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Pups in Prison Event

Email Header Pups in Prison 2025 (1)

Pups in Prison Event
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
 Can Do Canines, 9440 Science Center Dr., New Hope, MN 55428

RECEPTION | 5:30–6:15 p.m.
PROGRAM | 6:15–7:15 p.m.
TOUR EXPERIENCE | 7:30–8:30 p.m. (optional)

Explore the unique relationships between our professional training staff and the specially selected inmate handlers who take such good care of our pups. These inmates are dedicated to training our future assistance dogs. They spend months teaching more than skills. They form deep mutual connections that foster trust. And that trust becomes the foundation for the dogs’ lifelong bond with their future human partners.

Hear the heartwarming stories from Warden Lizzie Tegels and two former inmate handlers from Jackson Correctional Institution. You’ll also meet Lindy Luopa, Can Do Canines’ Puppy Program Manager, who leads the team that makes this impactful program possible, and Josie Scoonover-Nelson, our Lead Puppy Program Instructor.

Please note that only certified assistance dogs will be allowed at this event. Dogs in training can enjoy a break at home. 

EVENT TICKETS
$50 per person

Please RSVP by Monday, May 12, using this online form or by contacting Kathy Broten at kbroten@candocanines.org, 763-331-3000, ext. 9152.

BUY TICKETS

About Can Do Canines

Can Do Canines, founded in 1989, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities by creating mutually beneficial partnerships with specially trained dogs. We breed, raise, train, and place six types of assistance dogs:

  • Mobility Assist Dogs
  • Autism Assist Dogs
  • Hearing Assist Dogs
  • Diabetes Assist Dogs
  • Seizure Assist Dogs
  • Facility Dogs

Can Do Canines has placed more than 900 assistance dogs. While the cost for each assistance dog is about $45,000, they are always given free of charge.  Can Do Canines relies primarily on individual contributions to provide these specially trained assistance dogs.   

Can Do Canines partners with nine prisons in Minnesota and Wisconsin to operate prison puppy programs. Specially selected inmates help to raise the next generation of assistance dogs, allowing us to expand our impact and serve more people in the community. This unique program has proven beneficial for all involved and helps reduce client waiting lists.