Tails from Minnesota Spring 2012 - Web Exclusive Articles

PICKING THINGS UP FRANK KUHAR AND MOBILITY ASSIST DOG DIVA BY: LINDSEY TRADER

For Frank Kuhar of Plymouth, Minn. there is nothing more frustrating than being unable to reach a fallen object. That frustration ended when Mobility Assist Dog Diva came into his life. The 18-month-old Collie retrieves objects Frank drops and in return receives a loving home and some free time to chase the squirrels.

As a businessman in the corporate world, Frank was used to keeping busy. That took a different turn in 2004 when he was diagnosed with a spinal cord tumor the left him paraplegic. Frank suddenly went from golf and cycling to using a wheelchair. Frank and his wife Cindy made the adjustments to daily life including a hand controlled vehicle for him to drive. Then he began to have seizures in 2010. For a while, his hobbies were put on hold and he was not able to drive. They were most concerned about Frank being home alone, in case he had another seizure or fell out of his wheelchair or bed.

One of his physicians had received an assistance dog from Can Do Canines and suggested he look into the organization. Frank did and applied for a Mobility Assist Dog to help him with the physical tasks he found difficult. A few months later, he received Diva and his life has been closer to its normal pace again. Diva is able to retrieve the phone, press an alert button within the home in case of an emergency, and act as an assuring presence for Frank so he is able to again drive a vehicle and take walks on his own. The team continues to work together on commands and Frank comments that it is amusing to watch how focused Diva can be, turning her head every which way he directs.

FRANK KUHAR AND DIVA

Frank highly recommends those considering applying for an assistance dog to do so. He says, “It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.” He goes on to thank those involved with Can Do Canines, particularly the Puppy Raisers. Frank says, “the dogs are all terrific when they come in for training, so they have had really great people working with them before.” Frank hopes to continue interacting with Can Do Canines in the future and to help others receive the peace of mind he and Cindy have received through Diva.

When Rebecca met Bindi for the first time, she said she fell in love. Training went smoothly and Rebecca was surprised by how much Bindi could do for her! She couldn’t wait to bring Bindi home and was pleasantly surprised when she arrived right before the holidays. “She was my Christmas miracle.”

REBECCA BROWN AND BINDI

A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE REBECCA BROWN AND SEIZURE ASSIST DOG BINDI

BY LINDSEY TRADER Rebecca Brown of Moose Lake, Minn. gladly welcomes the extra shadow following her these days. This “shadow” is seizure Assist Dog Bindi, an 18-month-old black Labrador Retriever who goes everywhere with Rebecca. In fact, the people in the shops and bakery around town have even started referring to Bindi as “Becky’s new kid”!

Rebecca has had epilepsy since she was born, but had never considered a Seizure Assist Dog until her fiancé heard about Can Do Canines from a member of the Finalyson Lions Club.

There were times when Rebecca would wake up with pounding headaches and not know where she was after having a seizure. It was terrifying to be that confused and a Seizure Assist Dog sounded like a perfect solution to provide comfort and security to Rebecca until she felt stable.

Before starting her new career with Rebecca, Bindi grew up and was trained in the Sandstone Prison Puppy Program. There, she learned manners and the basic skills she would need to become an assistance dog. Her inmate handler wrote that “she will love you as long as the sun still rises and sets each day…I hope that she goes on to do great things.” Those great things started when she met her new partner.

Bindi has eased some of Rebecca’s fears about seizures, as Bindi consistently snuggles and licks Rebecca’s face, calming her and helping her recover faster. Once she knows Rebecca is safe, Bindi goes for a phone or another person to help. Bindi is always around, acting as a comforting presence. Bindi will even wait outside the bathtub to make sure Rebecca is safe in the shower. She makes sure not to trip her owner, though, by moving out of the way – right when she hears the water turn off! “I feel 100% better because I know she’s with me. The security she’s giving me is something that I haven’t had before.”

Rebecca wants to thank everyone involved with Bindi’s upbringing, from her inmate trainers to the people who donate their time and money to Can Do Canines. “Please keep it up and running so other people can know the joy of having an animal to help them and the independence that it gives.”

To help others like Rebecca receive special dogs like Bindi, visit our website at http://can-do-canines.org/donate/

OPENING THE DOOR TO INDEPENDENCE TIMOTHY CLENNON AND MOBILITY ASSIST DOG ROXY

BY LINDSEY TRADER AND LAURIE CARLSON Life after a stroke can be full of challenges. It is what Tim Clennon discovered at age 47, when he had multiple strokes. The recovery is difficult but he perseveres, going to occupational, physical and speech therapy faithfully.

Tim found that even after all the work he had done to recover, he still needed help. Getting around the family’s Sandstone, Minn. house is difficult as it was not built to be wheelchair accessible. Tim suffers from spacial and visual impairment, which affects his balance. He drops items frequently and cannot bend down to pick them up. Tim’s wife Marcia has taken on his daily care in addition to working outside the home, and they have two children living at home who help as well, but Tim longs for more independence.

While attending his weekly sessions, Tim’s therapist suggested the couple consider applying for an assistance dog, and to research Can Do Canines. In his application, Tim stated that in addition to the physical assistance a trained dog would provide, he felt the need for companionship as well. Marcia works at night, and even though his kids are in nearby rooms (with monitors in case he needs them), having an assistance dog would give Tim comfort and give him back some control. He still tires easily and wants to increase his endurance and strength. Tim thought that having an assistance dog would help and encourage him to get out in public again.

Enter Roxy, a two year old “Golden-doodle”.

Large, outgoing and eager to please, upon arriving at the Clennon household she immediately took over Tim’s heart. He says when he first met Roxy, “you could tell she sensed that I needed a friend, and that bond

TIMOTHY CLENNON AND ROXY

happened almost instantly.”

The training process went quickly, with field trainer Jake Schneider teaching the two how to work together. Both Tim and Marcia were in awe at how the process worked. Tim said, “the hardest part was gaining the confidence to feel comfortable with Roxy’s commands.” Now that they are a team, Roxy retrieves items Tim may drop, gets an emergency phone and even tugs off his leg braces and socks. She opens doors and turns on lights, and keeps himwww.website.com company when Marcia leaves for work.

Since Roxy arrived, she has not only helped Tim, but also those around him. She gives the family peace of mind by being at Tim’s side, and is helping him gain more confidence and independence in continuing the journey of recovery.

To make more dogs like Roxy available for people on our waiting list, please visit www.can-do-canines.org. Thank you!