Latest news with #CanDoCanines
Axios
12-05-2025
- General
- Axios
New Minnesota law unleashes help for volunteer service dog trainers
A new state law aims to clear the way for more Minnesotans to step up to train service dogs. Why it matters: These crucial canine companions make a major difference for people with disabilities. The big picture: Groups that train service dogs say one of their biggest challenges is finding volunteers who are willing and able to take on the work of raising and socializing the animals. One barrier, Can Do Canines executive director Jeff Johnson says, was that laws protecting people with service dogs from housing discrimination didn't apply to the trainers. How it works: The bipawtisan legislation, signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz Thursday, limits landlords and HOAs from placing restrictions or extra charges on residents who are training an animal through an accredited organization. The new law applies to both volunteers and paid trainers. What they're saying: Johnson, a former Hennepin County commissioner and gubernatorial candidate, told reporters that the nonprofit has encountered eight to 10 situations in recent years in which people who wanted to help were unable to because of residential rules. "My guess is there are a lot more people out there who would never have brought it up," he said. "This will help." The bottom line: Lydia Roseth, a student at Hamline University, says she has been able to take on more academically and socially since receiving her service dog, Flint, from Can Do Canines in February.
CBS News
08-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Walz signs bill expanding protections for trainers of service dogs
U.S. sees 1,000 measles cases so far in 2025, and more headlines U.S. sees 1,000 measles cases so far in 2025, and more headlines U.S. sees 1,000 measles cases so far in 2025, and more headlines Gov. Tim Walz Thursday morning signed a bill granting trainers of service dogs the same housing protections as people who rely on the animals to navigate daily life. The measure ensures service dogs in training are exempt from homeowners association and apartment rules that do not allow dogs. Previously only active service dogs were afforded those accommodations. Organizations like Can Do Canines in New Hope, which worked with lawmakers on the bill, say it can be challenging to find volunteers to raise the dogs. Among the barriers is housing and this proposal aims to make it easier for individuals to train them for service. "In Minnesota, it is a core principle that everyone should be able to participate in all aspects of life. So this is incredible work, and this bill just makes the case of it," Walz told reporters. "These are not pets. These are not nice-to-have things. These are absolutely critical for the quality of life of the people who need them and the folks who train them know that it takes a lot of work and a lot of specialty work." The bill received overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers and the two DFL authors joined Walz when he signed it into law Thursday. Sen. Bonnie Westlin, DFL-Plymouth, said the bill is "affirming our commitment to inclusivity and support for both the volunteers and future service dog users."
CBS News
10-02-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Minnesota nonprofit featured in Super Bowl commercial
NEW HOPE, Minn. — A Minnesota nonprofit was in the spotlight Sunday during the Super Bowl. Can Do Canines from New Hope was featured in a second-half commercial for Google. "Blow my mind, that is a good way to put it," said Jeff Johnson, Can Do Canines' executive director. The ad showed how the non-profit uses Google's AI software. For 35 years, Can Do Canines has paired trained service dogs with people who may be hard of hearing, have autism or other disabilities. Google shot an ad with a business in each state that will air in those states. "We asked them, 'Why did you reach out to us?'" Johnson said. "They just said, 'We saw your stuff on social media and on your website and thought it was a good story.'" Johnson says the day of the shoot in October was chaotic, in a good way. "Obviously the purpose of it is to sell their product, but they also featured our story as to who we are and doing that in 15 to 20 seconds is not easy, but I thought they did a really good job of it," Johnson said. "We got dogs, what more can you ask for?" Johnson sees real potential in AI one day making the matching of dog and client more efficient. He says the nature of AI means it could come sooner than anyone might expect. "It's just so hard to predict what AI's going to be able to do because five years ago we would've laughed at some of the things happening now," he said. Johnson says the exposure is invaluable for their nonprofit's mission.
