Disabilities are often a tremendous burden for the individuals who live with them, even if they are invisible to others. If you ran into Isaac today, you’d never know he was living with a disability, except that he’s connected to an assistance dog. So why does he need a working companion with him all the time? Isaac, a dedicated college student from Kenosha, Wisconsin, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was just 4 years old, and nearly 20 years later was still seeking new tools to improve his management. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which …
Diabetes Assist Dog
The Journey to Scout
Becoming a Dog Person Karen Kelley never imagined she’d become a doting dog lover in her retirement years. But three years after retirement, wherever Karen goes, a handsome Labrador Retriever named Scout is at her side. She’s Scout’s source of treats, commands, and tosses of the “tuggy.” And Scout is, literally, her lifesaver as her Diabetes Assist Dog, alerting her when her blood sugar drops and getting whatever help she needs. When Karen developed Type 1 diabetes out of the blue about 16 years ago from a virus, she was shocked. Needing constant injections “broke my heart,” she said. Karen …
Getting and Giving
Beth and Diabetes Assist Dog Fiona By Bobb Elsenpeter For Beth, a Diabetes Assist Dog is essential. With the dangers posed by rapidly falling blood sugar, the more advanced notice she has, the better. Fiona was teamed with Beth after her first Diabetes Assist Dog, Faith, a 7-year-old Black Labrador Retriever suddenly passed away. And although the loss of one’s assistance dog is naturally difficult, Beth says that she went into the new partnership with the wisdom of important lessons under her belt. “I knew so much more so I could be a better leader for [Fiona] and not make …
A Lot Has Changed In Nine Years
“It’s really interesting where the training was nine years ago and what it is now,” says Mary. The second-time graduate of Can Do Canines experienced a much different training process when she was matched with her first Diabetes Assist Dog, Ebony, nine years ago. After nine years of dedicated service, Ebony has entered retirement. “Ebony told me she was ready to retire,” explains Mary. The 10-year-old dog was becoming tired, and didn’t enjoy spontaneity like she once did. “I just had to respect that. She was done and I had to listen.” Once Ebony was enjoying retirement, Mary needed to …
Sugar, Spice, and Everything Nice
Deborah Krinke and Diabetes Assist Dog Cayenne By Kaity Padden Deborah Krinke of Stillwater, Minnesota had become less aware of high and low blood glucose levels after 37 years with type 1 diabetes and feared that she was taking too much of a toll on her family’s life. Her husband would check on her throughout the night, and every once in a while a family member would come across her in need of assistance in treating a low. Recently, Deborah received medical equipment to help better manage her diabetes. Although these devices have helped her considerably, she still needed extra …
Review: 2017 Candid Canines Film Fest
Here’s the plain truth about dogs: they’re not always curled up quietly in bed or sitting patiently at your feet waiting for your next brilliant idea. Sometimes they’re trying to cram their 90-pound selves into a tiny pan of water or dropping tennis balls onto your head from the upstairs loft. Once in awhile, when dogs get kooky, their people grab a camera. And that’s how the 2017 Candid Canines Film Fest was born. This year, Can Do Canines hosted the Candid Canines Film Fest outside at Target Field Plaza on July 20 as part of the Minneapolis Aquatennial. Hundreds …
Congratulations 2017 Summer Graduates!
Congratulations to the 14 Can Do Canines teams who received diplomas on Saturday, June 10 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 six Minnesota and Wisconsin prisons, the dogs are raised and taught basic obedience and early assistance dog skills. After 18 months, they are returned to Can Do …
Willy the Wonder Dog
Madison Stangl and Diabetes Assistance Dog Willy Author: MarySue Krueger Diabetes Assist Dog Willy never made a peep during the entire time Madison (Maddy) Stangl was in training with him. That changed the night he moved into her apartment. Maddy was instructed by Can Do Canines staff for Willy to sleep in his crate for the first few nights at home until he became accustomed to his new home. Maddy recalls, “I woke up when I heard him crying in his crate. It was the first time I’d ever heard him make a sound.” She decided to check her blood …
Congratulations 2017 Winter Graduates!
Congratulations to the 17 Can Do Canines teams who received diplomas on Saturday, February 18 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 …
Cory Hepola with Kare 11 | A Mother’s Thank You
MINNEAPOLIS – Tom Sandness can go to work, and his mom, Mary, can rest easy. “I’ve been meaning to write to you about my son, Tom Sandness,” Mary reads. For Mary, it’s easier this way. Easier to write down her feelings, expressing just how scared she was every single day. “We held on to Tom during his many, many seizures. We rode in the ambulance with him, we sat by his bed in hospitals.” Tom was in the hospital because his blood sugar would drop so low, so fast. He was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when he was seven, …