Harry Hutchins & Mobility Assistance & Hearing Assistance Dog Hayes When Harry Hutchins of Grand Rapids, Minn. realized he was relying too much on family to hear sounds for him, he decided to apply for an assistance dog. Unfortunately for Harry, the same genetic condition causing his hearing loss is also causing declining mobility, and falls are a regular concern. Harry’s thought of getting an assistance dog wasn’t strictly about him, it was also about peace of mind for his family. “They were always needing to help me and they were always worrying about me.” Harry initially interviewed for a …
Can Do Canines
Stitch: Provider of Calm and Confidence
Jack Peña & Autism Assistance Dog Stitch Author: Tammy Waibel Just by watching an interview of nine-year-old Jack Peña, it is visible that his Autism Assistance Dog Stitch calms him. As he pets his Golden Retriever, Jack says, “Stitch is a really good friend and assistance dog. I sleep better now because Stitch cuddles with me.” Jack and Stitch live in Andover, Minn. with family members John, Jen, seven-year-old sister Isabella “Bella” along with Lucy the puppy and Cuddles the hamster. John says that Stitch has improved not only the life of Jack, but also to the whole family as he …
Braxton and Blue – Keeping Moods up!
Braxton Wiebusch & Mobility Assist Dog Blue Braxton Wiebusch from Sartell, Minn. enjoys hunting, fishing, camping and competing in wheelchair hockey. He’s a 20-year-old college student with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a degenerative muscle disease that affects every muscle in Braxton’s body. Braxton and his family all wanted an assistance dog, but they were uncertain about this decision because of the fur allergies they collectively deal with. Enter the playful and sweet canine, Blue. Blue is a handsome two-and-a-half-year-old Poodle who sports a white and brown coat. Not only is Blue specially trained as a Mobility Assistance Dog because of …
Giving Sophia Her Voice
Sophia Reither & Autism Assistance Dog Rylee Author: Bobb Elsenpeter You would have a hard time believing that behind 11-year-old Sophia Reither’s bubbly laugh and infectious smile was a little girl who, just a few months ago, had chosen not to speak. In fact, it might be hard to believe that she’s had to face many other obstacles in her short life. Sophia, who lives in Blaine, Minn. with her parents and two brothers, came into the world with a host of health problems. She and her twin brother Nicholas were born premature and with fragile X syndrome. Weighing just …
These Days with Morrie
Lisa Peterson & Seizure Response Dog Morrie Author: Susan Byers Ask Lisa Peterson to share how it feels to graduate with her first Seizure Response Dog, and she’ll quickly defer to the dog: “It’s all Morrie. He deserves all the credit.” Lisa and Morrie began their journey together less than three months ago. But in a short time, the exuberant yellow Labrador Retriever has become a lifesaver to Lisa. “Morrie is such a blessing. He gave me my life back. Now my family can leave for work and school without worrying about me.” That wasn’t always the case. Lisa …
Moon’s Star Retriever
Larry Thompson & Mobility Assistance Dog Ritz While out at a restaurant, Ritz donned her Mobility Assistance Dog cape and sat silently while Larry Thompson and his wife Cynthia were ready to enjoy their evening. Then their server walked up and told them they had to leave the restaurant because dogs weren’t allowed in the building. Before Larry could comment, the restaurant manager interrupted the moment and told them they could stay. Larry said, “It’s sometimes a little disheartening when they say you can’t have a dog there even when they have their assistance dog vest on. So many people …
Getting to Know Nash
Karen Staats & Hearing Assistance Dog Nash Ask Karen about Nash and she’ll proudly exclaim, “He’s my ears!” Karen has severe hearing loss and was worried about her future until she met Nash, her wonderful black Labrador Retriever Hearing Assistance Dog. After searching the internet and checking with local humane societies she came across Can Do Canines’ website. Looking through the site and watching some of the heartwarming videos on YouTube led her to apply for a Hearing Assistance Dog. Nash offers more than just companionship to Karen. Nash goes to work with her every day and lets her know …
Everyone Loves Spirit!
John Lavender & Mobility Assistance Dog Spirit Author: Colleen McFarlane John Lavender, of Savage, Minn. was in need of some assistance in his everyday life due to his progressive multiple sclerosis. “I’m not so good at getting down and getting up again,” he explains. After seeing a photo of a Mobility Assistance Dog in a Can Do Canines posting online, he quickly made room for a new friend in his life. With a bit of patience and a lot of training, his new friend would change his life in the most positive way. Spirit, a two-year-old black Labrador Retriever, is …
A Match Made in Can Do Heaven
Christopher Reichel & Mobility Assistance Dog Allie (Alice) Author: Vera Mariner “Calm. Hard Working. Sweetheart.” is how Christopher (Chris) Reichel describes his Mobility Assistance Dog, Alice, better known as Allie. She is a beautiful black Labrador Retriever and she lingers at Chris’ feet for his interview with a Can Do Canines team member and his mom. Chris was born with Cerebral Palsy and lives with an anxiety disorder which means Allie is the perfect blend of calm energy and a well-trained assistance dog. Allie’s purpose in life is to help Chris and she loves her work! With Allie by his …
Birds of a Feather
Lisa Jordan & Hearing Assistance Dog Cleo Author: Vera Mariner Lisa Jordan and Hearing Assistance Dog Cleo are birds of a feather. In fact, Lisa claims that Cleo is actually her, but in dog form. Both Cleo and Lisa can easily be described as funny, intelligent, delightful, and so darn charming! Cleo is a three-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever who is in Lisa’s life as a substitute pair of ears. Lisa has Cochlear Implants that help her hear, however, background noise can interfere with the effectiveness of Cochlear Implants and also cause other discomforts for Lisa. Furthermore, there are often times …