jacob did over 10 years ago was reach out to Can Do Canines. In 2014, he certified with Mobility Assist Dog Inky, who was a faithful …
Casanova Brings Stephanie Security in Her Life
Many young moms can relate to the sound of their children repeatedly calling, “Mom, Mom, Mom.” Not Stephanie. Stephanie has relied on Can Do Canines assistance dogs—first Fred, and more recently, Casanova—for important sounds in her life. Becoming deaf at age 12 from meningitis, Stephanie uses cochlear implants, which only help to a certain extent. Stephanie explains, “The tone, volume, or duration of a sound can make it more likely or less likely for me to recognize them.” Her distance from a sound is also a factor. She says, “I would often bake cookies and set the oven timer, only …
Facility Dog Riggs is Making Possibilities Realities
Annika and Krista, Child Life Specialists at Children’s Hospital MN, explain that a hospital can be a scary environment—especially for kids. One of their new co-workers, Facility Dog Riggs—wearing his name badge “Riggs, MD: Medical Dogtor”—takes it all in stride though. Krista says, “The hospital is such an unpredictable place with different sounds and different patients, but he never fails to remain his steady self.” Annika and Krista began serving as Riggs’ primary and secondary handlers, respectively, in mid-2023. With Annika, Riggs helps children on both a medical-surgical unit and the Center for the Treatment of Eating Disorders (CTED). Krista …
Hoseks Find Process with FreeWill Meaningful
Roy and Paula Hosek have been Can Do Canines supporters for over twenty years, following the organization through a couple of location moves. “We’re dog wired,” says Roy, who certified with Hearing Assist Dog Wrigley, an owner-provided Boykin Spaniel in 2022. Recently retired, Roy has represented Can Do Canines at a number of events, often with the popular Wrigley. The organization has plans for both Paula and Roy to be even more involved in the near future. “When it comes to supporting charities, I need to be confident that our donations will be used to maximum benefit,” shares Roy. “I …
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