On Thursday, November 9, 2023, we hosted a virtual conversation. Anyone interested could join us to hear updates and news about our organization. Executive Director Jeff Johnson shared news about our new Whelping and Growth (WAG) Center, upcoming construction plans, the need for volunteers, and more. Director of Training Julianne Larsen announced that we have whelped our first litter of puppies at the WAG Center. Mom Sasha had seven beautiful babies! She also fielded questions about this new facility. Graduate Services Coordinator Elizabeth Reberk presented on the many ways she helps our graduates navigate situations that occur in their lives …
Can Do Canines
Sue Wants Others to Hear What Assistance Dogs, Like Hearing Assist Dog Kade, Can Do
About 10 years ago, Sue was working at Hennepin County Technical College when she overheard a student talking about her son’s application for a Can Do Canines assistance dog. Sue looked up the organization, and from that day on, she has been a Can Do Canines supporter. Yet, it never occurred to her that she might need an assistance dog herself. Although she has had a hearing loss to a certain extent much of her life, she managed it. She originally didn’t have much luck with hearing aids; instead, her husband notified her of important sounds. When he passed away …
Thanksgiving Food Safety for Dogs
You know the look. Your dog gives you those sad eyes from the edge of the table when you are sitting down to eat a delicious meal. At Thanksgiving, especially, you can relate. Even we, as humans, might salivate thinking about the turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, ham, pumpkin pie, and all the other goodies that go along with the special day. We want to share the love with our loyal furry friends. However, what might seem like a kind treat could cause your dog serious problems. Our Veterinary Technician, Hannah, says, “I think a lot of people forget just how …
Quartz Becomes Rock Star for Zack
Zack, who is in his late 20s, has always wanted a dog. His parents playfully tease him that he “took it a little too far by getting sick,” though. In late 2020, Zack developed drug-resistant epilepsy as a result of an infection. He was in a medically induced coma for five weeks and continues having outpatient treatment at Mayo Clinic. It was one of his occupational therapists there who suggested Zack apply for a Can Do Canine. The idea seemed like a no-brainer for Zack. Noting that he has an invisible disability, he believed his regular seizures would be misinterpreted …
Mobility Assist Dog Peyton Makes Life Easier and Better for Jacob
Dropping keys or a phone on the floor is no big deal for many people. For Jacob, who has cerebral palsy, uses a power chair, and lives alone, the situation can be cause for alarm. He says, “It’s kind of catastrophic if I drop stuff. It’s a mighty difficult task to even try to re-obtain the item. I have a reacher, but if I drop the reacher, then what do I do?” One thing Jacob did over 10 years ago was reach out to Can Do Canines. In 2014, he certified with Mobility Assist Dog Inky, who was a faithful …
Casanova Brings Stephanie Security in Her Life
Many young moms can relate to the sound of their children repeatedly calling, “Mom, Mom, Mom.” Not Stephanie. Stephanie has relied on Can Do Canines assistance dogs—first Fred, and more recently, Casanova—for important sounds in her life. Becoming deaf at age 12 from meningitis, Stephanie uses cochlear implants, which only help to a certain extent. Stephanie explains, “The tone, volume, or duration of a sound can make it more likely or less likely for me to recognize them.” Her distance from a sound is also a factor. She says, “I would often bake cookies and set the oven timer, only …
Facility Dog Riggs is Making Possibilities Realities
Annika and Krista, Child Life Specialists at Children’s Hospital MN, explain that a hospital can be a scary environment—especially for kids. One of their new co-workers, Facility Dog Riggs—wearing his name badge “Riggs, MD: Medical Dogtor”—takes it all in stride though. Krista says, “The hospital is such an unpredictable place with different sounds and different patients, but he never fails to remain his steady self.” Annika and Krista began serving as Riggs’ primary and secondary handlers, respectively, in mid-2023. With Annika, Riggs helps children on both a medical-surgical unit and the Center for the Treatment of Eating Disorders (CTED). Krista …
Hoseks Find Process with FreeWill Meaningful
Roy and Paula Hosek have been Can Do Canines supporters for over twenty years, following the organization through a couple of location moves. “We’re dog wired,” says Roy, who certified with Hearing Assist Dog Wrigley, an owner-provided Boykin Spaniel in 2022. Recently retired, Roy has represented Can Do Canines at a number of events, often with the popular Wrigley. The organization has plans for both Paula and Roy to be even more involved in the near future. “When it comes to supporting charities, I need to be confident that our donations will be used to maximum benefit,” shares Roy. “I …
More dogs-in-training attending college this semester
This fall, while some of our dogs have become Gophers, others are now Falcons. Our FETCH (Fostering Education Through Campus Hosting) Program has expanded from the University of Minnesota to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.Ten Can Do Canines, ages 9-18 months, crossed the border to be paired with 22 students for the fall semester. Dr. Chris Hergenrader, Assistant Professor of Animal Science at UW-River Falls, oversees the program for the university. Chris stated, “We want to provide a hands-on experiential learning opportunity for students in a way that helps them, the dogs, and the greater community.” The dogs and students …
Volunteer Advisory Committee Provides Valuable Input
In recent months, our Puppy Program has adopted new terminology for the volunteer positions to simplify language and distinguish our vocabulary from that of rescue organizations (for example, “host” versus “foster”). The program has also formed groups called Puppy Packs and has plans to host a conference for Puppy Program volunteers in the coming months. The impetus behind these changes is largely due to the Puppy Program Volunteer Advisory Committee, launched in January 2022. The dedicated crew, which currently consists of Katie Cormier, Andrea Weinreb, and Mike Zeckmeister, is tasked to improve volunteer engagement and enhance communications by providing opinions, …
Contact Us
Location
