Ceremony to Be Held Saturday for Four-Legged Graduates of Can Do Canines
A group of four-legged students will walk across the stage Saturday for graduation. Can Do Canines, a nonprofit in New Hope, will graduate 13 assistance dogs and their human companions. The nonprofit trains dogs for people with health issues or disabilities.
“We’re just going to have to do it virtually this year instead of doing it face to face,” said Alan Peters, executive director of Can Do Canines. “We’ve got a great presentation and it’s an interactive one that I think people will enjoy. I’m hoping people will attend and take a look at the work that we do.”
Peters said assistance dogs are typically trained their first two years of life. The animals are then given to people with disabilities free of charge. Those that need the canines, like Sharmaine of Brooklyn Park, say the dogs become much more than just a helper.
“She’s very helpful, she’s a Gemini too. She picks up things I need picked up, when I can’t do it. She gives me a reason to come outside because I’m an introvert. She’s the love of my life; she’s my best friend,” said Sharmaine, who didn’t wish to reveal her last name.
The virtual graduation ceremony will be on YouTube at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
