This week on All My Children Wear Fur Coats, Jeff Johnson illustrated the remarkable abilities of canines and explained how Can Do Canines is transforming the lives of individuals with disabilities by fostering mutually beneficial partnerships with specially trained pups.
Jeff Johnson serves as the executive director of Can Do Canines, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free assistance dogs to individuals with disabilities. Founded in 1989, Can Do Canines serves individuals with mobility issues, individuals with Type 1 Diabetes, individuals suffering from seizures, individuals with hearing impairments, and children with autism. The organization primarily breeds Labradors and Labrador mixes due to their exceptional intelligence and friendly temperament, which make them ideal candidates for service work.
Jeff described how assistance dogs enhance the quality of life for Can Do Canines’ clients. The skilled canines help alleviate the difficulties of everyday tasks that many of us take for granted, such as assisting a person with limited mobility with laundry or alerting someone with a hearing impairment to the doorbell. The dogs that are assigned to Type 1 diabetes patients can detect a drop in blood sugar faster than a glucose monitor. Jeff was particularly enthusiastic about Can Do Canines’ autism assistance dogs, which not only offer physical protection, but also serve as a social bridge, encouraging children to engage and connect with others.
Jeff noted that volunteers are the most critical component to Can Do Canines’ success. Alongside foster caregivers, the organization relies on an unorthodox group of contributors: medium and maximum security inmates. Selectively chosen for good behavior, the program’s participants spend months weaning and training the dogs. Jeff explained that the prisoners make for exceptional trainers since they can devote a great deal of time and attention to the canines. In turn, the inmates are thankful for the opportunity to spend time with the animals and create a positive change in society. If you are interested in volunteering for Can Do Canines, please visit CanDoCanines.org/get-involved/volunteer.
Can Do Canines places the wellbeing of dogs above all else, firmly believing in prioritizing their happiness and safety over any human benefit. Jeff shared that while most dogs truly love their roles as service animals, they also need time to engage in typical activities and enjoy the simple pleasures of being a dog. Before pairing a dog with a client, Can Do Canines carefully evaluates the individual’s living situation to ensure that the dog’s needs will be met.
If you would like to learn more about Can Do Canines, or to place a donation, please visit CanDoCanines.org. If you reside in Minnesota or Wisconsin and need an assistance canine, please fill out the application here. Follow Can Do Canines on social media at Facebook.com/CanDoCanines.
Make sure to protect your cherished pet with a Pet Trust! For more information, please visit ACT4Pets.org
