Welcome to some new members of the pack, Natalie Ramirez and her family! Read about how she came to be involved with Can Do Canines and how she dove right in as a new foster with Black Lab Ripple. “I first saw a dog in a cape at a local Target years ago and I was intrigued with service dogs. I learned more about what service dogs did and found Can Do Canines,” Natalie says. Natalie picked up her first foster, Ripple, on November 25. When asked what has surprised her the most, she responded, “The incredible amount of information …
assistance dogs
Jetson’s Assistance is Like Pennies from Heaven for Karley
Mobility Assist Dog Jetson was trained to be helpful in many ways. He’s a “coat tugger,” “laundry loader,” “drawer puller,” “refrigerator opener,” and “door plate pusher.” And for his new partner, Karley, he may also be considered a “penny pincher.” Karley was born with what is called Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, which, she explains, “basically means my joints are stuck in a fixed position and some muscles never developed.” She lacks bicep muscles, as well as some leg muscles, and her lower extremities cannot bear weight. Her elbows and wrists are bent and rotated at permanent, locked angles. So for holding …
A Stressful Spiral Becomes Successful Cycle
If you couldn’t cope with being overwhelmed, feeling safe by yourself, or expressing how you felt so others would understand, where would you turn for unconditional love? In the midst of a pandemic, Draven was able to find that understanding friend with a heart just as big as his own. Draven lives with his mother, Katie; twin sister, Willow; older brother, Drake; and pet cats. Draven also has lived with Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as various other conditions that affect his ability to self-regulate and communicate. Drake has similar disability needs, and Willow strives to manage the various challenges. …
Bringing Out the Best in Each Other
Nancy Lauderman is the type of person who cares for everyone and is always willing to help or share what she can. The chance to focus on caring for herself recently came in an unexpectedly furry form. In her childhood, Nancy experienced physical trauma that caused her equilibrium and hearing to be impaired. She tends to miss certain sounds that are meant to keep her safe. Due to nerve damage, her balance is unstable and she loses it easily. Leaning over or reaching usually result in a continuous motion without the ability to steady herself. Additionally, she lives with fibromyalgia …
A Brighter Future Shines Through Dark Time
“A new dog never replaces an old dog; it merely expands the heart.” – Erica Jong. In 2007, Cindy experienced a spinal infection, which caused chronic pain and neuropathy from the waist down. Combined with significant spine curvature from scoliosis, Cindy struggles with balance and routine movements. Over a decade ago, her doctor suggested that she look into an assistance dog to help with her increased mobility challenges and anxiety. Cindy was accepted at Can Do Canines and matched with Marley, her assistance dog for 12 years before Marley passed in 2019. Cindy struggled with grieving the loss of her …
A Look Back on 2020
This year has been anything but normal, but the Can Do Canines community has stepped up to keep our mission moving forward despite unprecedented challenges. As we near the end of the year, we wanted to give an update on the state of the program and our mission to place these special dogs with the people who need them, perhaps now more than ever. After a brief pause on operations following the initial shutdown in March, Can Do Canines was quickly declared an essential service and allowed to continue operations. Since then, we have continued to train, place and certify …
Axl Receives Five-Star Safety Rating from Kim
Safety is what drove Kim to inquire about service dogs. “That was my biggest motivator,” she say. “I was looking for safety.” With a connective tissue disorder since about age 30, Kim has had nine spinal column fusions and is preparing to have both her knees replaced. Her limited and painful movement causes balance and mobility issues on a regular basis. “I did a lot of things that I shouldn’t have done,” she admits, explaining how she took risks and experienced some major falls as a result. Kim and her family knew she needed help. Another assistance dog organization recommended …
A Better Life with a Familiar Companion
People often say, “Everything happens for a reason.” What happened in Annika’s life the past few years, though, seemed without reason until she met a miracle with four paws. A few years ago, a unique form of diabetes caused Annika to experience life-threateningly low blood glucose levels without her feeling it. Diagnosed with advanced chronic pancreatitis at 19 years old, Annika had her entire pancreas and spleen removed, resulting in Type 3c diabetes. She has been insulin-dependent ever since, navigating additional health considerations as well as anxiety. Type 3c diabetes mimics Type 1 diabetes and includes hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) …
Two Hard-working Ladies Find Their Perfect Match
Determination has driven Patty to stay productive and active, but health concerns started occurring that led to a life-changing medical discovery. At first Patty experienced numbness in her left hand. This eventually led to her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis. She stayed ambulatory as long as possible until her condition affected her ability to walk. In her New Richmond, WI home, Patty often uses her walker, but on outings and at work, she uses her motorized scooter. In doing so, she struggles to get items beyond her reach and is in danger of falling if she leans too far. When Patty …
A Journey and a Jedi Through Life’s Dark Side
Among the many life lessons to live by from Star Wars, we can understand that fate never tells us the odds, and it’s up to us to fulfill our destiny. A special dog is helping one man better understand these messages. When Army veteran and avid runner Rich suddenly lost almost half of his mobility function, he became twice as dependent on help from others. While remodeling his Coon Rapids home in 2011, Rich fell off the roof and suffered a massive stroke. This caused extremely limited use of his right side, as well as aphasia and ataxia that affects …
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