Isaac loves to be on the move, but his quick feet and bolting tendencies had his mother, Celia, looking for other options to help keep him safe in public. When her doctor shared a packet of resources, one of which was about Can Do Canines, Celia applied for an Autism Assist Dog for Isaac in September 2017. While on the waitlist, the family experienced some challenging situations. When Isaac was 3 years old, he ran away and his family finally found him under a car, looking at his reflection on the chrome bumper. The fear of Isaac bolting in public …
assistance dogs
Uriel Becomes Angel in Bella’s Life
It’s not uncommon for someone to inquire about a Can Do Canines dog after learning about the organization from someone else. But when Bella knew three others who received a Can Do Canine, she figured it was her turn to apply too. A sophomore, living on campus at Augsburg College and studying graphic design, Bella has Spinal Muscular Atrophy. She has some movement and control of her hands and legs, but uses a power chair and needs help with several daily tasks. She admits that she wanted someone—or in this case, something—”to always be there to help me.” Yellow Labrador …
Fabian Becomes Perfect Treatment Component for Complicated Diagnosis
Kara was born with a metabolic bone disorder called Hypophosphatasia. She and the litany of doctors she met with for the first couple of decades of her life couldn’t identify what was causing her symptoms, though. She says there were clues along the way, including easily-fractured bones, missing teeth and her small stature. A range of diagnoses were suggested, including malnutrition at one point. Kara remembers thinking, “I’m a farm girl from Wisconsin. We are not malnourished. Definitely not.” Finally in her late 20s, Kara became the first person in Wisconsin to be diagnosed with this condition. While it’s not …
Open House: May 21, 2022
We will be hosting an open house on Saturday, May 21, 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. We are especially excited to offer this open house, because there is currently a minimal wait list for some types of assistance dogs. All Can Do Canines dogs are provided to clients free of charge. There is no pre-registration for this event, so please join us on May 21. You will …
Receiving Autism Assist Dog Xenith May be a High Point in Gideon’s Journey
The word xenith is equated to “the highest point.” However one of main responsibilities Autism Assist Dog Xenith has with his forever person, Gideon, is to keep emotional highs in check. Joe, 11-year-old Gideon’s father, explained, “The biggest problem we’ve been dealing with has been emotional regulation.” Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder as a toddler, Gideon sometimes feels frustrated when trying to interact with people. Joe explained, “Social interaction is a real stressor for him because he doesn’t intuitively understand the rules, but desperately wants to interact, so our hope was that the dog would also provide an opportunity to …
Fetching Ball Gala Being Held February 26
Can Do Canines invites the public to its annual Fetching Ball Gala, taking place Saturday, Feb. 26, at 6 p.m. This year’s event will be held at the DoubleTree Bloomington (7800 Normandale Blvd, Minneapolis, MN). Participants will enjoy an inspiring client story, a unique look into the Can Do Canines prison dog training program, fabulous auctions and an entertaining performance by comedian and storyteller Bob Stromberg. KARE 11 Reporter/Anchor Rena Sarigianopoulos will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Tickets must be purchased no later than February 16. All proceeds help Can Do Canines provide specially trained assistance dogs to people with …
“Grad Pack” Member Hoped for Lighting to Strike Twice
Not long after being certified as a team in 2010, Terri and Seizure Assist Dog Brody practically became local celebrities. Terri has a Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS), similar to a pacemaker, implanted in her chest that Brody was trained to trigger by pressing a magnet on his collar to Terri’s chest when she’s lying on the ground. Doing so can stop the seizure. At the time, they were the first team known in the world to do this, earning them media attention. For Terri, who has regular seizures, due to being involved in an explosion while working as a police …
For Gary, Willow Means Less Falling Down, More Getting Up
“After dealing with Parkinson’s disease for 32 years and having a triple bypass in December, I realized I needed some help,” said Gary, who was recently teamed up with Mobility Assist Dog Willow, a gentle and smart yellow Labrador Retriever. He explained, “My biggest risk is in falling doing everyday tasks. I can do things, but it takes more time and can make me tired. I found I was sitting more and less involved in life.” With Willow, things are looking up for Gary. “Willow helps me get out of a chair and makes me walk,” he said. Because his …
Autism Assist Dog Pippi Becomes the Center of Giovanni’s World
Ten-year-old Giovanni loves to go to the park. His parents, Alex and Kristy, explain that since he has Autism Spectrum Disorder, park outings sometimes meant that Giovanni would lose track of where he was in relation to the adult providing supervision. As Alex says, Giovanni would “get in his own world.” Now, however, Giovanni has Autism Assist Dog Pippi in his world. “She keeps him aware of his surroundings,” says Alex. “He knows she’s around and he looks for her.” And it’s not difficult to pick out Pippi. She’s the black Labrador Retriever with the bright eyes and the tails …
Scoring the Goal of a Lifetime
A young man that zooms on the ice in full hockey gear is generally not what people would envision as an assistance dog handler. When the game is over though, Brady swaps his hockey stick for the leash on his trusted lifeline. Brady was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 11 years old. A few years ago, as he was planning to move away to college and live on his own, he and his family began to worry more about his safety. His family doctor recommended he look into a Diabetes Assist Dog from Can Do Canines, and in late …
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