Can Do Canines

12/19/2025

Jessica has lived with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome her whole life, but was still able to walk with the assistance of a cane. Then a stroke left her paralyzed on the right side of her body and with aphasia, which interferes with her ability to speak. She says, “I was definitely more dependent on my caretakers and family for everything.” She feared dropping her phone, in particular, because she would lose access to contact someone for needed help. Mobility Assist Dog Wasabi is happy to help by picking up dropped items, opening and closing doors and cabinets, and getting help when Jessica needs it.

Some people wish to explore the world. Jessica just wanted to be able to explore local stores on her own. Jessica has lived with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome her whole life, but was still able to walk with the assistance of a cane. Then a stroke left her paralyzed on the right side of her body and with ap...

12/18/2025

Our trainers, Josie, Shenna, and Emma, were great sports for our "Put a finger down if ..." questionnaire challenge.

12/16/2025

This Rummi is showing some ways he can help as an Autism Assist Dog for children.

12/15/2025

We wrapped up our Prison Program Supply Drive earlier this month, with a total of 204 items donated. Thank you for supporting this program and for contributing these important supplies. Pictured along with the donations are the members of our team who teach the inmates in our Prison Programs. They include Meghan, Josie, Mona, Laura, and Tori. The dogs in the photo are Wylie and Philly.

12/12/2025

Last month, we partnered with all 21 Frattallone's Hardware & Garden stores for a round-up campaign benefiting Can Do Canines. We are thrilled to announce that, through the remarkable generosity of Frattallone's customers, we successfully raised an astounding total of $28,628.93, which will greatly support our programs, enabling us to transform people's lives by creating mutually beneficial partnerships with specially trained dogs.

Thank you to their customers, staff, and our dedicated volunteers for making this possible!

12/11/2025

At Can Do Canines, our dogs are carefully evaluated to determine which type of work they love, so we like to say that our assistance dogs choose their own careers. A dog who seeks out snuggles from a child or remains calm during emotional outbursts or high-energy play is more than just a sweet moment. These instances reveal a dog that may enjoy working as an Autism Assist Dog and change an entire family’s life.

Will you give a gift today to support future assistance dogs? Your donation provides essentials, such as food, supplies, and veterinary care, to hundreds of dogs training right now to be someone’s hero. https://can-do.link/ye25

With generous funds from the Virginia Lee Shirley Foundation, your donation through the end of the year is MATCHED!

Will you make a difference in someone’s life today? 🔗https://can-do.link/ye25

12/11/2025

We challenged our kennel managers to identify which dog they were petting while blindfolded. Let's see how they did!

12/10/2025

We challenged our trainers to identify which dog they were petting while blindfolded.

12/05/2025

Airreon works as a Youth Outreach Officer for the Columbia Heights Police Department. As a Facility Dog, Kansas partners with him every weekday to visit different schools in the district. “Kansas and I walk through classrooms, hallways, and common areas, checking in with students and staff to offer support, comfort, and a friendly face,” Airreon reports. “Kansas greets students individually and sometimes stays in a classroom if someone needs extra comfort or a short break. She loves to sit with kids while they read, do homework, or just need a quiet moment with her by their side.” Read more about the ways Kansas and Airreon partner together to help children in schools.

“I’ve always loved animals,” says Airreon, the certified handler for Facility Dog Kansas. “I’ve seen firsthand how much comfort and joy they bring to people.” Airreon works as a Youth Outreach Officer for the Columbia Heights Police Department. As a Facility Dog, Kansas partners with him...

12/03/2025

The KDK Foundation in Farmington has provided us with another incredibly generous $5,000 grant. This funding will be used to sponsor a future assistance dog team in Dakota County.

Thank you to Laura Pierce and Dakotah (our assistance dog-in-training) for sharing their story during the check presentation. Their participation made our gathering especially meaningful.

12/02/2025

This Giving Tuesday, consider transforming a life with your donation by helping us cover essential needs, such as food, supplies, and veterinary care for our assistance dogs-in-training. Your support allows us to match more teams, like Ellie and her Autism Assist Dog, Bonnie. Will you make a gift today? Your donation will be MATCHED up to $55,000, thanks to the Virginia Lee Shirley Foundation. 🔗https://can-do.link/ye25

12/01/2025

Say hello to Keela, who has joined us for final training.