Sheila’s life was full of hard work while she was raising a family. It became even harder work once her health started declining. She battled cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, an adult-onset curvature in her spine, and epilepsy, along with chronic pain and loss of bone density. Each diagnosis and battle left her abilities and freedom limited. Through it all, Sheila continued seeking treatments and options to help her continue to live a fulfilling life. Her first assistance dog helped her recognize what a difference an assistance dog could make in her well-being and independence. Sadly, her first assistance dog passed away, …
Service Dog
A Dog for When She’s (Not) Feeling Low
It’s a challenge to keep up with Halle when she’s out running in the Milwaukee, WI, area, but what people can’t see is that she’s trying to keep up with herself. Halle has been managing Type 1 diabetes for 23 years, after being diagnosed at just 4 years old. She learned to take care of herself very early on, but with Type 1 diabetes, a person can do everything in their power to control their glucose levels and still experience moments where they rise or fall out of a target range. Halle has dealt with hypoglycemic episodes when her blood …
A Little Lab Makes a Big Difference
When she was 3 years old, Geri survived a case of German measles, but she lost part of her hearing in both ears. In the past, Geri used analog hearing aids, but analog aids are no longer produced, and the digital type does not work with her. When the only current option of hearing aids failed her, Geri realized a dog was a necessity in her life. Her first Can Do Canines Hearing Assist dog was Ike, a Corgi that loved notifying her of all the sounds she was missing. However, our furry friends never live as long as we …
Making the Leap From Good to Great
Mike was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth. Symptoms primarily affect his left side. He has difficulty using his left hand to grasp heavy or small items, so he uses his right arm, with his left being his “helping hand.” His balance is limited due to decreased mobility in his left leg, and he tends to trip easily. If he falls, it becomes a dangerous situation since he has a hard time getting himself back to a safe position. Despite these constant threats to his safety, Mike’s determination to adapt enabled him to maintain employment and a sense of independence. …
Still Finding Answers, Forty Years After a Diagnosis
Disabilities often come as a double-edged sword, not only causing mobility challenges where basic movements require extra effort, but also limiting a person’s energy reserve, which is drained quickly just getting through the day. Candy has lived with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for 39 years. Her symptoms change on a regular basis, but her condition mostly affects her balance and her cognition. MS interrupts the flow of information to the rest of the body, and the process of navigating the world demands unending strenuous physical and mental exertion. Over the course of the day, Candy’s energy fades abruptly, and she has …
Stella Brings Safety, Comfort and Companionship to Robbie
Robbie is an active boy. Like most kids his age, he enjoys hands-on learning and exploring. Robbie was diagnosed with Autism and thrives on calm. He is not able to cope with stressful situations, focus amid distractions, or communicate what his needs are. Robbie’s family each had to learn how they are best able to support him, but they were looking for help to make it easier and allow them more freedom to explore other activities. Roxanne, Robbie’s mother, said he has always struggled with being overstimulated, distracted, restless, and worried about his routine. He would frequently have outbursts and …
Quirk Takes Fear Out of Daily Routine
Cherie, a retired special education teacher, made a career of helping others. She even served on a national board and local committees for children with emotional disturbance. However, since 2010, chronic pain from a degenerative joint disease has been debilitating for Cherie. In 2017, she was diagnosed with non-common hydrocephalus. She has a shunt in her scalp to manage the fluid build-up, but a fall that knocks it would be fatal. Cherie has been on the floor for hours at a time because she was physically unable to get up. She’s learned to stay safe by staying close to home …
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. …
A New Partner with a Ripple Effect
At 18 years old, Amy was partially diagnosed with a mixed connective tissue disease; her symptoms of rash, joint pain and foot drop mimicked several other conditions. Two years later, she started having facial muscle spasms that became more severe. She would have daily episodes that looked like a grand mal seizure, and spasming on her mother’s bedroom floor was a frightfully common scene. Pain, cold or loud noises mean an exaggerated startle for Amy, and her disorder causes her body to have involuntary muscle spasms in response. Treatments have focused on managing her multiple symptoms, and she’s had to …
A Quiet Friend to Help Jackson Find His Voice
It takes a very special dog to see someone who is upset and calmly enter their space of distress to comfort them. Children with autism, like Jackson, need these dogs to help them handle the overabundance of stimulation that surrounds them. In 2014, Jackson was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder after his parents and doctors became concerned that he wasn’t exhibiting the same behaviors as other toddlers. As he spent more time in social settings, it became apparent he would require specialized support to keep him safe and happy. Jackson would often run away from people or act impulsively, not …