Can Do Canines

Our Program on April 15^th was presented by Nacia Dahl, and was about Can Do Canines, a program that provides assistance dogs for people with special needs.

Located in New Hope, the Can Do Canine Program has been in existence for 25 years. They have placed 450 dogs with people who have special needs. If a person qualifies for an assist dog, they receive the fully-trained dog without charge. Having a service dog is completely life-changing.

 

The group gives each dog at least 22 months of training before the dogs are considered ready to be assigned to the new owner. The dogs are trained to help people with one of five type of disabilities: hearing, mobility issues, diabetes, seizures, and autism. By providing warnings or guidance when the handler’s condition involves danger, the dogs give their handler extra time to correct the issue.

 

Support for the program comes from many areas, including veterinarian clinics, people who act as puppy raisers, those who handle the paperwork, and the Lions Club that offer financial support.