Cory Hepola with Kare 11 | Shelter Dogs Find Purpose

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — Seeing those faces — those trusting, longing faces — can be life changing.

 

“Well, it started with the very first dog we adopted. Lucky was homeless. She was three hours away from being put to sleep,” Alan Peters, executive director of Can Do Canines said.

That was over 25 years ago. Al adopted Lucky and she became an ambassador for Can Do Canines. Lucky had this spark, and that’s what they’re looking for in a potential assistance dog.

Laura Waudby, Program Trainer at Can Do Canines, is one who searches the shelters, trying to find dogs that can change the lives of clients. “She’s looking for dogs that are focused on people. That are willing workers. That seem fearless and confident,” Peters said.

If they find a dog like that, Can Do adopts them. About 30% of their graduates have come from shelters. The organization has saved so many dogs, they have a special spot for them in their building.

“We have a ‘Second Chance Kennel,’ where the dogs can come into our facility, but the air is controlled so that they don’t get our other dogs ill while they’re here,” Peters said. Once in the system, these rescue dogs start to grow and learn their purpose. They graduate.. and this life that was once saved, will now do the saving.

 

“It’s good for the heart to work with these dogs,” Peters added.