Long story short, we’ve missed you! While we know that keeping our campus closed to the public for over a year was of course the safe, lawful and correct action, we’re excited to announce that we are planning to open our Can Do Canines doors again. Beginning Tuesday, June 1 (the day after Memorial Day), we will be welcoming volunteers, visitors and yes, even our postal carrier back in the building. Marvin, one of our on-site cats, will be especially thrilled with the extra potential attention. And the dogs? Our trainee tenants will be beside themselves with all the new …
assistance dogs
The Journey of Fear to Friendship
Gavin deals with a disability that is more than what meets the eye, especially considering eye contact has been a challenge for him. At 5 years old, Gavin was diagnosed with autism, after spending several days testing at Mayo Clinic. His mother, Jenny, didn’t know other children with autism, but some resources at Mayo had suggested an autism assistance dog. Then, a family friend who was involved with Can Do Canines introduced Jenny to this organization. Gavin had been initially fearful of dogs, but during the application process time period, he began reading to a therapy dog at school and …
Katy’s Freedom Seemed on Thin Ice Before Meeting Iceley
Sometimes assistance dogs are named without their characteristics affecting the process. As fate would have it, Newfador (a Newfoundland and Labrador Retriever mixed breed) Iceley fits her name perfectly. Iceley embraces winter, even considering that her warm and affectionate personality might melt the snow beneath her sizable paws. Katy, who started training with the Mobility Assist Dog from Can Do Canines in September 2020, states, “Her name is really appropriate, because she absolutely adores running around and playing in the snow.” As any Midwestern knows, though, ice can also be treacherous. When difficult or dangerous situations arise for Katy—outside or …
Conversation with Jeff Johnson Held April 15
Thank you to everyone who attended our Conversation with Jeff Johnson on April 15, 2021, via Zoom. Jeff enjoyed the opportunity to both share some of his experiences he’s had so far as the new executive director of Can Do Canines, and to answer questions from our valued volunteers, donors, clients and friends. If you did not have the chance to join us, you can watch the recorded session at https://youtu.be/H8npiFkSZ0I. We look forward to hosting similar conversations in the future.
Mobility Assist Dog Issa Invites Bette to “Lean on Me”
It’s easy to see why Newfadors—dogs that are a hybrid of Newfoundland and Labrador Retriever breeds—often make perfect Mobility Assist Dogs. They’re big. They’re strong. They’re responsible. And they love to work. So in Fall 2020, a beautiful, black Newfador named Issa (as in “Melissa”) became the perfect assistance dog for Bette, from Hastings. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 20 years ago, Bette struggles with mobility, dexterity and balance. She says, “It affects practically every aspect of my life.” Bette uses a cane to walk, but says of the way she sometimes used to make her way across a room, “I …
Volunteer Spotlight: Rich Freyholtz
About three years ago, Rich retired from his job in IT and was looking for a useful way to spend some of his time. At the urging of a friend, he contacted Can Do Canines and signed up for an orientation. Now, he helps with dog transports, fostering and events of all kinds. Rich says, “I originally volunteered to do short-term foster work. I love dogs, and after my own pooch passed away a few years ago, I missed having a canine companion around. As a foster, I can have a great dog in the house for stretches at a …
Living on His Own but Not Alone
When we do everything we can to stay healthy, a medical emergency can bear an especially traumatic shock. Two years ago, Gary was on the treadmill at Lifetime Fitness when he went into cardiac arrest. Someone there used the AED paddles to revive him. At the hospital, Gary had a stent put in. However, a complication from blood thinners caused hemorrhaging in his spine and paralyzed him from the waist down. Gary feels lucky to be alive, but despite six weeks of rehab, he’s had to relearn basic skills. Striving to adapt and safely maintain his independence, he admits it …
One-of-a-Kind Team Welcomes Furry Ears to the Family
Doug and Ellen know that the language of love is not necessarily one that can be heard or spoken. Ellen lost her hearing at three years old, and Doug was born Deaf. Yet, they celebrate life and a family together just as people who can hear would. In 2003, Doug graduated with Hearing Assist Dog Nala from Can Do Canines, and Nala passed away in 2016. Beyond losing a friend, the couple and their two daughters felt the unease of losing a sense of security. There have been several instances—namely a near-choking incident and a home invasion of their Rosemount …
Gaffney Goes Above and Beyond to Care for Chan’s Well-Being
Physical needs are what Mobility Assist Dogs are trained to support. When a dog also ends up offering mental support, the outcome is a genuine blessing. Chan, who has spastic cerebral palsy, felt that blessing enter his life in the form of Gaffney, a 2-year-old Goldador (a Golden Retriever-Labrador Retriever mix). Gaffney has become Chan’s third assistance dog in seventeen years, with Can Do Canines dog Jinx being his predecessor. When Jinx passed away rather suddenly last summer, Chan’s world was upended. “I felt I had lost my sense of purpose,” shares Chan. Not only did he find himself lonely …
Silent Partner Helps Her Speak Out
Addyson’s personality sparkles as brightly as her Minnesota Jr. Miss Amazing 2019 crown—the perfect accessory whether she uses a walker, a wheelchair, or a pair of heels. A dedicated ambassador, advocate, public speaker, dancer, model, and outright powerhouse, this young lady is a survivor with a story. She fulfils these roles not just while living with disabilities, but because she is living with disabilities. Using her personal experience, Addyson shines light on ordeals that other individuals and families may also be facing. In middle school and in high school, Addyson noticed she was having increasing mobility challenges. She was diagnosed …
Contact Us
Location
