I am a recipient of this organization. They are a wonderful nonprofit organization that provides assistance dogs to those in need. They serve a wide range of clientele. I am a recipient of a mobility assist dog. My dog makes my life easier by helping me with everyday skills. These skills include helping me open doors, taking my coat off, and almost anything in between within reason. If you are interested in applying for a service dog, or volunteering for an organization I highly recommend doing your research and exploring all the wonderful opportunities that Can Do Canines has to offer.
Getting my mobility assist dog, Pria, has been one of the best things to ever happen to me! Pria picks up anything I drop and puts it on my lap. I'm a quadriplegic in a power chair and before I got Pria, I'd have to regularly go to a neighbor's house to pick up my phone, pills, remote, etc. and I have felt SO much more independent and safe. My experience has been wonderful and I can't recommend Can Do Canines enough!
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I've had my Pria through Can Do Canine for over 2 years now and she helps me feel so much more independent than I did before her. I'm a quadriplegic in a power wheelchair who is always dropping things and I used to have to call a neighbor to help out. Now when I drop something, she instantly looks to see what it is and picks it up and puts it back on my lap! She can also close/open my bedroom door for me, among other things. She's one of the best things to ever happen to me and I couldn't have done it without Can Do Canines!
can do canines helped me get my helper and companion magnum he is a lifesaver for me especially when my husband is over the road working which he would not be doing if magnum was not with me. we go to the store daily and due to the vasal vacal condition i have he is aware that if something is off with me he can go to one of the selected workers for assistance .life could be so different if i didn't have him in my life he has also been a Beacon to others who have come in contact with us we have found there are many people out there who can really benefit from what can do does and i and magnum are proud to let people know about this great organization he is primarily my mobility assistance dog but he does so much more i also have tremors in my hands primarily in my right hand and not only does he pick up after me he helps with laundry he lets me know if someone is at the door because my hearing isn't as good as it used to be he knows when i'm in pain even before i do at times he is an angel with 4 paws and god knew exactly who to send to me we are inseparable . thank you can do for all you do
Can Do Canines came into my life at a time when I was struggling with my type one diabetes and after applying I was paired with my hero Blaze. Can Do Canines gave me the necessary training and tips for me and my dog Blaze to be successful and after 3 and a half years I have not had a single diabetic episode and to put it simply this organization and my dog Blaze has changed my life
The day that I contacted Can Do Canines all possibilities became real maybe I can be a candidate for a Service Dog. After going through the process of getting approval for my application, getting a home visit from Can Do Canines coordinator the possibility really became real at this point. The day that I meet my Service Dog Ulla for training my heart was beating so fast I was hoping that Ulla liked me. Once I saw her coming down the hallway my heart melted tears started rolling down my face with joy. Ulla and I began training together for the next three weeks. Each day when I came in and Ulla was bought out to me she would always have the most amazing wag with her tail as she was happy to see me and may I say that like wise for myself I was very happy to see her. From this point I knew that my life was going to change tremendously with her helping me with my mobility being a below the knee amputee. Going out into the community I don’t have to be nervous anymore. If I get anxious I can rub her and she calms me down taking my anxiety away. Ulla can retrieve things for me when I drop them. She can clean up her toys at the end
of the day.
I have a medical condition called Central Regional Pain Syndrome Level 2 which is the worse level of this condition. Falls can be at any given time Ulla is able to tug my wheelchair to me when needed. I am limited to task that I can do this is where Ulla comes in as I mentioned earlier task that she can do for me. Can Do Canines has made this possible for me to live life again. I had stop living life and became home bound. Since receiving Ulla I am living life again. Thank you so much to Can Do Canines, Donors, Puppy Raisers, Coordinator.
Karen M.
Ulla M.
Amazing nonprofit that truly cares for their clients and dogs. I can’t imagine my life without them!
I became a client in January of 2019, briefly about me before I became a client our family pet passed away in August 2018. My husband and I were considering a dog from the humane society until I remembered a conversation I had with my doctor about Assistance dogs so I had my husband contact can do canine and fill out application. I have nothing but good things to say about can do Canine it was scary and exciting at the same time because Mable is my first assistant dog and I didn’t know what to expect from the program the exciting part was learning what Mable could do for me to help make my life easier and that is what I got from can do canine with Mable this dog has given me my independence and freedom back I can go into stores and go in opposite direction from my husband because Mable gives me more independence and confidence, without can do canine there would not be Mable for me and Mable is so much help around the house my husband is happy to come home to a clean house because everything I drop is picked up off the floor I can’t thank can do canine enough for giving my freedom back I believe can do canine can help a lot of people with disability out who needs a good partner
When Steve got Grady, he was a successor dog, who came to live with us 6/2/22. Rhett was Steve’s original service dog who passed away at 13 1/2 years old. Steve knew he wanted another Can Do Canine because Rhett was such an enormous help to him. in spring of 2022, Can Do Canines developed the companion dog program. After taking part in a seminar, Steve knew this was perfect for him. Grady retrieves for Steve, brings the laundry basket to Steve, opens doors and cupboards, and most importantly, nudges me to alert me that Steve needs help. This is especially important at night as I do not hear well and do not have my hearing aids in at night. Grady also provides pressure therapy on Steve’s back. Grady licks Steve’s head (gives “lovies”) for comfort. Of special importance is the confidence he gives Steve. Can Do Canines is a tremendous organization. The training they give the dogs (including seminars by zoom) on interesting topics related to the dogs are also wonderful. This organization is priceless and we are so thankful for them!
Can Do Canines is an amazing organization. Nellie is a certified mobility assist dog that was gifted to my disabled husband. She is a joy and a life changer. The organization does a phenomenal job at engaging volunteers to help raise the puppies, and their excellent staff provides support along the way. Super organization, I highly recommend and support.
Can Do Canines is an amazing organization! My daughter has benefited from a service dog which provides her more independence and a better quality of life then the doctors, teachers and specialists predicted. CDC staff are so supportive. Her service dog has helped my daughter have a life we never thought would be available to her. As parents, this service dog has actually changed our entire family. Having a child with a disability impacts the everyone in the family, so when a support is transformational (service dog Rylee) she made such a difference to all of us.
Can Do Canines has been life changing for me and my family. Not only have they brought an incredible partner and aid to me in my pup, but they have given me the gift of independence, freedom, and support. Even after graduation, their team is incredible and always there to answer my questions or support me when I need it. The community that has come into my life because of them has taken me from surviving to thriving. I recommend them to anyone that will listen.
Can Do Canines has made it possible for me to gain independence by providing me with a professionally-trained mobility assistance dog at no charge, along with full support for me and my dog for the entire six years we’ve been a team. Other organizations charge clients $25-35,000, which makes access next to impossible for most people with disabilities who are already on limited incomes. Instead of spending years fundraising tens of thousands of dollars, I was able to begin training with my new partner within a few months. Can Do Canines is a responsible good steward with the funds that are raised; I am a client, but after seeing what I’ve seen as a recipient of their services, I am also a donor.
I got my assistance dog from Can Do Canines. She’s amazing! The staff are always friendly and helpful. I recommend them to anyone in need of an assistance dog
Can Do Canines has given us so much! Their amazing staff and volunteers do an amazing job and change lives. Our life has gotten so much better because of them. Our new addition to the family is a hard working dog who helps our kid on the spectrum be safer and more independent. We can’t thank CDC enough for this blessing.
They teamed me with a mobility assist, dog, Herbie, 10 years ago. Herbie has been faithful, skilled helper who always does his job, flawlessly. Best yet, the support that Can Do Canines provides the second to none. 10 years later, the amount of support they provide is like we were just teamed up.
I have seizures and can do canines made it possible for me to be more independent in life and blessed me with such an amazing dog that has helped me so many times in my time of need!
Can Do Canines paired me with Nina, a hearing assistance service dog. Nina has been my faithful partner for the last 7 years. Everyone tells me how wonderfully well behaved she is, and the services she provides help get along safely in a world that is built for the hearing. I can’t thank Can Do Canines enough for training Nina and placing her with me.
My husband’s service dog has expanded his life. With the hearing assist dog, he knows that he will not miss fire alarms or phone calls. Can Do Canines provided us with a beautifully trained dog free of charge. They are an amazing organization.
My seizure assist dog Zeta came from CanDoCanines and I can’t say enough positive things about my experience with them. Their staff goes above and beyond to make sure I have everything needed to set me up for success in my partnership with Zeta. They actually deserve 6 stars!
This organization truly makes a difference every day in the life of their graduates. These specially trained dogs fill a spot in the lives of their handlers that allow them to be more independent. The dogs create a safe space for the handlers that allows family members some respite from care giving. I can’t say enough about the impact my dog has had on both my life, and my family’s. I am now able to spend time giving back to my community.
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Can Do Canines is a fabulous organization! I was blessed and accepted into their program, and received a diabetes assistance dog that has changed my life. I have regained my independence, and am so grateful for their mission. The entire process was so smooth- they are very professional. I especially love the sense of family that the organization fosters for past graduates.
i have been honored to be a recipitant of a can do pup named magnum he is my 3 1/2 yr old mobility pupperwe came together on 2/8/21 and started working together on 2/11/21 to become a team my husband works and i feel alot more safe knowing magnum is by my side . he picks up things i drop he gets help if i fall and is a great representative for can do . we always have ppl asking about what he does and how to applying for a pup. we are honored to be spokespeople and pupper for can do because you do great things for ppl . i am so grateful for what you have done for me and will continue to be the best spokesperson i can . ty for all you do this is my pup magnum.
We have been on the waiting list for more then 3 1/2 years to find out after an hour and a half interview a letter comes two weeks later to say we are not a good fit?! What! So an hour and half interview let’s you know my sons needs. Wasted over three years for something my son needs not wants but needs
Our daughter Andrea Miller received her seizure assist dog, Drake, from Can Do Canines in 2011. Before Drake, Andrea didn't have the independence she wanted and did not feel comfortable being alone. A friend suggested applying for an assistance dog from Can Do Canines. The first time Andrea met Drake she was surprised at how calm and well trained he was. The staff and trainers worked with Andrea on finding her the perfect dog. After weeks of training and then graduation she began to rely on his ability to be there for her, which gave her the confidence she was looking for to lead a more independent life. Having Drake made Andrea more comfortable after seizures by getting help and making her feel safe. Her family also felt a sense of relief knowing Drake was always by her side. The staff at Can Do Canines are exceptional at placing the client with the perfect dog! Andrea was blessed to have Drake in her life for 10 years.
This an an amazing group of people. The benefit of my son being paired with his Autism Assist Dog is beyond words. We will be forever grateful for everything they have done, do, and continue to do for not only our family, but everyone who comes to them.
My seven-year-old granddaughter kept pestering me to get a hearing assist dog. Even with advanced degrees it is difficult to argue with a determined young lady convinced that your life could depend upon it. She enlisted her uncle, an avid hunter and outdoors-man, to scout out a canine assistant, and over the next year together they zeroed in on a beautiful, irresistible, intelligent litter at Royalty British Kennels. Three trips to RBK and three one-hour interviews with dedicated breeder John Pesek, bought Bentley Fox to the rescue, to at least end the proddings of Grandaughter Claire.
We didn't know at the time that we were doing everything backwards, but many queries and searching, an a suggestion from a ticket seller at the Children's Theater in Minneapolis--herself a volunteer with Can Do Canines--eventually brought us to Can Do Canines of New Hope, MN. Patient and helpful from day one, they confirmed that owner-provided dogs are rarely accepted into their program, and we already knew that was also true of other programs we had contacted.
Nevertheless the folks at Can Do Canines were of tremendous help in walking us through the normal procedures, and encouraging us to school Bentley to the point where he could be accepted into the program.
Bentley was accepted, and Elizabeth Reberk of CDC, assisted by field trainer Kelly Brunson in Dululth, patiently and expertly formed Bentley and Tim Roufs into a qualifying team.
From the very first day we walked through the CDC office in New Hope to the CDC e-mails checking in on us this week the volunteers and staff of CDC have without exception been the finest group of individuals that we have interacted with with of any charitable organization with which we have dealt in the last fifty years of our marriage. Bentley and I have attended the meetings of and appeared before the Board of Directors of CDC, we regularly travel from Duluth, to the Twin Cities for their major fund raisers, Bentley and I have become part of the CDC Northern Minnesota-Wisconsin outreach team, giving public presentations for the Cloquet community at the Cloquet Public Library, and for the staff of the Superior Animal Hospital in Superior, WI. Elizabeth Reberk has also participated in the staff training with Dr. Jenny Shamla and the staff at the Superior Animal Hospital. Bentley has also become the "spokesperson" for assist dogs at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where he is by my side in my office and the classroom (pre-covid).
Over the last three years Can Do Canines has become our number-one favorite charity. They are an organization made up of staff and volunteers who without exception genuinely care about their clients. Their activities harness the energies of their staff, volunteers, and clients. Their works give meaning to the lives not only of those they help with assistance animals, but also to those--such as volunteers in the states' correctional institutions who participate in the early stages of the dogs' training.
In our particular case, HAD Bentley not only stands guard on the life of his deaf partner, but together as a team they bring peace of mind to three generations of our extended family.
And the Can Do Legacy with us continues, as contributors and supporters of their program and staff. Kelly Brunson continues her role as field trainer for other dogs for CDC, John Peshek has in recent months contributed Royalty British Kennel genetic services to the CDC litter development, Tim & Bentley regularly consult with the veterinarians at the Superior Animal Hospital, and stand by as CDC representatives to the media and citizens of northeastern Minnesota.
Can Do Canines truly is one of our stellar Nonprofits.
Can Do Canines is Amazing! I am so thankful for all of there hard work and time spent to help others just like me! I can't imagine life with out my mobility service dog Opal! This has been a life changing event for me and my family and we are Blessed beyond words to be part of this wonderful family!!
Can Do Canines has been such a wonderful organization to work with! They matched me with a Mobility Assist Service Dog named Aggi and it couldn't have been a better match. They were very easy to work with, are super responsive with getting back to me with needs related to Aggi and I and just overall are amazing! If you are looking for a service dog organization to work with here in Minnesota/Wisconsin I highly recommend them!!
Years ago my back started to really hurt. Bending over was excruciating. I learned how to pick up with my toes. Anything to save my back. I have had a pain pump and internal stem unit. Before that I was on Fentanyl and Percocet. That messed with my memory.
Enter Kirby. He carries things for me. Gets the phone. Helps with the laundry and gets things off the floor. A side thing he does is putting his head on my lab when all those measures do not cover all the pain. And when I feel alone, he makes me laugh trying to lick my lips.
Can Do Canines has impacted my life in a dozen ways. Even now 5 yrs later I am still getting support from my awesome trainer. Yea Leslie.
I had looked at dogs and could not afford to buy one. It takes over$25,000 to raise a dog from birth to being joined with their life partner. The awesome fundraising they do to give the dogs for the cost of an application fee.
Thank you birth families, puppy raiders, foster parents, trainers, walkers and all the corporate staff who make this program happen. Love you Kirby.
I’m a 9 year Veteran of the Marine Corps. I was strong, in control and a wife and mom. I’m 2013 I started getting symptoms of weird neurological things. I thought omg I have MS. ALS. It took 3 years and 7 doctors to finally get my diagnosis of Adult Onset Cerebellum Ataxia. Even the Mayo had no idea what I had. I went from a strong Marine to walking like I was drunk, slurred speech, no fine motor skills-as I progressed people kept telling me to look into an assistance dog. I was like a typical stubborn Marine in that no way I needed help nor was going to ask. I finally got on a list at a different organization and after almost 4 years I said forget it. I walked into Can Do Canines and was given the utmost professional communication and coaching as they fitted me with a dog. In months I was working and learning along with this organization that changed my life. I no longer am afraid to be alone. I no longer wish I could go for walks but now can do. My dog has spoken volumes to me about trust, patience and unconditional love. These are highly trained dogs that fit many needs. I can’t thank them enough!!!
I’ve had my assistance dog from Can Do Canines for six years now. Each one of those six years Can Do Canines has been there for us! Anytime I have needed their help, which honestly isn’t that often because of how well they trained both of us for this journey I’m on in my life. They provided me with a four-legged life saver whose got my back in more ways than I can count. Thank you Can Do Canines!!
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I received the most loving, crazy, intelligent, life saver from Can-Do-Canines on 10/03/2013!!! Bubba is a Schipperke that alerts me to dangerously low blood sugars before they become to low to correct on my own or cause me to have a seizure or pass out. He does this all for love and treats. He keeps me safe everyday at work, at home, at hockey games, and everywhere else we go. He had the best training, I hear quite often "I didn't even see your dog". When we are at home is a typical Schipperke, but when we are at work or out in the public he is all business. Can-Do-Canines has been there for me every step of the way, they have made Bubba and I a great team! I can never thank them enough. Can -Do-Canines has done all of this for me for free. The love have for their dogs and their clients is priceless!
I have only had positive interactions and respect; even when conversations are tough. They (CDC) treat both assist dogs and potential clients; but initially, the main focus is the dogs. Your application is reviewed, your resources and recommendations are contacted. Once your application for a service/assist is approved, you are interviewed in your home via video. This is shared with all staff to help match you with the best assist dog for you. All Staff are aware of what the dog and you need. That’s how it starts and that perspective never ends. I have had my combination assist dog since July 2018 and I have had the ear of the trainers for myself and Catalina; needing feedback, directives on an issue, or sharing an “Atta Girl!
My son has Caudal Regression Syndrome which affects the lower portion of his body making walking and getting around difficult. Just getting out of bed and normal everyday activities were difficult and he was starting to get depressed. We applied to Can Do Canines for a mobility assist dog. A few months later he was matched to Mobility Assist Dog Kane. Kane has been a god send as he has provided my son with a reason to continue to get up and move around, he helps him with walking and picking things up when dropped and he has become Jake's best friend. The Can Do Canine program is so wonderful and so appreciated by the people and families they have impacted as they do such a fabulous job of training and preparing these hard working and loveable assistance dogs.
I received a beautifully-trained service dog, months of training, and constant access to a trainer afterward. All at no fee. They are incredibly well organized, compassionate, responsive, and helpful. Tristan has helped me in ways I never could have imagined.
My son was a recipient of a Can Do Canine and was helped immensely! He loves his assistance dog and will periodically ask me if Cooper will last forever. The trainers were wonderful with training the dog and me as the dog's handler. They followed up with us and were there to answer any questions we had after we brought him home. They do not charge the clients for these dogs so to continue their mission, they need generous people to come alongside them. If you are looking for an organization to donate your time and money to, this is certainly a worthy one.
Can Do Canines is a fabulous organization helping disable clients to live independently as possible. I received a hearing dog in 2001 and was amaze how this organization worked with clients putting a dog into a client's home. I highly recommend this organization to all people who are thinking of getting a service animal to help in their daily life and living. This is a top notch nonprofit as I ever seen and they love what they do to help disable people live life to the fullness. Thank you Can Do Canines for being a part of my life and to enrich my life to the best of my capabilities. Proud of YOU everyone for doing an outstanding job for our great community and for the state of Minnesota.
I am privileged to say that I and my family has been blessed with one of Can Do Canines dogs, a true superhero.
My girl, Rogue is a Diabetic Alert Dog. What she does is alert me inadvance of a hypoglycemic incident. I no longer feel the warning from my body, haven't for years. This means she keeps a visit from the EMT's at bay.
One of the truly amazing thing about Can Do Canines is their staff. Without whom these life changing dogs would not be possible.
They are always there for a client, with an encouraging word or a bit of advice to help ensure the success of a team.
No questions asked, they also remember us, no little feat, considering the numbers of people helped by Can Do Canined says alot.
Rogue has removed a good portion of the fear, concern and helpessness that are things commonly felt by every diabetics family, that alone is life changing!
Rogue is a life saver, on an on going basis, she keeps me out of the danger zone, the area below a Blood Sugar reading of 70. It is not uncommon for a person to have readings below 40. For me that is no longer a area I experience.
That's what makes Rogue a true superhero for me and my family.
When you think about it everyone, has an innate desire to touch a life, to improve someones life in a positive way.
This organization does this multiple times a day, in a number of different areas.
For those looking for the opportunity to help others in a significant way, to significantly change someones life, you would be hard pressed to find a better place to focus your efforts.
I am a client for this incredible organization, and I'll do my best to really sum up how wonderful Can Do Canines really is.
I'm a Type 1 Diabetic that was diagnosed at age 19. After managing my diabetes on my own for several years, I wanted to live alone and truly be independent. Because of my low blood sugars and more frequent hyperglycemia unawareness, my family was concerned and warned me against living independently. I looked for alternate options, and my father saw a news segment about Can Do Canines on a local station.
After looking them up, I applied and eagerly waited to hear. I got an interview over the phone, an in home interview, and days later I was placed with my diabetic alert dog (DAD) Willy. This is a pretty quick turnaround, but Willy had just come back from training and was ready to be homed.
We started training a few weeks later, and I ran into issues with my work not willing to accommodate. Can Do Canines was with me every step of the way, and supported me until they changed their minds.
Later that year, before graduation, Willy had alerted several times to dangerous crashes and low blood sugars. One night, after I over-corrected for a meal and went to bed, Willy saved my life by repeatedly alerting me until I woke up and checked. He even stayed up with me while I corrected my dangerous low, and only went to bed when he knew I was safe.
If Willy wasn't there that night, I may never have woken up. Can Do Canines has not only provided me and my family peace of mind, but they gave me a medical tool I never knew I needed. They continue to check in and be a system of support even almost two years after placing Willy. I know I can count on them, even after all their hard work is technically over.
I would give Can Do Canines a million stars if I could. I only hope that they will live on forever so others can feel the same way I do.
Our little boy received his best friend on June 1st. Her name is Georgie and she is a 2 year old Golden Retriever/labrador mix autism assistance dog. We had absolutely no idea of the impact Georgie would bring to our lives. Our son isn't drawn to people or things in particular and hasn't shown interest in any sort of pet. We are able to go shopping with our son - something I never thought would be possible. Gone are the days of lifting his 80 pound body into the cart and running out of the store when he's had enough. My son has a belt tethered to her cape and he holds onto the handle while we are out in the community. He remains calm and doesn't run off. She goes with us to doctor appointments and she provides a sense of calm when the anxiety spikes. He can pet his "Georgie girl" and everything will be OK. Our son craves compression and this gal just loves to lay against him and will lay on top of him when he wants to be squished in his bed. Although our son cannot speak we can see the love in his eyes and feel the love he has for her as he is quick to jump off the swing so we can walk his puppy. This organization has given our family a much needed support and our son a friend to count on when his world becomes overwhelming.
Can Do Canines has given me independence and confidence! And, I am so impressed with their program. I had a neurological disorder that left me with balance problems and frequent falls. After breaking my leg in a fall last year I became extremely fearful about getting help if I needed it. Can Do Canines provide me with an assistance dog that not only fetches a phone, or a person to help me, but does many tasks that keep me from having to bend and turn so much. This reduces my fall risk and I haven't fallen since. He opens and closes the frig, gets my cane, carries a bag for me (or mail, or recycle), tugs the walker or a laundry basket to me, gets his leash or food bowl, etc., etc. etc.
The training program for the dogs is impressive; they learn so many skills. Then, the training for the clients gives us all the tools we need to be a successful team. I have been incredibly impressed with all the details they have covered, e.g. even how to travel with your service animal.
We are so lucky to have access to this program here! It is amazing!!!
I have Parkinson's disease and many other medical issues. This is what I wrote to my pup on on our second anniversary together, when I was given this miracle, my girl from Can Do Canines. I realize it is written to my pup, but in reality it is a thank you to Can Do Canines.
It is hard to believe that two years ago today I was given a true miracle, you. When I applied for a dog at Can Do Canines never in my greatest dreams did I KNOW you would become my hope, my independence, my confidant, and my reason to get out of bed and try. Learning to live again was tougher than I thought it would be, challenges I never dreamt of. You see Teenie, I did not realize, nor want to acknowledge, I was getting so tired of struggling to simply exist. I was losing my life inch by inch. But with you there by my side, each step of the way, you helped me start all over again. Independence can come as a surprise when you think you are living; I sincerely thought I was doing okay, but in reality was not. I was giving up on just about everything….. Yes, I was doing what was necessary but not much more. I was only surviving the challenges placed before me.
Because of my condition I had lost most of my friends, it is hard to have a friend with a chronic and terminal disease. You become more work than most people honestly want to put into a person. And suddenly there you were, my friend, my confident. You licked away my tears and cheered at my successes. I could even see you roll your eyes at my stupid moments! Your sarcasm makes me laugh; which is one of the greatest gifts you have given me. You have encouraged me to take that next step; to persist, to become much more resilient, to search for the security that I once thought was within myself. You have helped me to rediscover myself. All these gifts, and so many more, I honestly do not believe I could have recaptured without you. Your quiet, unassuming personality was the perfect match for me. You accepted all of my moments, no matter where I was emotionally, mentally and physically and I truly believe that is what helped me to reengage with life.
You have given me an entirely new family, from your puppy raiser, "KC" and her family to other puppies she has raised and their families. You have given me dear friends through FB, some I have met, others I dream of meeting. You have given me a family at Can Do Canines. I wish I had the words to express my gratitude for all of these incredible people. Teenie, you are the axis of my flourishing life.
My dear Teenie to say I am grateful for you is simply not enough. To say that I have become stronger, out of love and necessity, simplifies our relationship. To say thank you for the patience, kindness, silliness, dedication, and ultimately your love, compassion and trust sounds so small in comparison to the fullness you have given me. You have showed me what it is like to leave the limited light of the stars at night and enter the sunshine, to feel alive once more.
Your skills have given me security and let the fear leave my life. You understand my anxiety and have replaced it with genuine love and trust. I may encounter raging rivers and challenges I did not think I could endure; but yet you ensure my safety each day. You remind me that these are only winds and they can bring a lifetime of change. You show me each and every day what the saying, “this is but a moment,” means.
You have, in these two short years, reminded me that life is meant to be lived by and through love….isn’t that what life should be about?
Without Can Do Canines none of this would have been possible. To say thank you seems minute compared to the gifts I have been given from Can Do Canines. This organization has given so much and asks for so little. All they want to do is makes lives independent, safe and ultimately loved by the dogs they put their heart and soul into.
Where do I even start with this amazing nonprofit that completely changed my daughter's day-to-day living? Can Do Canines literally GAVE Samantha's life back to her.
There are so many amazing ways they've done this. Samantha's mobility assist service dog, Obie, is by her side every minute of every day. He picks things up off of the floor so that she doesn't have to bend down, risking a severe and immediate drop in her blood pressure which causes her to pass out without warning. Before Obie, she knocked out her front teeth and has sustained several concussions. He helps her up or down the stairs, braces himself to assist her when she needs to get up from sitting on the floor, opens doors (he's a real gentleman), brings things to her from another family member, brings her credit card up to the counter to pay a bill, and even delivers laundry downstairs to the laundry room. Now if we could just train him to fold it and put it away. ;0)
Obie can go get help if Samantha needs him to. He can retrieve her phone if asked. He also carries her medical information in his vest pocket in case of an emergency. As a parent, those are three of the most comforting things I could've ever hoped for. I used to worry about her non-stop, to the point that I couldn't focus on anything else. Now I know that Obie has her back, whether that's at college (which she's been able to go back to) or at the grocery store-wherever. They've become an inseparable team!
Can Do Canines not only provided Obie free of charge, but also food and supplies to get started, amazing trainers so that the two of them learned how to work together, lots of client education, and a lifetime of support. If Samantha needs Obie to do a task that he wasn't originally trained for, she can contact Can Do at anytime and they with assist her with training him to perform the new skill.
Last, but far from least, Obie has vastly improved Samantha's emotional health. She feels safe again, able to trust (and even push) her body a bit more knowing that Obie will be there to help when needed. This has resulted in fewer doctor visits and days spent in bed not feeling well. He even motivated her to be active again and go for a walk or to the dog park because she knows he enjoys them so much. She wants to take care of him as well as he takes care of her.
Thank you Can Do Canines for not only changing my daughter's life, but ours as well. You've FAR exceeded any expectations we could've even imagined. I would have never dreamed that a four-legged angel could enter our lives and make such an incredible difference. May you always have the funding to bless others' lives as you've blessed ours!
As a child, we have dreams that cannot conceive boundaries. As an adult, we often find that those very dreams are not the reality that we may live. Try as we may, life has its own plan for each of us; moments that can define who we may become. At the time, I was in my early thirties, boundaries began to shape my life. Limitations that had become a daily struggle that ultimately became the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Those boundaries that I could not even conceive as a child had, indeed, become my reality.
A defining moment occurred when I learned about Can Do Canines. I had not even thought of the possibility of a mobility assistance dog, let alone how a four-legged angel could, and would, change my life.
The list of skills that Justeen does daily for me has given me the gift of reengaging in life. The challenges are still there, and always will be, but Justeen makes accomplishing the everyday tasks possible and with less pain. She opens drawers and doors, picks up and retrieves all of the items that my rigid hands drop constantly, carries bags in and out of stores for me, empties my grocery bags, and tugs my laundry basket to where I need it to be. She has given me peace of mind by being able to get the emergency phone when I have needed it. Justeen has become my ambassador in stores; just having her at my side verifies that I do need extra assistance and I no longer have to search for help. This angel has truly given me my life back, simplified my life with her extensive skills, and returned my independence. Justeen has also given my husband peace of mind for when he is not at my side. This sweet, kind, gentle angel has literally become my life-line, partner, and ambassador.
Without an extremely dedicated staff and volunteers none of this could be possible. There are now over 500 partnerships that Can Do Canines has willingly and freely given. I am grateful that I was one of those "furever " teams.
Losing Sandy, my first hearing dog of ten years, was not only heartbreaking, but with her went many normal securities of life that many take for granted. Knowing when the alarm clock is going off, when the phone is ringing, or someone is at the door....knowing when the oven timer is beeping, the teapot is boiling, or if my husband needs me in another room....and being alert to the fire alarm or carbon monoxide alarms blaring, or an intruder are all things I miss. I'm severely hearing impaired, about 80% deaf. Without my hearing aids I can't hear a dog bark.
It took about two years of missing these things before I was ready to give my heart to another "Sandy". My second hearing dog was a gift. An American Eskimo, which I began training when she was 14 weeks old. I am so very thankful that CanDoCanine accepted her to complete her training and be certified through their nonprofit organization. CanDoCanine provided my first hearing dog, so I was fully confident that they would send me off with the needed security and the best obedience for public access.
If you are interested, our story along with a photo is in the fall of 2015 newsletter on CanDoCanine's website. My new hearing dog's name is Shiya. It means "Snow at Dawn". Her white fluffy body gently lays across my chest (with an added lick or two) as she awakes me each morning when she hears the alarm clock. She loves working. I've caught her sitting on the end of my bed just waiting for the alarm to go off!
Through the support of individuals and organizations, CanDoCanine has provided the restored confidence and peace of mind to live daily life at home or elsewhere. Shiya and I are a team now....just like Sandy and I were for all those years. Thank you CanDoCanine, and Dora our trainer. What a blessing these dogs have been.
I have a dog from Can Do Canines.
I expected my dog to do work for me but never did I for a moment realize the change she would make in me.
After having a few falls in public before her I had decided to stay in my home as much as possible and because of the depression that came with my disability I cut off as much outside contact as possible. I even refused to see my own family and spoke to them only on holidays.
Then along came my assistance dog Camille. I wasnt too sure at first about trusting her but after being awaken from a fire starting in my home I had little doubt I could trust her.
With Camilles help we are truly a team and she makes sure I get out of the house everyday and visit with people and she LOVES to see my nephews and even cries in the car as we get closer to seeing them. :)
THANK YOU Can Do Canines and all those involved in bringing Camille into my life she really had saved my life!
My wife received Diabetic Assist dog Hailey several years ago. My wife was at a very critical point in her life because she has had diabetes for nearly 50 years. We were house bound and I could not turn my back on her as she would just pass out in a matter of moments. Sleeping all night without a very low and dangerous blood sugar episode was impossible. Hailey has changed everything. She catches the low blood sugars before they become a problem and has certainly saved my wife's life dozens of times. Please take the time to go to Can-D0-Canines website and check them out. Try and make it to one of their events. I promise it will change your life.
My husband, Frank, received his mobility assistance dog Diva 2 years ago and she has been a Godsend. I know I can go to work each day and not worry as much because she is there when he needs her. Diva will hop up on my side of the bed after I leave and will stay next to Frank if he didn't sleep that night until he is feeling rested and ready to transfer into his wheelchair.
Can Do Canines is a wonderful agency and is staffed by people who sincerely want to be of service to those that need the love and help from a highly trained dog.
I have been a client of Can Do Canines for 20 years and during that time had the honor of having 3 hearing assistance dogs. Each dog was well trained and provided me with invaluable service. The staff at Can Do Canines is responsive and sensitive to my needs and the needs of my assistance dogs. I strongly recommend Can Do Canines. Their work with training assistance dogs for people with a wide variety of disabilities is top notch.
When I first applied over 5 years ago, even through today, if I have a question about my mobility assist dog, someone at this agency is helpful in answer it or helping me to find the answer. I've been very happy with this agency from the time they came to my home to do the interview, the information they gave me, letting me know what they expect of me, the training with my dog match, even finding a match with the breed I prerferred. The day of our graduation as a service dog team was so new to me, but very exciting, and a person really needs to attend a gradutation to understand the importance of these dogs to the presonal lives of the individuals who receive them. I've been back for someone else';s graduation, and have the same feelings I had at my graduation. The dog placed with me, Redford, was an excellent match. He continues to demonstrate how smart he is and has changed my world in so many positive ways!
This organization helped to change my life - I should not say helped but was the key to the change in the form of Cyrus, my mobility assist dog. Before Cyrus I was very house bound - afraid of going out in public, falling, and not being able to do those little tasks others take for granted. Since Cyrus my world has again opened up and the fear that kept me in the house is gone. The training he received by the puppy-raisers, trainers, volunteers and staff at the Can Do Canines organization was the reason I have the freedom I have today. There is no way I can ever thank them enough
I have Multiple Sclerosis and have a desperate need for help doing the daily tasked that "normal" people take for granted. Can Do Canines has stepped forward by providing me with an assistance dog that helps me with these tasks and, as a sheer bonus, is a wonderful addition to my family.
I've worked with dogs, professionally, all my working life. It came to the point, because of my MS, that I could no longer do the work I had done for so many years. I was urged to apply with Can Do Canines. By a miracle of God, they accepted me into the program. It took some time but eventually they showed up at my doorstep with a beautiful, fully trained female black lab. I fell in love with her instantly and the love has only grown with each day. The trainers are AWESOME as are the puppy raisers!
"Karma' helps to balance me when I walk and gets me things I drop. She also will get a phone for me when I fall in the house. She's always with me wherever I go. Before Karma, I rarely went out because I was afraid of falling. Now, with the brace she wears I can hold onto her and I no longer fear falling in public.
She's my best buddy and watches me continuously. She loves to curl up with me to watch TV and snuggles with me in bed on cold nights. She also barks very loud and scares off anyone who comes to our door. Unless she knows them! They get a toy picked out and carried to them by Karma:) She loves everyone but I'm okay with her loud ferocious bark!
Karma has opened my world again. She goes to all my medical appointments which are many! They love her there and she makes the appointments more fun while sitting in the waiting room. She's special and makes me feel special. I love her so much! And, she was given to me by Can Do Canines who do not charge for these awesome dogs! Kathy Schroeder and Karma.