Frank Koss and Mobility Assist Dog Pinta Author: Bobb Elsenpeter Independence is something most people take for granted. But when that capacity is taken away, the result is devastating. Thankfully, getting some of those abilities back is life changing. Such is the case with Frank Koss of Plymouth, Minn. Frank suffered a back injury in November of 2004 and as a result has had numerous back surgeries, including spinal fusions. A recent surgery resulted in even more health complications. He found himself in a wheelchair and wasn’t able to walk for seven months. Frank has an abnormal gait and no …
Can Do Canines
Cory Hepola with Kare 11 | Matching Dogs and People
NEW HOPE, Minn. – “It’s an art to match an assistance dog to the right person.” In this week’s feature, Cory chats with Client Services Coordinator, Leslie Flowers. Leslie talks about her personal connection with Can Do Canines through her son Chandler as well as how clients are matched with their future assistance dogs. Watch Cory’s video here.
Cory Hepola with Kare 11 | Puppies Grow, Train
NEW HOPE, Minn. — “It’s like they’re coming to college and they’re going to find themselves here.” That’s how Shenna Lemche, program trainer at Can Do Canines, describes the training process for her non-profit’s assistance dogs. Although these special dogs are always learning, they usually arrive for this type of training when they are 15-months to 2 years old, and subsequently learn specific skills and discover what type of assistance dog they’ll be. Cory Hepola traveled to Can Do Canines to see these awesome dogs in action. Watch Cory’s video here.
WQOW Eau Claire News | Service Dog Training Program Needs Volunteers to Raise Puppies as Future Assistance Dogs
Kaitlyn Riley, WQOW – December 23, 2016 Eau Claire (WQOW) – An organization that trains puppies to become service dogs for those in need is seeking volunteers in the Chippewa Valley. Can Do Canines is a program based out of Minnesota that raises future assistance dogs. It is fairly new to the area, and for the past year, prisoners in Stanley have been working as trainers. They will typically work with the dogs for a year and a half before the dogs are sent back to the Can Do Canines facility for even more training before picking their ‘careers’ as one of …
Cory Hepola with Kare 11 | Shelter Dogs Find Purpose
GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — Seeing those faces — those trusting, longing faces — can be life changing. “Well, it started with the very first dog we adopted. Lucky was homeless. She was three hours away from being put to sleep,” Alan Peters, executive director of Can Do Canines said. That was over 25 years ago. Al adopted Lucky and she became an ambassador for Can Do Canines. Lucky had this spark, and that’s what they’re looking for in a potential assistance dog. Laura Waudby, Program Trainer at Can Do Canines, is one who searches the shelters, …
Cory Hepola with Kare 11 | Raising Puppies for a Purpose
NEW HOPE, Minn. – “Believe it or not, this is the hardest thing to teach.” “The leash?” “Yeah, so that they don’t pull.” Dee Hollerud continues teaching, while she guides a puppy along slowly with his leash. “It’s pretty much like raising a toddler. It really is. They have their toys out all over the place, they want to learn new things,” Hollerud said. “And, so if we’re playing the game of ‘Nudge’… yes! Then, she’s eventually going to translate that to ‘nudge’ the button.” Dee is a puppy raiser for Can Do Canines. Over the years, she’s taken 7 …
Cory Hepola with Kare 11 | Puppies in Prison
GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn, – A well-trained service dog has to be adaptable, ready for anything the world throws at them. New Hope-based Can Do Canines knows that, and the training their dogs receive takes them to some unusual places. One of them is Stanley Correctional Institution in Wisconsin. That’s right, puppies go to prison, where they are trained by specially selected inmates. “How to teach behaviors. They’re learning what to do with frustration. They’re learning basic dog care and grooming, and nutritional information,” said Nancy Weitgenant, a puppy program coordinator for Can Do Canines. While going behind …
Relaxing with Wagner
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 …
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 | Protecting the Puppies
MAPLE GROVE, Minn. —Most everyone loves puppies, but having a living room full of them can be a challenge. “Oh, it’s a lot of work,” said Kolleen Herr, a volunteer with Can Do Canines. Kolleen’s living room is filled with the joyful sounds and smells of five puppies, only they don’t belong to her. “I am a whelping home for Can Do Canines. And, what we do is – the mom comes to our house one to two weeks prior to delivery.” Kolleen actually helps with the birthing process, then over the next five weeks she introduces the puppies to …