Kristi’s Role Takes Multiple Forms

A few years ago, Kristi DeRop was watching a morning news program when a story about Can Do Canines came on, highlighting the need for volunteer puppy raisers. She remembers thinking, “WOW … I can play with puppies AND help others, where do I sign up?” We’re glad Kristi did sign up because since then, she has signed up to help in numerous, repeated ways.

She and her husband eased in by hosting dogs for prison breaks from the Waseca prison, which, at that time, involved a Thursday through Monday morning commitment. Meeting several of those dogs that way, they then stepped up to host one of them when a longer stint was needed. Kristi says, “As time went on, I learned more about the organization's mission, appreciating it more and more. I also learned of additional ways we could support the mission.”

They put Can Do Canines events on their calendar. “I remember attending my first Woofaroo,” says Kristi. “I didn’t know anyone but everyone, staff and other volunteers, were so friendly and welcoming. It felt like home!” 

Soon, Kristi was not only attending but also helping lead events. Describing her as “open and friendly,” Community Outreach Coordinator Laurie Carlson says, “She's been a wonderful representative of Can Do Canines to the public,” noting that Kristi has volunteered at numerous tabling events for us, including a Lions event in Cannon Falls, Campus Involvement Fair at Mankato State, open houses, and more.

Transporting dogs (“Flying with an eight- to ten-week-old pup is the best!”) and conducting home visits (being especially impressed when children who have done the research and presented the volunteer opportunity to their parents) are other ways Kristi has become involved. Most recently, she and her husband have decided to be breeder hosts and hope they won’t want to “host all those puppies when they arrive!”

Despite her clear love for our adorable four-legged friends, Kristi also cites the many human friends she’s made. “I’ve met so many fabulous volunteers who have been willing to share their experiences, offer support, answer my ‘silly’ questions but most of all, being able to call so many of them friends now!”

Having Kristi as a friend of our organization has proven invaluable. Although she shares, “I consider myself blessed to play a tiny little role in the bigger picture,” we believe her not-so-tiny role is a blessing to us.