Erin with Yoko, Rummi, and Tanner. (Photo courtesy of WQOW) Erin Whitfield, along with her husband and teenage child, just welcomed her 100th assistance dog in training into her home. Erin has been voluntarily raising and training Can Do Canines assistance dogs since her first one entered their home on January 17, 2018. Their 100th dog, Rummi, a yellow Lab mix, happens to be staying with them during her six-year anniversary of volunteering with the organization. Also currently staying with the Whitfields are two other Can Do Canines in training: Yoko and Tanner, both black Labs. Over the course of …
Assistance Dog
Independence Day Means Even More Now for Megan
By Mike Branch – Megan was paired with her service dog, Iggy, just after Independence Day—July 4—a fitting time to receive the Mobility Assist Dog who would have such a profound impact on her daily life. Megan lives with a rare, progressive disease called Friedreich’s ataxia that results in diminished capacity for movement and loss of sensation over time. Since Freidreich’s ataxia is a progressive disease, actions that others take for granted have become more difficult for Megan. Picking up dropped items, opening doors, and even getting around in her wheelchair can be challenging and time-consuming, requiring more attempts and …
Counting on Franny: How a Diabetes Assistance Dog Makes a Difference
By Susan Byers – As the saying goes, there’s safety in numbers. For Heather, a Diabetes Assistance Successor dog has provided a safety net for preventing her blood sugar numbers from falling into the dangerously low range. By the numbers, Heather has had Type 1 Diabetes for over 30 years. That means taking countless blood glucose tests and innumerable insulin injections, while also calculating carbohydrates and activity levels. But from the first moment she was diagnosed at age 19, Heather was doggedly determined to manage the disease. Refusing to let diabetes hold her back, she took charge. “I was a …
Ian’s Calming Presence Extends Beyond His Facility
Well over a year ago, Travis and Kevin, both supervisors of M Health Fairview Ambulance Operations, were discussing having Facility Dogs as part of their EMT programs. Not quite ready to take on the challenge himself, Travis remembers telling Kevin something like, “You do that and we’ll see what happens.” Kevin did, bringing Can Do Canine Clayton on board at his Forest Lake location in 2022. The effects were immediate. It was then, after seeing the positive interactions that Clayton was having that Travis thought, “I’m in!” So, in Summer 2023, Travis introduced Facility Dog Ian to his co-workers at …
New Chapters for Emily and Lewis
By Mary Gunderson – Emily and Mobility Assist Dog Lewis see eye-to-eye…and have every day since they met. She spotted him first, but “he greeted me right away, so friendly and snuggly.” Ever since meeting in April, Emily relishes the moments when the two have locked eyes, she adoring her curly white companion. “It’s like he’s staring into my soul,” she says. Emily has several chronic illnesses, including a primary immunodeficiency; and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which causes connective tissue issues and pain. Aside from the physical symptoms, their ongoing, unpredictable natures can lead to anxiety attacks. For seven years, Emily had …
Open House: March 9, 2024
We will be hosting an open house on Saturday, March 9, from noon-2 p.m., at our campus. Potential clients, volunteers, or anyone who might be interested in supporting the organization is invited to attend to learn how an assistance dog changes the life of a person with a disability. There is no pre-registration for this event, so please join us on March 9. You will be asked to share some contact information at our registration table upon arrival. Take a virtual tour of our campus. Through a self-guided tour, attendees can: Can Do Canines Journey: Part 1 Hear from a …
Virtual Conversation Recording Available
On Thursday, November 9, 2023, we hosted a virtual conversation. Anyone interested could join us to hear updates and news about our organization. Executive Director Jeff Johnson shared news about our new Whelping and Growth (WAG) Center, upcoming construction plans, the need for volunteers, and more. Director of Training Julianne Larsen announced that we have whelped our first litter of puppies at the WAG Center. Mom Sasha had seven beautiful babies! She also fielded questions about this new facility. Graduate Services Coordinator Elizabeth Reberk presented on the many ways she helps our graduates navigate situations that occur in their lives …
Sue Wants Others to Hear What Assistance Dogs, Like Hearing Assist Dog Kade, Can Do
About 10 years ago, Sue was working at Hennepin County Technical College when she overheard a student talking about her son’s application for a Can Do Canines assistance dog. Sue looked up the organization, and from that day on, she has been a Can Do Canines supporter. Yet, it never occurred to her that she might need an assistance dog herself. Although she has had a hearing loss to a certain extent much of her life, she managed it. She originally didn’t have much luck with hearing aids; instead, her husband notified her of important sounds. When he passed away …
Thanksgiving Food Safety for Dogs
You know the look. Your dog gives you those sad eyes from the edge of the table when you are sitting down to eat a delicious meal. At Thanksgiving, especially, you can relate. Even we, as humans, might salivate thinking about the turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, ham, pumpkin pie, and all the other goodies that go along with the special day. We want to share the love with our loyal furry friends. However, what might seem like a kind treat could cause your dog serious problems. Our Veterinary Technician, Hannah, says, “I think a lot of people forget just how …
Quartz Becomes Rock Star for Zack
Zack, who is in his late 20s, has always wanted a dog. His parents playfully tease him that he “took it a little too far by getting sick,” though. In late 2020, Zack developed drug-resistant epilepsy as a result of an infection. He was in a medically induced coma for five weeks and continues having outpatient treatment at Mayo Clinic. It was one of his occupational therapists there who suggested Zack apply for a Can Do Canine. The idea seemed like a no-brainer for Zack. Noting that he has an invisible disability, he believed his regular seizures would be misinterpreted …
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