“After dealing with Parkinson’s disease for 32 years and having a triple bypass in December, I realized I needed some help,” said Gary, who was recently teamed up with Mobility Assist Dog Willow, a gentle and smart yellow Labrador Retriever. He explained, “My biggest risk is in falling doing everyday tasks. I can do things, but it takes more time and can make me tired. I found I was sitting more and less involved in life.” With Willow, things are looking up for Gary. “Willow helps me get out of a chair and makes me walk,” he said. Because his …
Labrador
Pria is Earning Best Supporting Role in Jeremy’s Life
At age 17, Jeremy sustained a spinal injury when diving into a pool. “I knew about it right away when I looked down at my legs and saw they weren’t moving,” he says. Jeremy has no movement in his legs, fingers or hands. He relies on others for transportation, and when he drops items, he can’t pick them up. “I don’t want to rely on strangers,” states Jeremy, who is now in his late 30s. That was often the case when he was at work as a greeter in an Eau Claire, Wisconsin, movie theater. So, knowing someone who knows …
Remaining Open to Possibilities Allowed Steve to Add Quince to His Life
Shutting doors. That’s what Steve, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2001, says is one of the most difficult tasks for him to manage on his own, especially when he’s using his power chair. “That’s problematic,” he explains. “I go through, and then with the chair and the footrest, you gotta lean in and you start trying to shut the door, but you have to back up because otherwise it’s going to hit. So that was my biggest challenge as far as being truly limited.” Steve talks in the past tense about that challenge, because he now has Mobility …
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 …
A Change Well Worth the Potential Disruption
Most children with autism thrive on structure and routine. For Declan, 7, that is remarkably true. He wakes up at roughly the same time every morning, eats the same breakfast every day, enjoys some playtime between school and dinner, and then eats the same dinner every evening. His mom, Christa, explains, “When Declan’s normalcy is broken, he has a difficult time coping with it. His reality breaks down, and it becomes all but impossible to get through to him.” Making a regular adjustment to his routine would have to be worthy of it. One special Can Do Canine goes to …
Silent Partner Helps Her Speak Out
Addyson’s personality sparkles as brightly as her Minnesota Jr. Miss Amazing 2019 crown—the perfect accessory whether she uses a walker, a wheelchair, or a pair of heels. A dedicated ambassador, advocate, public speaker, dancer, model, and outright powerhouse, this young lady is a survivor with a story. She fulfils these roles not just while living with disabilities, but because she is living with disabilities. Using her personal experience, Addyson shines light on ordeals that other individuals and families may also be facing. In middle school and in high school, Addyson noticed she was having increasing mobility challenges. She was diagnosed …
Volunteer Spotlight: Natalie Ramirez
Welcome to some new members of the pack, Natalie Ramirez and her family! Read about how she came to be involved with Can Do Canines and how she dove right in as a new foster with Black Lab Ripple. “I first saw a dog in a cape at a local Target years ago and I was intrigued with service dogs. I learned more about what service dogs did and found Can Do Canines,” Natalie says. Natalie picked up her first foster, Ripple, on November 25. When asked what has surprised her the most, she responded, “The incredible amount of information …
Bringing Out the Best in Each Other
Nancy Lauderman is the type of person who cares for everyone and is always willing to help or share what she can. The chance to focus on caring for herself recently came in an unexpectedly furry form. In her childhood, Nancy experienced physical trauma that caused her equilibrium and hearing to be impaired. She tends to miss certain sounds that are meant to keep her safe. Due to nerve damage, her balance is unstable and she loses it easily. Leaning over or reaching usually result in a continuous motion without the ability to steady herself. Additionally, she lives with fibromyalgia …
A Look Back on 2020
This year has been anything but normal, but the Can Do Canines community has stepped up to keep our mission moving forward despite unprecedented challenges. As we near the end of the year, we wanted to give an update on the state of the program and our mission to place these special dogs with the people who need them, perhaps now more than ever. After a brief pause on operations following the initial shutdown in March, Can Do Canines was quickly declared an essential service and allowed to continue operations. Since then, we have continued to train, place and certify …
Volunteer Spotlight: Sophie Weigel
Sophie Weigel moved to Minnesota from Iowa five years ago, right after college. She says, “I wanted to get involved in the community somehow. I went online to VolunteerMatch and saw that Can Do Canines had an event coming up and went to the website to check it out. I was in love with the mission right away!” For five years, Sophie served on the planning committees for the Fetching Ball Gala and the Can Do Woofaroo. Throughout the year, she plans and carries out these very important fundraising events as part of a group of other dedicated event volunteers. …