‘Breaking Bad’ Actor Begins Partnership with New Hope Nonprofit
A “Breaking Bad” actor visited New Hope nonprofit Can Do Canines last week to begin a new partnership. RJ Mitte, who played Walter White Jr. or Flynn in the popular TV series, saw one of the new assistance dogs trained at the nonprofit.
Mitte, like his character in the TV show, has cerebral palsy. Many clients needing an assistance dog from Can Do Canines also have the movement disorder.
When Can Do Canines learned Mitte was in town, they asked him if he’d like to stop by. He spent a few hours getting to know the facility and its animals, and agreed to start working with the nonprofit.
“These are some amazing, amazing dogs, and I am very honored to be here to learn more and to support this truly remarkable organization,” said Mitte.
Can Do Canines graduated its largest class of assistance dogs yet in October. One graduate is Tucker — a lab trained specially for his client, Tiff.
Tucker sits at the feet of his owner, Tiff. He’s one of 24 recent graduates from Can Do Canines.
Breakthroughs in Training
Tiff and her husband created an app with commands in Tiff’s own voice. Thanks to that new system, Tucker learned Tiff’s voice long before they worked together.
“We were able to teach the dog the cues with Tiffany’s voice and get him ready as possible to start with Tiff,” said Shenna Lemche, client services and training manager for Can Do Canines.
Tucker can do a wide variety of tasks for Tiff. The service animal can pick things up, open doors and lift up the foot pad on her motorized wheelchair.
Mitte got to watch Tiff and Tucker’s demo.
“Having a partner like Tucker, and like this team, to be able to give people the skillsets to live a life with independence. You know, this isn’t just some pet. This is a partner,” Mitte said.
Can Do Canines isn’t sure what Mitte’s partnership will look like yet, but he plans to stop by the facility when he visits the Twin Cities.
The facility is holding an open house for the public next Saturday, Nov. 8.
RJ Mitte holds one of the puppies-in-training.
