We will be hosting an open house on Saturday, May 20, 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 20. 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 …
service dogs
Open House: March 4, 2023
We will be hosting an open house on Saturday, March 4, 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 March 4. 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 …
Virtual Conversation with Jeff Johnson & Julianne Larsen
On Thursday, April 21, at 7 p.m., Executive Director Jeff Johnson will host a virtual conversation via Zoom. Director of Training Julianne Larsen will join Jeff to share how we have begun training both facility dogs and skilled home companions and what these new approaches mean. She and Jeff will gladly answer questions and provide information not only on these concepts but also on other organizational news. Please register ahead of time for this virtual session. Once you do, you’ll receive the link to join the conversation on the 21st. Both closed captioning and a live ASL interpreter will be …
Dog Toys Needed for Prison Program
As a way to thank the inmates and prisons that partner with us, we will be sending them thank you cards and new dog toys and treats for their pups this fall. Our supply of dog toys is running low, so we’re asking for your help to fetch us some more, using our Prison Program Toy Drive Amazon Wish List of approved toys. If you do shop on Amazon, you can have the items shipped directly to our facility. Keep in mind that using AmazonSmile will benefit us as well. You are also welcome to buy approved items at your …
Successor Success
By Bobb Elsenpeter For nine years, Paul’s stress and anxiety was alleviated by Autism Assist Dog Dawson, a Smooth Collie. By any measure, their relationship was an unmitigated success as they attended elementary and middle school together. But then things took a turn. Dawson started slowing down, developed arthritis and had trouble seeing. Ultimately, Dawson’s worsening health led to the need for a new Autism Assist Dog. Earlier this year, Paul was matched with Rafi, a black Lab, allowing Dawson to retire as their family pet. Rafi is a third-generation assistance dog for the Can Do Canines Breeding Program and …
Help Us Honor International Assistance Dog Week 2021
August 1-7, 2021 marks International Assistance Dog Week, which was created to recognize all the devoted, hardworking assistance dogs helping individuals mitigate their disability related limitations. Marcie Davis, a paraplegic for over 40 years and CEO of Davis Innovations, worked to establish International Assistance Dog Week. Davis is the author of Working Like Dogs: The Service Dog Guidebook, a resource book that captures personal stories, checklists and practical tips to provide the reader with an A-Z guide about service dogs and she is the host of the Internet radio program, Working Like Dogs, at www.petliferadio.com. As a member of a …
Federal Prison Camp-Duluth Resumes Prison Program with Can Do Canines
On Thursday, May 27, Can Do Canines brought seven puppies and their mom, Yoga, to their temporary weaning home at the Federal Prison Camp, located in Hermantown, Minn. This will resume this facility’s puppy prison program that has been paused since last spring due to the pandemic. Being weaned in a prison setting may be one stop on the journey for many of our dogs in training. Selected male inmates in the Duluth facility serve to wean 5-10-week old puppies from their mother, providing them with love, support and basic behavioral skills. After this weaning process, the puppies will return …
Familiar with the Process; Still Delighted with the Results
Janet isn’t new to Can Do Canines, she’s an alumni! In 1997, Janet received her first Hearing Assist Dog from Can Do Canines (then Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota). Tiger, a Border Collie mix, was her faithful partner, alerting her to important sounds for 13 years until he passed away in 2010. Years passed, with work, family and friends keeping her busy. In 2019, Janet found herself alone more and felt insecure. Her husband, Pat, often worked nights, and now that her daughter, Angela, was grown and working as well, she felt vulnerable not being able to hear. Janet …
Volunteer Spotlight: Rich Freyholtz
About three years ago, Rich retired from his job in IT and was looking for a useful way to spend some of his time. At the urging of a friend, he contacted Can Do Canines and signed up for an orientation. Now, he helps with dog transports, fostering and events of all kinds. Rich says, “I originally volunteered to do short-term foster work. I love dogs, and after my own pooch passed away a few years ago, I missed having a canine companion around. As a foster, I can have a great dog in the house for stretches at a …
Roni and Mobility Assist Dog Eunice Form Complete Friendship
The best of friends often get to a point of being able to complete each others’ sentences. In a way, that practice is something Roni and Mobility Assist Dog Eunice have accomplished in just a matter of weeks. Recently, Roni dropped a bottle of conditioner on the floor and explains, “I started saying the command, and Eunice already had [the bottle] in my hand.” This way of reading Roni’s mind shows just how eager to please the smart, black Labrador Retriever is. In fact, Eunice is so excited to work that the team is practicing patience so that Eunice doesn’t …
Contact Us
Location
