By Jessica Kellogg – When Steve describes his Parkinson’s Disease (PD) symptoms, he says it’s as if your feet just get stuck, frozen in place. Leading to his 2022 diagnosis, Steve saw PD affect his fine motor movements, gait and balance, and stamina. “I was getting more clumsy and awkward; I was suddenly having tremors all the time.” As his symptoms increased, Steve found himself becoming more and more isolated. “I found myself slowly opting out of plans, just declining to do things socially that I just knew would wear me out.” He knew that remaining active was vital to …
Can Do Canines
Three Months of Forever: The Life-Changing Bond Between Abigail and Ohana
By Hasini Guntipalli – Was it really only three months? Because it felt like forever. Mobility Assist Dog Ohana moved into Abigail’s home just three short months ago. However, “It already feels like she’s been here forever, and we’ve just always been doing our thing,” Abigail shares, reflecting on the short yet profound time they’ve spent together so far. Before Ohana, “A typical day was filled with pain,” she recalls. “Getting ready, opening the bedroom door, making breakfast, getting coffee, leaving for work—everyday tasks were hard and painful and just would make you not really want to get out of …
Fetching Ball Gala 2025
Enjoy dinner, entertainment, games and silent and live auctions—all benefitting our organization. Event Page
Statement Published on Client Services and Ethics
Can Do Canines is proud to be an accredited member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI), a worldwide coalition of not-for-profit organizations that train and place assistance dogs. Last year, ADI and the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF)—the global leaders in the guide and assistance dog industry—began a collaboration to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Between them, IGDF and ADI represent more than 250 assistance and guide dog programs with more than 36,000 active teams in more than 40 countries. This month, ADI and IGDF released a joint position statement on Client Services and Ethics. This latest collaboration demonstrates …
How to Clean Dog Toys and the Frequency for Optimal Health
Dog toys are not just playthings; they are vital for your dog’s mental stimulation, physical health, and dental hygiene. However, these beloved toys can also harbor bacteria, yeast, and mold, posing health risks to both pets and their human companions. Knowing how to clean dog toys and the frequency of cleaning them is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy environment. Types of Dog Toys and Cleaning Methods Rubber, Nylon, and Plastic Toys These toys are the easiest to clean due to their durable material. For a deep clean, mix warm water with a pet-safe detergent* or use a vinegar-water …
Autism Assist Dog Has Brought Confidence and Calm Over the Years
Logan and Gypsy in 2017 It was half his lifetime ago when Logan was paired with Autism Assist Dog Gypsy. Now a 14-year-old eighth grader, Logan was only days away from his seventh birthday when he certified with the black and tan German Shepherd mix dog that Can Do Canines rescued. As Logan’s dad, Aaron, explains, “It’s been amazing for these seven years to watch their relationship grow and change.” He adds, “She quickly caught on to the nuances of Logan. It was like she seamlessly just kind of knew what it was that he needed, and yeah, it’s been …
Jill’s Reprioritization Worked in Our Favor
In recognizing the contributions that Jill Wisdorf has made to Can Do Canines over the past nine years, we might need to actually thank her son. Jill says, “Originally, I did not want to volunteer! In 2014, my son was a junior in high school and wanted to raise a puppy. I wanted new carpet! I didn’t think the two went together. My son signed us up to attend a Tails to Tell presentation. Learning about Can Do Canines and the impact of the organization on both the clients and volunteers had my family and me hooked. We welcomed the …
First Assistance Dog Makes Second One an “Easy Decision”
Get up in the morning. Eat breakfast. Watch TV. Eat lunch. Watch TV. Eat dinner. Watch TV. Go to bed. This routine describes a typical day for Chris before he got a Can Do Canines assistance dog. Born with quad spastic cerebral palsy, which affects his ability to walk, Chris uses a power wheelchair and says, “I can’t just bend over to pick something up.” And having to pick up items is a common occurrence for Chris, who regularly drops items, due to his condition. “It affects my hand movements and the ability to open doors.” He admits that he …
Leah and Auggie Share Unbreakable Bond
Twelve-year-old Leah recently had a major back surgery, fusing nine of her vertebrae with a rod in her spinal column. Fused by her side during recovery has been her new Mobility Assist Dog, Auggie. Leah has spina bifida and is paralyzed from the hips down. While she and her parents, Ty and Jen, have managed well over the years, helping with morning routines has become more difficult for them as she has grown. When Can Do Canines presented at their church in 2023, they were intrigued. Ty says that learning more about the organization, “ended up with us seeing the …
Loving the Dogs While Loving Her Job
In 2012, when Stacy Sheldon-Wilkinson was hired as a part-time staff member, she was one of only a handful of part-time kennel staff members caring for eight dogs in the Can Do Canines kennel. Since then, the kennel, where our program dogs reside in their final few months before being placed with a client, has grown to host approximately 30 dogs at a time, with about a dozen full-time and part-time staff members sharing duties. Soon after starting with us, Stacy began writing protocols for kennel responsibilities, and she earned the role as our first Kennel Manager. Interested in and …
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