Can Do Canines Volunteer Helps Raise Special Four-Legged Helpers
Kevin Graf started hosting service dogs in training after the death of his pet.
“It really started six years ago,” he said. “We had recently lost our dog of 11 years, a yellow lab.”
Since then, he’s gotten his “dog fix” by sharing his home with scores of short-term four legged friends.
“We’ve had about 50 dogs now in total in the last six years, sometimes it’s as short as two days, the longest we’ve ever had one has been about six weeks,” Graf said.
He’s an enthusiastic volunteer at New Hope’s Can Do Canines.
“Part of my motto is what you give, you will receive,” he said. “We actually serve clients that have autism, diabetes, hearing, mobility, seizures, and we actually have some dogs that are placed out in facilities too.”
Can Do Canines volunteer Kevin Graf holds Willow, a 14-week old service dog in-training.
While he treats the pups like a temporary pet, he’s always surprised by their abilities.
“The things that they can do — the commands, the sits, the stays, get your leash, closing doors, opening the refrigerator, picking up your phone,” Graf said. “I mean, these dogs are amazing.”
He has an easier time building a bond with dogs than letting them go.
“You’re somewhat sad to see them go because you really do enjoy them, but you know that they’re for a much greater cause,” Graf said.
And the cause, or rather, the clients that Can Do Canines serves are what matter.
“That’s really what this is all about, is helping out the client,” Graf added.
Can Do Canines is hosting an open house from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 17. Volunteer dog hosts and trainers will be on-site conducting demonstrations.
See also: Walz Signs Bill Expanding Housing Access for Service Dogs-in-Training
