Isaac loves to be on the move, but his quick feet and bolting tendencies had his mother, Celia, looking for other options to help keep him safe in public. When her doctor shared a packet of resources, one of which was about Can Do Canines, Celia applied for an Autism Assist Dog for Isaac in September 2017. While on the waitlist, the family experienced some challenging situations. When Isaac was 3 years old, he ran away and his family finally found him under a car, looking at his reflection on the chrome bumper. The fear of Isaac bolting in public …
Service Dog
Foster Homes Needed for Puppies
We need several people to help by fostering one of our lovable puppies in the coming weeks. These little bundles will be 10 weeks old at the time, and the commitment is about 10 weeks. However, if you are able to help out for half that, about 3-5 weeks, we are able to accommodate that as well. We have knowledgeable trainers on staff ready to equip you with the skills and information to set you up for success. Read more about the Great Start process here. If you have not gone through volunteer orientation yet, please contact our Volunteer Department …
Uriel Becomes Angel in Bella’s Life
It’s not uncommon for someone to inquire about a Can Do Canines dog after learning about the organization from someone else. But when Bella knew three others who received a Can Do Canine, she figured it was her turn to apply too. A sophomore, living on campus at Augsburg College and studying graphic design, Bella has Spinal Muscular Atrophy. She has some movement and control of her hands and legs, but uses a power chair and needs help with several daily tasks. She admits that she wanted someone—or in this case, something—”to always be there to help me.” Yellow Labrador …
Volunteer Spotlight: The Whitfield Family
The Whitfield family, composed of Erin, Jef and their daughter, Ella, first heard about Can Do Canines about five years ago. Erin recalls, “A friend from church told me about Can Do Canines. Her son used to work at the Stanley Prison. We started fostering in January of 2018.” In the four years that have passed since then, the Whitfields have volunteered in many different ways. “We have done Weekend Prison Fostering, Puppy Sitting, Short-Term Fostering, Great Starts, and Long-Term Fostering. I have also helped make phone calls for Can Do Canines after a fundraiser,” Erin reports. When asked about …
A Herding Dog and his Hearing Job
Training her fourth successful successor assistance dog has been an adventure for Becky Thomas, who was partnered with three dogs from Can Do Canines before Jasper came into her life. It all started back in the early 2000s. Becky’s father had been a Lion in Ham Lake, and the club had done some fundraising for Can Do Canines. Having learned about their assistance dogs, he suggested that Becky apply for a Hearing Assist Dog, and her journey began! Jasper, now a 5-year-old miniature Australian Shepherd, has been with Becky since he was 12 weeks old. Becky loved her previous Hearing …
Fabian Becomes Perfect Treatment Component for Complicated Diagnosis
Kara was born with a metabolic bone disorder called Hypophosphatasia. She and the litany of doctors she met with for the first couple of decades of her life couldn’t identify what was causing her symptoms, though. She says there were clues along the way, including easily-fractured bones, missing teeth and her small stature. A range of diagnoses were suggested, including malnutrition at one point. Kara remembers thinking, “I’m a farm girl from Wisconsin. We are not malnourished. Definitely not.” Finally in her late 20s, Kara became the first person in Wisconsin to be diagnosed with this condition. While it’s not …
Receiving Autism Assist Dog Xenith May be a High Point in Gideon’s Journey
The word xenith is equated to “the highest point.” However one of main responsibilities Autism Assist Dog Xenith has with his forever person, Gideon, is to keep emotional highs in check. Joe, 11-year-old Gideon’s father, explained, “The biggest problem we’ve been dealing with has been emotional regulation.” Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder as a toddler, Gideon sometimes feels frustrated when trying to interact with people. Joe explained, “Social interaction is a real stressor for him because he doesn’t intuitively understand the rules, but desperately wants to interact, so our hope was that the dog would also provide an opportunity to …
We’re Showcased on Animal Planet’s Website!
We recently had the pleasure of hosting a production crew and working with them on creating a video about Can Do Canines, to be promoted as part of Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl XVIII. We’re thrilled to share that this “More Ways to Serve” episode is now available for viewing on AnimalPlanet.com. The 16-minute video highlights Can Do Canine’s dedication to enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities by creating mutually beneficial partnerships with specially trained dogs. Three different assistance dog teams are interviewed, along with volunteers and Can Do Canines’ Executive Director, Jeff Johnson. The episode also captures …
Fetching Ball Gala Being Held February 26
Can Do Canines invites the public to its annual Fetching Ball Gala, taking place Saturday, Feb. 26, at 6 p.m. This year’s event will be held at the DoubleTree Bloomington (7800 Normandale Blvd, Minneapolis, MN). Participants will enjoy an inspiring client story, a unique look into the Can Do Canines prison dog training program, fabulous auctions and an entertaining performance by comedian and storyteller Bob Stromberg. KARE 11 Reporter/Anchor Rena Sarigianopoulos will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Tickets must be purchased no later than February 16. All proceeds help Can Do Canines provide specially trained assistance dogs to people with …
Volunteer Spotlight: Margo and Michael Barder
If you visit Can Do Canines on a Wednesday afternoon, you are bound to see long-time dog walkers Margo and Michael Barder providing exercise and attention to the dogs in final training. The Barders first heard of Can Do Canines about four years ago while watching the news, and they have been dedicated dog walkers since. When asked what they love about dog walking, they say, “We love the moments when we learn something from any one of the dogs. Each has their own way of trying to teach us. When the connection happens, it is magical. We’ve also been …
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