Midwest winters can be brutal for people and pets alike. In general, if it’s too cold for you to be outside for any length of time, it’s too cold for your pets. Dogs can get frostbite too! While there are some dog breeds better suited for cold weather, we recommend keeping pets indoors during difficult weather conditions. Because our winters can be long and endlessly filled with inclement weather, we’d like to share a few tips to help you and your dog survive and stay happy! Keep walks short, but try to provide them more frequently so they still get …
News
A Look Back on 2020
This year has been anything but normal, but the Can Do Canines community has stepped up to keep our mission moving forward despite unprecedented challenges. As we near the end of the year, we wanted to give an update on the state of the program and our mission to place these special dogs with the people who need them, perhaps now more than ever. After a brief pause on operations following the initial shutdown in March, Can Do Canines was quickly declared an essential service and allowed to continue operations. Since then, we have continued to train, place and certify …
Jeff Johnson Named Next Executive Director
Can Do Canines, a nationally recognized leader in the placement of assistance dogs for people with disabilities, has selected Jeff Johnson as the new Executive Director. Johnson will begin at Can Do Canines in December. Johnson comes to Can Do Canines from his role on the Board of Hennepin County Commissioners where he has served since 2009. Supporting people across the state of Minnesota through both elected office and volunteerism is a passion for Johnson. He has held numerous civic leadership positions at organizations including Northwest Twin Cities Young Life, Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County, and Governor’s Workforce Development …
6 Scientific Benefits of Being a Dog-Owner
In case you need even more reasons to snuggle your dog, here are six scientifically proven ways dogs improve the health and well-being of those who love them. They relieve stress. Playing with your dog or even just petting a familiar dog lowers blood pressure and heart rate, slows breathing, and relaxes muscle tension, according to a 1980 study by Alan Beck of Purdue. They are good for heart health. Dog ownership is linked to lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol, and decreased triglyceride levels. And, dog owners who have heart attacks have better survival rates following the events, according to …
COVID-19 Situation Update
We’re Back! After a difficult time living through COVID-19 and under shelter-in-place rules, Can Do Canines has returned to our mission in a careful but purposeful way. Here is a summary of our current status. Good News! Training and kennel staff are working at the facility full time. Dogs in final training are back in the kennel. We are hiring additional trainers to help us make up lost time. Client Services Coordinators are actively finishing the placements of teams previously interrupted and are busy starting new teams as dogs in final training are prepared. We expect to have as many …
A Lasting Legacy
Leaving a legacy that changes lives for generations to come. Greg and Cat Stevens have a long history with Can Do Canines. Greg and Cat both attended St. Mary’s University with founder Alan Peters. They started work with Can Do Canines as Puppy Raisers over 10 years ago. They intended to raise and train a puppy who would grow to be a hero to someone living with disabilities. As it turned out, that dog was better suited to life as a pet and was career changed into home life with Greg and Cat permanently. “It was a great experience, every …
A Perfect Partner
Tim and Mobility Assist Dog Leonard Uncertainty and a pressing need Tim wasn’t sure what to expect when he first applied for an assistance dog. Yet, since Mobility Assist Dog Leonard came into his life, every day has held many life-changing experiences. Tim is living with primary progressive multiple sclerosis, and when he first sought out an assistance dog, his biggest need was help retrieving dropped items. Only five years, he was fully ambulatory. Since then, his multiple sclerosis has progressed and he now requires daily use of a wheelchair. His needs require a unique partner and Leonard is a …
Tips from our Trainers, Keeping Your Dog Safe this Holiday Season.
Holiday and Winter Safety Tips We all want what’s best for our dogs this time of year. The weather and family gatherings can prove to be a challenge. We’ve asked our experts, what steps we can all take to keep our furry friends comfortable and safe. Here are a few tips from our training department. Venturing outdoors… General rule of thumb: If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them. Dogs can get frostbite too. Please keep them indoors during inclement weather conditions. Keep walks short, but try to provide them more frequently so they still get proper …
The Origin of Man’s Best Friend
Where did dogs come from? How did they become man’s best friend? Tens of thousands of years ago, before Facebook and smartphones, before the invention of the wheel and the advent of agriculture, early humans formed an unlikely partnership with another animal—the grey wolf. The boldest and friendliest of these grey wolves became the early ancestors of the modern dog. They loitered around campfires and scavenged leftover food, becoming increasingly tame with each generation. In a sense, early humans and early dogs chose each other. It was a mutually beneficial partnership: we provided them with a reliable food supply and …
From an Inmate Handler: Israel’s Letter
“Ezra, come!” I call loudly towards a tangled knot of Labrador puppies playing at the far end of the field. Before the last syllable is even out of my mouth, one puppy spins on his hind legs, disentangling himself from all of the fun that a dog pile offers, and trots in my direction. Seeing the floppy ears, that adorable little face and those expectant eyes scamper towards me always fills me with joy. But at this moment joy takes a back seat to pride and excitement. We have worked so hard to get to this point. Ezra arrives at …
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