No Longer Alone

Stephanie Cardenas & Mobility Assist Dog Rizzo

For Stephanie Cardenas of New Brighton, Minn. being independent has always been a priority. Despite being born with spina bifida she has always found ways to live the life she envisioned. Using a wheelchair to get around and receiving some assistance from personal care attendants Stephanie has progressed in life and followed her dreams.  Currently Stephanie is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree at Metropolitan State University; living on her own she realized there were a few areas she needed additional help.

“I noticed as I started getting older that my balance was a little off. So picking up things off the ground started to become a challenge,” Stephanie says. “If I try to pick up my shoes, for instance, and I put too much weight on one side of my chair, I’ll tip over.”

Stephanie had thought about getting an assistance dog for years. However being as self-sufficient as she is, Stephanie thought she wouldn’t qualify for that type of service. It wasn’t until she realized the vulnerability of her situation that she decided to apply to Can Do Canines.

“I was living on my own, so there really was no help,” Stephanie says. “I would have personal care attendants come out every couple of days, but if I was in an emergency, I was stuck.”

So Can Do Canines partnered Stephanie with a two year-old black Labrador retriever named Rizzo. As a Mobility Assist Dog, Rizzo helps alleviate much of Stephanie’s anxiety about needing help while being alone. From opening doors to acting as a brace when she transfers from her wheelchair, the experience of having a four-legged helper has been life-changing for Stephanie.

“It’s been really calming,” Stephanie says. “Now I have a kind of peace of mind knowing that no matter what Rizzo will always be with me. I’ll never be alone, even if I fall.”

One day Stephanie was getting ready to go out and have breakfast with her family. As she was about to leave she accidently knocked her shoes under the bed and couldn’t reach them. Luckily, Rizzo was on hand to happily slide under the bed, fetch the shoes and get Stephanie out the door on time.

“Had it not been for Rizzo I would have missed my ride and not make it to breakfast with my family,” Stephanie says.

Rizzo is so good at her job in fact that she has even begun training Jinx, Stephanie’s cat. Jinx has a tendency to scratch at the front door, which Stephanie tries to discourage with a little scolding. Rizzo picked up on Stephanie’s tone and now, when the scratching starts, Rizzo maneuvers herself between the door and Jinx to stop the scratching. Good girl Rizzo!

“Rizzo is so much fun. Even on my worst days she makes me smile and helps me look forward to the day ahead,” Stephanie says.

Stephanie gets emotional when she thinks about all the people and resources it took to bring Rizzo into her life. Not usually one to ask for help, Stephanie is truly grateful to have a dependable assistance dog to rely on as she moves forward in her life.

“I feel this renewed sense of independence and freedom,” Stephanie says. “And if it wasn’t for the supporters and all the volunteers who helped raise her, we never would have met. I’m really appreciative of everyone who puts their heart and soul into making this perfect match.”

Thank you to all those who made this partnership possible:

Puppy Raiser—Dave & Christopher Woodley
Special Thanks—Elizabeth Herberg; Dora Schroeder; The Inmate Handlers at the Federal Correctional Institute at Sandstone; The Inmate Handlers at the Minnesota Correctional Facility at Faribault
Team Sponsor—Katherine Johnson