Karen Glander and Mobility Assist Dog Austin By Winona Schultz When Karen Glander was just one year old, she was infected with the Polio virus which affected her right arm and left leg. Then at age 40, she was diagnosed with post-polio syndrome, meaning the earlier affected muscles began to further deteriorate She now only has the use of two fingers on her right hand and uses a full leg brace on her left leg at all times, as well as a power chair in public. Her doctors suggested an assistance dog to help her find more independence at home …
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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 …
Xena’s Never Wrong
Jenecie Karelis and Autism Assist Dog Xena By anonymous Seven-year-old Jenecie Karelis of Cambridge, Minnesota is enjoying new life experiences thanks to her very special dog, Xena, an Autism Assist Dog. The challenges of daily life are extra difficult for Jenecie and her family. Even “simple” transitions can be a catalyst for a major meltdown. But that was before Xena. Now, life is a bit easier, transitions smoother, and new things a little less overwhelming. Jenecie has Xena by her side—her anchor, her focus, and her friend. “Everything has changed with Xena here,” says Jenecie’s mom, Trish; she’s happy …
The Freedom To Go
Michael Powell and Mobility Assist Dog Zelda By Bill Johnson As a bus driver for Metro Transit and later for Greyhound, Michael Powell experienced the allure of the open road. But seven years ago, his driving career came to a screeching halt when he suffered an on-the-job back injury. Severe back pain, exacerbated by peripheral neuropathy, made it impossible to continue commercial driving. Although he can’t log the miles like he used to, the New Brighton, Minnesota, resident definitely doesn’t sit still, thanks in large part to Zelda, his Can Do Canines Mobility Assist Dog. With Zelda by his side, …
The Biggest Love Bug in the World
Luci Camorani and Mobility Assist Dog Maggie By Amy Verrando As a sophomore at the University of Minnesota (U of M), Luci Camorani leads the typically hectic life of a busy college student. Majoring in genetics, cell biology, and development, Luci has to juggle a challenging course load while also dealing with the difficulties of living with both Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). EDS and POTS cause Luci to have trouble regulating her blood pressure, specifically when standing up or bending over, which can cause her to become lightheaded and dizzy, resulting in a fall. “Standing up …
A Bright and Independent Future
Alex Cracraft and Autism Assist Dog Comet By Joy Miller For eight years, Alex Cracraft of Fridley, Minnesota, and his Autism Assist Dog, Windy were an awe-inspiring team everywhere they went. With Windy’s love and support, Alex has become more confident and independent—an outcome which has thrilled his parents, Rich and Laura. Alex and Windy teamed up after the Cracraft family learned about Can Do Canines at an Autism Society Skills session. Alex was eight years old and in second grade. Now a junior in high school, Windy gratefully retired from active partnering with Alex in December of 2016. At …
Focused on Each Other
Logan and Autism Assist Dog Gypsy By Susan Byers A free-spirit. A rover. A wanderer. These are apt descriptors for a rescue dog, particularly one named Gypsy. And in some ways, it’s a fitting depiction of a young boy named Logan from Spring Lake Park, Minnesota, with a tendency to wander. This is the story of how these two kindred souls found each other. A rescue organization in northern Minnesota discovered Gypsy, a female German Shepherd mix. From the beginning, it was evident she was smart and responsive with a loving disposition—all qualities of an excellent assistance dog—so the organization …
Robyn and Ziggy Conquer the World
Robyn Block and Seizure Assist Dog Ziggy By Erin Reyes After experiencing a skiing accident in 2013, Robyn Block of Good Thunder, Minnesota, developed a seizure disorder and migraines due to a traumatic brain injury. Since then, it’s been a long road to recovery. Teaming up with Ziggy, her Seizure Assist Dog, has been a life-altering step in her journey. Partnering with Ziggy has “changed my life in a lot of ways for the better,” says Robyn. Although things are going well for the duo now, Robyn initially wasn’t sure about the prospect of having an assistance dog. Despite the …
The Help She Needed
Laurie Tschida and Mobility Assist Dog Tikki Laurie Tschida lives in a quiet neighborhood in St. Paul, Minnesota with her husband, Jim. After losing their Terrier, Lucy, things seemed even quieter. But now the house is much livelier with the addition of Tikki, Laurie’s Mobility Assist Dog. “When we were first learning brace, I really needed help getting off the kitchen floor, and when [Tikki] did it for me I just started bawling,” Laurie says. “That just was everything to me … Then I knew that this was going to be right—that she was going to be the help I …
MS Cannot Stop Meta
Meta Mickelson and Mobility Assist Dog Willa By Bill Johnson Physical activity and a busy schedule have always come naturally to Meta Mickelson of Stanchfield, Minnesota. A horse lover and owner, she frequently attends races at Canterbury Downs and Running Aces, as well as horse shows. Other pastimes include road trips (the Great Smoky Mountains last spring) and outings to the drive-in theater in Lake Elmo. Recently, she bought a boat and looks forward to many fishing excursions. Learning about Meta’s on-the-go lifestyle, a person might have a hard time believing she has primary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease …