Rocket is a rock star. A cutout of this handsome yellow Lab greets everyone when they first enter the Can Do Canines facility. He was trained as an assistance dog and had his share of photos and videos taken along the way.
Guy is a hard-working guy. “I was a pipe fitter out of 539 Minneapolis for 42 years,” he says.
Now, though, it’s Rocket that is fitting into Guy’s life.
Due to cholesterol and circulation problems, Guy had his right leg amputated above the knee in 2016 and his left leg below the knee in 2022. Realizing that he needed help picking up items and other tasks, especially if his wife, Renee, wasn’t around, Guy found Can Do Canines online.
It wasn’t long before Rocket was blasting into their lives. They remember first meeting their new family member and bringing him home, with Guy saying, “He was rubbing on us and he was happier than heck.” “And so were we,” adds Renee. “I think he knew he was coming home.” And although they were told to expect a gradual warming up, Guy shares, “He bonded to me so quick I could not believe it.”
Guy’s disbelief did not end there. “I didn’t know that these dogs could do what they can do,” he admits. “It’s amazing!”
Rocket is happy to help Guy with tugging open and pushing closed doors and drawers and picking up Guy’s walking canes and other items for him. “If I get in a little jam with dropping stuff or something, he'll get it. And he’ll go get the phone. We’ve got a landline, so he’ll bring it to me. It’s pretty neat.”
They train daily to keep Rocket fresh, and Guy explains that since so many businesses have automatic doors, they’ve had to seek out places where Rocket can practice activating a push plate. “He loves to work,” confirms Guy.
“He’s with Guy all the time, from morning till night,” Renee says. Their togetherness was especially beneficial when Guy experienced a fall in the bathroom recently, and Rocket was able to fetch Renee to help Guy. Guy emphasizes Rocket’s need to serve at his side, saying, “If he's in the house and I go out in the garage to get something, he'll get nervous.” And with hand controls on his truck, Guy says, “Me and Rocket can go wherever I want. He’s an excellent rider.”
The affectionate Rocket is happy to provide hugs (putting his head on Guy’s shoulder when prompted) and kisses. Then, at night, he curls up at the foot of the bed, where he fits perfectly. “I don’t have legs so he can,” Guy lightheartedly remarks.
Asked what they are most thankful for, Guy responds, “I have more mobility and our life seems happier. There’s a million things.” Renee says, “We really thank the staff and volunteers … We didn’t understand the magnitude of how much work goes in to get dogs trained and ready to meet people [who need them.] We’re hoping that we can somehow return that back.”
Perhaps that’s because Rocket is rocking their world … in all the best ways!
Thank you to all those who made this partnership possible:
Whelping Home — Rick & Patti Dougherty
Raisers — Sarah Bliss, Nancy & Tim Huber
Special Thanks — Federal Correctional Institution-Waseca
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