By Alyssa Jackson – When Kristi is feeling stressed or anxious, black Lab Dilly climbs up in her lap and licks her face until she’s feeling better. Dilly is Kristi’s new assistance dog, and she is so eager to help that Kristi now keeps a dog bed under the bathroom sink so Dilly can be in the room when Kristi is showering. Dilly has expressive eyes and is full of affection and a love of play. Kristi was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when she was 9 months old. This condition makes Kristi’s muscles very tight, affecting her ability to walk, …
Can Do Canines
Facility Dog Gizmo Doesn’t Miss a Beat with his Support
One of the newly hired staff members of the Coon Rapids Police Department recently had a swearing-in ceremony with the city mayor. During the pre-meeting, the rookie officer was so excited that he gave the mayor a big, wet kiss on the lips. Luckily, the action wasn’t too awkward or inappropriate because the affectionate staff member was Facility Dog Gizmo, a black Lab. Gizmo’s handler, John, says, “This was funny but also seemed like a way for Gizmo to say ‘Thank you’ and show his appreciation for his new job.” This new gig has Gizmo promoting wellness to members of …
Finding Peace and Security Through Mobility Assistance
By Beth Billstrom – Kayleigh snuggles closer to Mobility Assist Dog, Winston. “Life is so amazingly different now that I have Winston!” she shares joyfully. “I am beyond grateful for him and all that he brings into my life.” Kayleigh takes a deep breath, growing a bit more subdued as she thinks back to her life before Winston. “My story is a bit different because my disability is invisible. Only the people who see me daily and are involved in my life realize that I struggle. For that reason, as much as I love Winston, it was difficult for me …
Puppy Love: Jane and Amore
By Jessica Kellogg – Amore. The very word brings to mind images of hearts and roses … and maybe even the big, brown eyes of a 55-pound black labrador. Amore, the dog, was recently partnered with Jane as a Hearing Assist Dog. “I just love her name,” said Jane. “It totally fits her because she is such a love. Anyone who remembers the mid-American classic song immediately breaks into “That’s Amore!” when they hear her name.” If the 1953 hit were written today, perhaps it would go something like this: When the doorbell rings loud And the mailman’s around, There’s …
Zoie’s Transition into Meg’s Life Makes a Big Impact
“I’m sure this is how people with a new baby feel,” says Meg, having received Mobility Assist Dog Zoie recently. Noting her copious amounts of photos, Meg admits, “I’m obsessed with her,” but also concedes some anxiety about their first meeting. “I was super nervous ’cause she’s so smart and I want to make sure that I don’t break her. Right? Like trying to make sure that I help her continue to be the best that she can be.” Now Zoie, too, is trying to help Meg be her own best self, given that Meg sustained a break. In 2008, …
Spring Graduation
Due to a larger number of clients graduating this spring, we are holding our first dual graduation. You are invited to join us at Can Do Canines for either the morning (11 a.m.) or afternoon (3 p.m.) event … or both! You can view a list of the clients and dogs that will be part of each ceremony on our website Graduation page. Then, if you would like to attend and celebrate our newest grads, please RSVP on that page.
Lobo Lights Up a Family in Work and Play
By Mary Gunderson – Lobo joined Joe and Barb’s home at age 3 1/2 months. They got Lobo as a family pet, the first dog either Joe or Barb had had since childhood. When their three sons, each with special needs, were growing up, adding responsibilities for a dog didn’t make sense. Now with the sons at adult ages, getting a dog appealed to Joe and Barb. Lobo’s gentle demeanor and fur, so fluffy, so soft, charmed them right away. However, love at first sight weakened just after bedtime when their perfect Husky howled from his kennel. And howled. And …
Open House: May 17, 2025
We will be hosting an open house on Saturday, May 17, from noon to 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 May 17. You will be asked to share some contact information at our registration table upon arrival. The two presentations are each repeated and offered three times throughout the event. The later sessions tend to be a …
Collin’s Gratitude for Assistance Dogs is All-encompassing
2013 was a devastating year for Collin. Her first Can Do Canine, Cher, a Diabetes Assist Dog, died that June from lymphoma at only 5 years old. Two days later, Collin’s mom died, and the following month, both her aunt and her best friend died on the same day. However, in July, Collin received Giles, her second Can Do Canine. “Giles was great comfort,” says Collin. Giles was also a Diabetes Assist Dog, and Collin remembers, “He would alert me. And so then I’d look at my meter, and it showed that it was going down fast. He was helpful …
Volunteer Overcomes her Fear of Dogs and Reduces Students’ Anxieties
Becca Wicks first learned about Can Do Canines when another volunteer talked about it at Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC), where she works. Becca says, “I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to see if a dog would fit within my lifestyle and to also overcome my slight fear of them.” She’d had limited experiences with dogs previously, but admits, “Choosing to become a volunteer was one of the best choices I made.” According to Puppy Program Manager, Lindy Luopa, Becca has been a “dedicated and reliable volunteer since 2022.” In these past three years, she has …
Contact Us
Location
