Ivy Keeps the Can Do Canines Love Going for Beth

It wasn’t long after Can Do Canines moved into its current New Hope location in 2010 when Beth came knocking. Living nearby, she first became involved by volunteering. She and her four children helped out in a wide variety of ways and are even credited with coming up with the name of our e-newsletter, The Howler. 

Her relationship with our organization soon took on a different dynamic when she realized that the multiple sclerosis she had been diagnosed with a few years prior was becoming increasingly challenging. She describes her presenting symptom as fatigue, and neurologists assured her that her concerns were not just in her head. Remembering when she learned that her brain had developed lesions, Beth remarks, “But it was in my head!”

So in 2012, Beth was certified with Mobility Assist Dog Dazzle, a lovable Collie. Dazzle served Beth faithfully until retiring a few years ago due to a nerve condition. “She lived her best life,” says Beth of Dazzle, who passed away two years into retirement.

Beth knew that life without an assistance dog would present many obstacles, so she applied for another Can Do Canine. 

By Spring 2022, a yellow Lab named Ivy, that Beth considers “an absolute joy of sunshine,” was dazzling Beth with her own skills and personality. She says of meeting Ivy, “It was hard at first, you know. I was a little fearful about the betrayal of Dazzle, but I got over it really quick when I saw that face.”

Ivy is not just a pretty face, though. “She’s brilliant,” raves Beth. Beth’s refrigerator has a door that closes quickly, so she and Client Services Coordinator Jenny worked on how Ivy would retrieve a water bottle for Beth. “Just let her think it through,” Beth recalls Jenny saying. Beth describes Ivy’s process of opening the door, grabbing the bottle, and letting the container act as a rebounding surface for the door, saying, “She sat there, problem-solved, and figured it out.”

Ivy’s mouth is beneficial with other items around the house too. “Her picking up things for me has definitely saved me from falls, from major injury already,” notes Beth. “I overestimate my abilities a lot.” Beth describes that sometimes she’ll be on her way to the kitchen when dizziness strikes, so Ivy happily brings Beth her cane.

Ivy is also excellent at cleaning up not only her toys but others’ belongings as well, as was the case when one of Beth’s children’s pair of shoes was added to the basket. And while Beth’s cat doesn’t need Ivy to get into the basket, the two animals have developed their own fun game. Beth says, “Ivy’s favorite pastime is to tug my basket around with my cat in it. The cat loves it.” 

Ivy is equally happy to lie down on the job, providing deep pressure therapy on Beth’s leg. “I don't know if it's her breathing or her movement, but just her subtle movement laying on my leg is the best therapy for restless leg that I could find. I sleep so much better than I used to . . . and everything is better when you sleep better.”

Beth shares, “I wish I could articulate how big of a difference in my life she’s already made, but there aren’t the words for it.” She mentions being able to feel safe when she goes out again, and whenever she crosses paths with a Can Do Canines volunteer, she takes a moment to express gratitude. “It humbles me. ‘Thank you’ is just too small of words for the love that I feel toward them.”

Beth concludes, “It is really a big deal when someone gives you a gift of independence. It’s really your entire life back.”

 

Thank you to all those who made this partnership possible:

Whelping Home — Kolleen Herr
Raisers — Jennifer Cook, Sue Edgar
Special Thanks — Jackson Correctional Institution
Name-A-Puppy Donor — Elmer Schindel