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 …
Can Do Canines
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, …
Cooperation Leads to Healthy Dogs
It’s no secret; Arnold is a stud! Literally, he serves as one of our stud breeding dogs, and he is known for showing up for his breeding dates wearing a bow tie. He’s there to impress the lady and sweep her off her paws. Our breeding program is more than just the birds and the bees between dogs, though. It’s about cooperation. As an Assistance Dog International accredited member, Can Do Canines is invited to participate in the International Breeding Cooperative (IBC). We have been a part of this coop since its inception in 2013, and currently are one of …
Kora Pushes Heidi’s Independence Forward
“Imagine a really bad charley horse that won’t go away.” That’s how Heidi describes the symptoms she experiences with Dystonia—a movement disorder she was diagnosed with in 2020, but likely had for many years prior. Dystonia is much more severe than a charley horse, though. Heidi explains, “If it’s a real bad episode, it involves kind of everything.” In addition to her leg and foot being affected, her neck muscles are a common target, and her hands might involuntarily ball into fists. She adds, “My tongue will spasm so I can’t make discernible words. Even though I understand what’s happening, …
A Mind Set on Independence
By Beth Billstrom – Addie Swensen laughs as Kip, her Mobility Assist Dog, joyfully jumps into her lap and snuggles. Their bond is apparent. Missy, Addie’s mom, laughs and says, “He’s such a lover!” “Yes, yes, he is!” Addie agrees. Addie was born 16 years ago with spina bifida. Spina bifida is a condition that affects the backbone when the neural tube does not close. Addie uses a wheelchair or crutches to get around, but that doesn’t stop her. She attends school, works at Caribou, and is the manager of her school’s wrestling team. Like many teenagers, she thinks about …
Jiff Brings Independence, Responsibility, and Companionship to Tyler
By Mike Branch – Twenty-seven-year-old Tyler lives with his parents and sister. He has cerebral palsy, which affects his muscles and motor skills. Because of that, he uses a wheelchair. Occasionally, Tyler drops things, and it can be difficult to pick them up. In 2013, Tyler certified with Can Do Canine Geena, a Mobility Assist Dog. Prior to having an assistance dog, when Tyler would drop something, he would have to wait for someone to come home and help him. He couldn’t be left alone for more than a couple hours. Geena was a wonderful partner to Tyler until retiring …
Open House: November 11, 2023
We will be hosting an open house on Saturday, November 11, from noon-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 November 11. You will be asked to share some contact information at our registration table upon arrival. Take a virtual tour of our campus. Through a self-guided tour, attendees can: Watch a trainer demonstrate some general skills an assistance …
Deano’s Benefits are Beyond the Burden of Proof
Facility Dog Deano doesn’t have to raise his right hand—or, in his case, paw—and solemnly swear to tell the whole truth, but he is committed to helping humans who do have to do this. This spring, Deano was placed with two Victim Witness Specialists for the Anoka County Attorney’s Office. In this role, the women meet with those who may have to take the witness stand in a courtroom for any type of felony case, ranging from theft to homicides. One explains that they “help victims and witnesses through the court process. It’s a scary time for a lot of …
What if my dog eats grass, sticks, or leaves?
With fall approaching, leaves will soon be on our lawns. What might the additional foliage mean for your dog? Although some canines might be content to just enjoy jumping in the leaves with you, others might be inclined to dine on them, as well as grass and sticks. So, should you be concerned if your canine companion is getting their snacks from out back? Dogs often eat grass and/or leaves simply to alleviate an upset stomach. If they vomit a bit sometime after doing so, it shouldn’t be cause for alarm, as long as this is not something that happens …
One Assistance Dog, Murphy’s Law, Keeps Everything From Going Wrong
By Jessica Kellogg – Imagine for a moment that the seemingly simple act of bending down to pick up a dropped item could stop your breathing. This is the reality for Tabitha Althoff, whose Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) can cause her ribs to interlock and block her lungs from inflating any time she bends down. “You don’t realize how much you drop until someone is there nudging you with it.” EDS is a condition that affects the body’s connective tissue and can cause joints to dislocate for no reason. However, Tabitha also has Ankylosing Spondylitis, which causes the bones in the …
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