My Nonprofit Reviews

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.