Vanya is Tuned in to Kevin’s Needs

Since 1976, Kevin has been a ham radio operator. Using this type of party-line system, he says, “I literally try to see how many countries I can talk to in the world. At last count, I think I had right around 180 ... from Antarctica to the North Pole,” and beyond, including the International Space Station. He has been on calls with King Hussein of Jordan, Ronny Milsap, Barry Goldwater, and other celebrities. 

These days, the biggest superstar in his life may be his Skilled Home Companion, Vanya, a 3-year-old yellow Lab. 

Trained to pick up items for him; retrieve his cane; fetch Kevin’s wife, Liz, when help is needed; and clean up objects from the floor, Vanya is bringing a better quality of life to Kevin. And it’s not a moment too soon.

Kevin sustained a back injury while serving in the Air Force in his younger days. More recently, that led to surgery for a broken disc in 2001. However, the result of the surgery was not as expected. “It left me with a left leg that's pretty well useless,” he says. On top of that, neuropathy in both of his feet means that he can’t feel the floor below him. Kevin explains, “When I attempt to walk, I tend to fall on occasion, and there's a lot of me to fall.”

As his condition worsened and depression set in, he heard about Can Do Canines from a friend who knew one of our Puppy Program volunteers. When Kevin’s friend suggested he consider applying for an assistance dog, Kevin got the message loud and clear. 

After he received Vanya, the impact of her presence was instantaneous. Kevin says, “When she came into my life, I was more complete. It was like I was whole again.”

Kevin admits he has anxiety about going out in public, and does not do so very often. Therefore, Vanya does not have public access and is a Skilled Home Companion for Kevin. Yet, the two still get out to explore the world on plenty of walks. Liz says, “Just getting him out of the house has been huge,” explaining that his world had become so small. “It's just so refreshing to see him get out and enjoy some things for a change.” But for those times when Kevin is preparing to go out on the town, he shares, “If I begin to feel my heart racing, now all I have to do is reach down and pet her for a little bit before we leave, and I'm relaxed.”

Also relaxing about Vanya are her eyes—part of her face that apparently is not just for radio. Kevin says, “She has the prettiest brown eyes. You just melt and become a big baby around her.” Her big nostrils, according to Kevin, however, are another matter. “She sounds like the Duluth foghorn when snoring,” he jokes. 

Despite her loud sleeping, Kevin considers Vanya “a dream come true.” Liz agrees, saying that she doesn’t have to worry when she goes to the store or to the gym. “I can tell he's less anxious when I leave [him alone]. She’s been a life-saver.” But when both Liz and Kevin are home, it’s clear whose frequency Vanya is tuned into. “She sticks to him like glue,” reports Liz. “She’s always very concerned about her dad.”

Kevin cannot stay radio silent about what Vanya means to him. “I'd like to just tell the trainers and the handlers and everybody that worked with her before we got her that they’ve done a wonderful job, training her and getting her ready for her forever home. I want to just give them all a big bear hug.”

Roger that. 

 

Thank you to all those who made this partnership possible:

Raisers — Bobbie Hansvick, Cyndi Julkowski, Diana Adamson & Paul Oberhaus
Special Thanks — Federal Correctional Institution-Duluth, Federal Correctional Institution-Sandstone, University of Minnesota FETCH Program (Rachel Antonutti, Dylan Haynes)