Jason Apland & Mobility Assistance Dog Wagner Picture a gorgeous summer day out on the lake with your closest friends. The sun warms your skin while the cooling lake water splashes against your feet. You’re out jet skiing the lake when all of a sudden you’re thrown from the jet ski and your head crashes into the bottom of the lake. This happened to Jason Apland from New Brighton in 2011 at the age of 31. As a result of his jet ski accident, Jason crushed the C4 and C5 vertebrae in his neck. He now has plates, pins and …
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A Blessing in Disguise
Tracy Anderson & Mobility Assist Dog Carter Tracy Anderson from Farmington, Minn. fostered for Homeward Bound and other rescues in Minnesota. Two years ago she fostered an adorable black Labrador Retriever puppy named Carter. Shortly after receiving Carter, Tracy became ill and didn’t know Carter was actually a blessing in disguise. Tracy suffered from a stroke that impaired one side of her body. She also grapples with severe vertigo and passing out from dizzy spells. Walking long distances for Tracy is difficult and she also struggles with losing consciousness and leg pain. While researching assistance dogs, Tracy admittedly felt a …
Cory Hepola with Kare 11 | Can Do Canines Changing Lives Since 1989
NEW HOPE, Minn. — At Can Do Canines, dogs are trained to change lives. “I’m so proud every day of the work that we do,” said Alan Peters, executive director of Can Do Canines. Proud because Al knows what it’s like to feel alone. In the late 70’s, he moved to Minnesota and it was his dog – Molly – who saved him. “It gave me a new appreciation for the relationship we have with animals, and I started investigating the human-animal bond. At that time, I vowed to begin training hearing dogs here and continue doing …
Congratulations 2016 Fall Graduates!
Congratulations to the 17 Can Do Canines teams who received diplomas on Saturday, October 22 in recognition of graduating from Can Do Canines assistance dog program. Each assistance dog was provided free of charge due to the generous support of our donors. The Graduation Ceremony represents the culmination of a long journey for the assistance dogs and their partners. Beginning with puppy raisers, either in the homes of volunteers or at one of four Minnesota prisons, the dogs are raised and taught basic obedience and early assistance dog skills. After 18 months, they are returned to Can Do Canines for final training …
Best Buddies
Kali & Mobility Assistance Dog Buddy Kali was born prematurely at 23 weeks of age. At such a tender age, babies are typically around 11 inches long and weighing in at just over a pound. For reference, that’s about the size of a large mango. At this stage, blood vessels in a baby’s lungs are developing to prepare for breathing. Kali was born so early that she needed to have a double lung transplant as an infant. Kali spent a lot of time in hospitals as an infant and young child, her body struggling to grow stronger. She didn’t have …
Making Strides with Trek
Stephanie Oxley and Mobility Assistance Dog Trek Author: Joy Miller If a person saw Stephanie Oxley from Prior Lake, Minn. walking down the street, they would see a “regular” 20-year old woman with cute, short hair and glasses – nothing that might make one stop and wonder. Also, watching her water ski, one would see a typical, active, Minnesotan enjoying one of our famous 10,000 lakes. The perception of a normal, healthy, active adult would, however, be incorrect. This is a young woman with serious health issues, who is overcoming them with grace, determination, and the love and support of …
Rebel with a Cause
Amy Kainz & Mobility Assistance Dog Rebel Author: Vera Mariner It’s hard to believe that Amy Kainz and Mobility Assistance Dog Rebel have been “officially” together for only a few weeks. They’ve visited malls, restaurants, gone to movies and even the county fair where Rebel was “a rock star.” Amy is a wife and mom who enjoys going to her children’s activities, crafting, and volunteering her time. She also lives with progressive multiple sclerosis and needs help retrieving dropped items, opening and closing doors and needs stability if she falls. There’s a growing bond between Amy and Rebel. They seem …
A Calming Friend
Gabriel O’Donnell & Autism Assistance Dog Ramsey Gabriel (Gabe) O’Donnell, from Columbia Heights, Minn. is 10 years old and has autism. One morning before school, Gabe was outside and so upset about going to school that he refused to come inside the house and calm down. He was so focused in his anger and frustration that his tantrum kept him from listening to his mother Rebecca. Remembering how influential Ramsey is to Gabe, she said, “Gabe! Ramsey needs you to come inside!” Immediately after saying that, Gabe snapped out of his outburst and promptly came inside to greet Ramsey, his …
Harry and Hayes, a Wonderful Combination
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 …
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 …